Accessibility Services Advisor

at  Thompson Rivers University

Develops individual accommodation service plans and coordinates and facilitates the delivery of support services to students with disabilities on campus and at a distance. Coordinates services with faculty, TRU staff and community representatives and refers when appropriate. Reviews medical and psycho-educational documentation to determine functional impacts and required accommodations, conducts intake appointments, determines need for a detailed service plan, participates in information sessions for individuals, groups, and families/caregivers and provides some direct services.

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline including Psychology, Social Work, Health Care, or Education.

EXPERIENCE:

• Four years’ experience in disability service provision in an educational environment, including:
• 1 year experience working as part of a case management team
• 1 year experience creating or implementing academic accommodation plans

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Knowledge of human rights legislation, including the Human Rights Code (BC) and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, disability related issues and resources, statutory obligations, and confidentiality and privacy guidelines
• Excellent assessment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent problem solving skills and creative solution finding
• Ability to deal with challenging or difficult personalities
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team as well as independently

• Develops, implements and coordinates individual accommodation service plans for face to face students and those studying at a distance, according to established policies, guidelines and best practices.
• Conducts initial student appointments.
• Reviews professional medical and psycho-educational documentation in order to determine functional impacts and appropriate accommodations.
• Consults and liaises with faculty and staff regarding accommodation needs of individual students.
• Maintains contact as needed with students receiving service (e.g. follow up, changes to documentation and/or accommodations, etc.).
• Consults with Accessibility Services team, and/or refers complex cases to Director, Student Access and Academic Supports as appropriate.
• Updates and maintains confidential student accommodation service records.
• Provides initial approval for and assistance to students with applications for Provincial and Federal disability grants, as well as applications to other agencies for service and technology supports; consults and liaises with StudentAid BC and Student Awards and Financial Aid.
• Provides information and participates in information sessions, presentations, and workshops to TRU faculty, staff and the community regarding the department’s services and specific accessibility topics.
• Refers students to other TRU services and/or community agencies as appropriate.
• Provides Accessibility Services information to prospective students and community organizations (e.g. schools) upon request.
• Occasionally assigns tasks to auxiliary and support staff.
• Assists with priority/high needs registration, campus orientation, test and exam accommodation as needed.