Disabilities Services Advisor

at  Vancouver Community College

WHO WE ARE

We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.
For over 55 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.
At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.
We value lived experience and encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. Come join the VCC community as we shape the future together.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing services that facilitate access to educational programs available at the College. Reviews documentation, identifies and arranges appropriate accommodations and provides follow-up.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. rehabilitation, special education, disabilities) and over 2 years’ related experience or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be substituted for the required qualifications.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty and a variety of external contacts.
• Ability to perform intake and case management of students with disabilities, review and assess student applications and documents and process admissions in accordance with established criteria and procedures.
• Demonstrated skills in working with adaptive equipment suppliers, community based resources for funding, mental health teams, support groups and crisis management.
• Considerable knowledge of various criteria used in determining suitability for admission to programs.
• Ability to compose letters and memoranda including those of a non-routine nature.
• Ability to remain calm, professional and undistracted under stressful circumstances.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to prioritize and management several time-sensitive tasks at any given time.
• Good supervisory/leadership skills.
• Familiarity with disability laws/acts and policy/procedures.
• Good conflict resolution, advocacy and negotiating skills.
• Computer proficiency and familiarity with specialized software for disabilities and other adaptive technologies.
• Experience with TTY equipment.

• Facilitates the admissions, assessment, advising, orientation and registration processes for students with disabilities.
• Undertakes case management of individual students, reviews medical documentation, history, learning assessments, psycho-educational reports, etc. to determine accommodations and needs during period of study.
• Arranges services and accommodations in a timely manner and liaises with effected departments to inform them of the accommodations. Collects all required materials (texts, handouts, overheads, exams, etc.) and determines appropriate alternate format for adaptation.
• Assists in the recruitment and supervision of tutors, note takers and classroom assistants and processes timesheets accordingly.
• Maintains records and databases and monitors statistics related to students with disabilities in order to assess services and anticipate future needs.
• Creates and maintains resource information related to disability issues.
• Provides general office coverage as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.