Consultant, Accessibility Services

Job Summary:
The Accessibility Services Consultant independently identifies and assesses the individual educational
support needs of students with disabilities and develops and approves accommodations for students to
access College programs and courses. The Accessibility Services Consultant performs case
management of individual students including: interviewing, reviewing psycho-educational assessments,
specialist reports and other medical documentation, determining and facilitating accommodations, liaising
with internal and external service providers, and providing support and advice to students. Additionally,
this position assists the Director in the promotion of access for students with disabilities by developing
and providing workshops, materials, and information to staff, instructors and external stakeholders.

Job Description:
Major Responsibilities:
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1. Assessing and facilitating support services for students with disabilities (80%):
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* Ensure that the requirements of the College Policy, BC Human Rights Code, and Ministry guidelines in providing services and access to educational programs and courses meets the duty to accommodate students with disabilities.
* Reviews, evaluates and interprets specialist reports, psycho-educational assessments, and other medical documentation
* Contacts medical practitioners (e.g. psychologists, physicians, audiologists etc.) to clarify or validate information provided. Requests and evaluates addendums to medical documentation. Liaises with student’s case manager to coordinate efforts and to exchange information pertinent to the student’s case file.
* Reviews difficulties or problems identified or experienced by students or instructors and provides recommendations on how to resolve issues. Provides appropriate referrals to other departments, College services and government or community agencies. Discusses complex issues with the Director, as necessary.
* Responds effectively to students in crisis and refers student to appropriate internal or external resources.
* Interviews, determines, and documents the educational support needs of students and approves accommodations. Records and maintains accurate case notes and student records in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, College policy and ethical standards.
* Discusses accommodations with department chairs and instructors to facilitate student participation in courses, lab assignments, field experiences, or other class requirements.
* Interprets and explains College policies and procedures including the disclosure agreement and provides information regarding student responsibilities and how they may access support services. Refers matters of policy to the Director, Accessibility Services.
* Discusses course or program selection with students and makes recommendations and/or appropriate referrals to inform students of course or program requirements. Makes recommendation on optimal course load
* Assesses the adaptive technology and specialized support service needs of students with disabilities
* Completes applications for adaptive technology grants/loans, specialized services grants and/or additional educational grants available through the Provincial and Federal governments; and refers to the Financial Aid where appropriate.
* Provides letters, reports or other related documents to provide verification of student’s disabilities and/or accommodations to satisfy Ministry requirements.
* Liaises with government funded agencies and ministries to facilitate services or technology support applications.
* Coordinates, reviews, and discusses student educational supports and services with office staff.

2. Promotes access for students with disabilities by facilitating workshops and providing information/resources to current and prospective students (10%):
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* Represents the department and the College in various internal and external events related to access for students with disabilities.
* Organizes and provides individual student orientation to College campus, if requested.
* Facilitates workshops for College employees working with students with disabilities.
* Develops and delivers presentations to internal and external communities (e.g. high school counsellors, potential students, etc) and provides resource materials.
* Participates on internal and external committees and relevant supporting organizations for people with disabilities.

3. Other duties and responsibilities:
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* Provides input in departmental strategies, policies and procedures.
* Provides input in the review of staff performance.
* Responds to enquiries from service providers (such as Interpreters and Transcribers) who support students with disabilities in their courses and program.
* Maintains and ensures confidential materials and valuable equipment are secure.
* Delegates student files and assigns work to office staff for updating and processing of documents and information.
* Identifies, revises and updates changes to departmental operation manuals and other related documents and delegates revisions to office staff where appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
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Education & Experience:
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* Master’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or relevant field.
* At least two years direct, in-person, experience in providing case management services to adults with disabilities. Post-secondary experience preferred.
* Experience with diverse disabilities is preferred (such as learning disabilities, mental health conditions, neurological disabilities, visual & hearing impairments, physical and chronic health conditions).
* Experience reviewing and evaluating a variety of assessments (such as psycho-educational and neuropsychological assessments), specialist reports and other medical documentation.
* Knowledge of interviewing and counselling techniques.
* Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, procedures and policies governing the provision of support services to persons with disabilities, in a post-secondary environment preferred.
* Knowledge of adaptive technology an asset.
* Experience working with standard PC systems and applications and office practices and procedures.

Skills & Abilities:
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* Ability to interview clients and maintain a large caseload.
* Effective problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.
* Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
* Ability to respond and deal effectively with change and crisis situations.
* Ability to use tact and discretion to deal with or settle complex requests.
* Ability to develop, recommend and implement new strategies, policies, and procedures.
* Ability to interpret and apply College, government, agency, and departmental policies, procedures and guidelines.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
* Ability to maintain student files in a confidential manner.
* Ability to present workshops, seminars, and prepare presentation materials.
* Ability to remain current in the field by attending professional development training, workshops, seminars and conferences.