Douglas College is looking for an Accessibility Specialist to join the Accessibility Services team. Accessibility Services advises the college on disability issues, facilitates individual accommodations for students, and works collaboratively to identify and remove barriers in the learning environment. The team consists of Specialists who plan academic and clinical accommodations for students with disabilities and staff who provide exam accommodations, accessible course materials, communication access, and assistive technology accommodations. Accessibility Services is part of the Student Affairs and Services department and helps students access and navigate other services such as Counseling, Advising, Financial Aid, Indigenous Services, and Student Life.
The Accessibility Specialist position is for a 10-month term. The successful candidate will work Mon-Fri, primarily at our New Westminster campus, with an option for work from home one day a week. Regular work may include daytime and evening hours. Workload is assigned each year based on available work.
The Accessibility Specialist coordinates accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. This includes:
- Evaluating diagnostic, educational, and interview data
- Meeting with students to discuss the impact of their disability and determine appropriate accommodation for classes and clinical placements
- Consulting with instructors to determine how accommodations may be provided within regular course expectations and objectives
- Advising and supporting students with accessibility and advocacy needs and referrals
- Maintaining, storing, and sharing confidential disability and accommodation information
- Conducting meetings with students, faculty, and other service providers
Accessibility Specialists also contribute to team efforts and initiatives that enhance services for students with disabilities in response to ongoing change and development in the field. This includes collaborating with college faculty, staff, and administration to improve accessibility across the college.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Master’s degree in Educational Psychology or equivalent discipline such as Special Education, Psychology, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Health Sciences, or Disability Studies
- Experience working with youth or adults with disabilities in a clinical or educational setting
- Professional experience conducting and interpreting assessments, planning and implementing individual services, and managing a diverse caseload
To be successful in the role, Accessibility Specialists also require
- Ability to work within and promote a social model of disability
- Knowledge of psychosocial and academic impacts of disability relevant to adult learners
- Demonstrated experience applying principles of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
- Professional experience in the administration and/or interpretation of normative assessments and reports in areas such as: cognition, academic achievement, vocation, mental health, behavior, and self-regulation
- Personal attributes and interpersonal skills that facilitate teamwork and effective working relationships with a wide range of students, faculty, staff, and community members
