Intermediate Learning Specialist, Academic Accommodation

University of Ottawa • Ottawa, ON

8d • CA$85,040 - CA$107,421 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager, Academic Accommodations, the incumbent evaluates and implements appropriate academic accommodation measures in accordance with the University of Ottawa policies, administrative regulations, and procedures, in compliance with human rights legislation and academic integrity regulations.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:
Adhere to and comply with established administrative policies, procedures and practices related to the provision of customer service and customer intervention while providing excellent customer service.
Perform a functional assessment of the student based on their medical documentation to establish and implement academic accommodations.
Develop and propose an individualized accommodation plan that summarizes the functioning and the learning profile of the students while orienting the report on educational implications and concrete courses of intervention that can notably incorporate strategies adapted to the medical condition while considering the requirements of the student's university course.
As a stakeholder in the academic accommodation process, encourage and assist students in learning strategies for communicating with their professors and faculties about their academic accommodation needs. Promote assertiveness in students and inspire them to become strong and accomplished learners.
Recommend various strategies to promote the development of an effective or compensatory methodology in the learning process (cognitive strategies for developing knowledge and analysis; procedural strategies; strategies for memorization, time management, problem solving, problems, reading and writing; affective strategies [engagement in studies, motivation, stress management], metacognitive strategies, use of learning technologies, communication strategies, etc.).
Inform students about the financial resources available with regard to their handicap situations according to the qualification criteria prescribed by each of these sources.
Perform record keeping through progress notes recorded in the database during individualized meetings, and, at all times, ensure the confidentiality of records according to the laws in force and established procedures.
Collaborate with professors to ensure the implementation of appropriate academic accommodations for students while respecting academic integrity and human rights laws.
Develop content and provide training on learning strategies to students.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education or in a related field (such as cognitive psychology, pedagogical psychology, multidisciplinary disability studies), or equivalent
• Excellent specialized experience working with postsecondary students living with a disability who have specific academic requirements
• Training and at least two years’ experience in student learning and cognitive and metacognitive intervention
• Bilingualism: French and English (spoken and written), to be considered for this position, candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.
• Extensive experience in the functional evaluation of students and their learning environments
• Knowledge of adaptive technologies used in academic settings
• Knowledge of university teaching principles
• Proven ability to build relationships of trust
• Knowledge of legislative provisions and educational and public policies, and their current trends with respect to persons with disabilities (Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Human Rights Commission’s consultation report The Opportunity to Succeed: Achieving Barrier-free Education for Students with Disabilities and Guidelines on Accessible Education, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary groups
• Strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet firm deadlines
• Experience using various software programs such as the Student Information System (SIS), Microsoft Windows, word processors, spreadsheet programs, publishing software and database systems
• Open-mindedness and flexibility
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
• Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
• Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and comply with established administrative policies, procedures and practices related to the provision of customer service and customer intervention while providing excellent customer service.
• Perform a functional assessment of the student based on their medical documentation to establish and implement academic accommodations.
• Develop and propose an individualized accommodation plan that summarizes the functioning and the learning profile of the students while orienting the report on educational implications and concrete courses of intervention that can notably incorporate strategies adapted to the medical condition while considering the requirements of the student's university course.
• As a stakeholder in the academic accommodation process, encourage and assist students in learning strategies for communicating with their professors and faculties about their academic accommodation needs. Promote assertiveness in students and inspire them to become strong and accomplished learners.
• Recommend various strategies to promote the development of an effective or compensatory methodology in the learning process (cognitive strategies for developing knowledge and analysis; procedural strategies; strategies for memorization, time management, problem solving, problems, reading and writing; affective strategies [engagement in studies, motivation, stress management], metacognitive strategies, use of learning technologies, communication strategies, etc.).
• Inform students about the financial resources available with regard to their handicap situations according to the qualification criteria prescribed by each of these sources.
• Perform record keeping through progress notes recorded in the database during individualized meetings, and, at all times, ensure the confidentiality of records according to the laws in force and established procedures.
• Collaborate with professors to ensure the implementation of appropriate academic accommodations for students while respecting academic integrity and human rights laws.
• Develop content and provide training on learning strategies to students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level