Tyndale is a Christian university that prepares leaders for work in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, ministry and the global mission of the church. Tyndale offers fully accredited programs in a wide range of disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, there are over 1,600 students representing over 40 denominations and 60 ethnic backgrounds and over 13,000 alumni. Founded in 1894, Tyndale is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Accessibility Specialist, Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) is responsible for the development and delivery of academic accommodations and learning supports to students with disabilities. The Specialist plans and facilitates the implementation of appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids, and support services for students with disabilities and ensures compliance with laws as they apply to disability and post-secondary educational environments.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration

• Advise, communicate with, and train faculty on student accommodation requirements and act as a resource for providing service to students with disabilities.
• Recruit and manage volunteer and funded note-takers and exam proctors; manage note-taker course pages on Moodle.
• Coordinate with offices and faculty regarding special accommodation arrangements and appeals.
• Oversee accommodation requests for mid-term and final examinations and other tests/quizzes.
• Develop and improve administrative processes/procedures as it relates to the services of the Accessibility Services Office.
• Update and prepare print, online, and video resources for the student community as it relates to mental health or disability awareness.
• Coordinate external supports related to mental health or disability awareness.
• Review practices and trends of disability service providers.
• Lead or represent the CAE at events, training, and orientation sessions.
• Serve as a standing member of the Student Accessibility Advisory Committee.
• Continue to develop skills in learning strategies and assistive technologies related to students with disabilities.
• Manage the Accessibility Services budget line.
• Manage the Accessibility Services website and Moodle page.
• Provide letters for students requesting information regarding disability status/accommodation support.
• Maintain and develop statistical reports related to student retention regarding students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with CAE on ways of improving academic support campus-wide.

Student Support

• Answer questions from students regarding assessment, accommodations, and accessibility funding.
• Oversee the intake of students’ learning needs through an interview and review of psycho-educational assessments and/or medical documentation.
• Orient students registering with Accessibility Services for the first time on accommodation process and academic policies.
• Develop academic and/or residential accommodation plans in collaboration with students and ensure plans are renewed when requested by the student.
• Coordinate alternative textbooks from publishers and organize the conversion of inaccessible texts.
• Facilitate presentations related to mental health or assistive technologies.
• Establish communication timeline for accessibility deadlines throughout the academic year.
• Assist students with assistive technology, learning strategies.
• Assist students with filling out forms related to disability support through OSAP.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Psychology or related field.
• Applied Learning Disability Specialist (LDGC) certification (or close to completion).
• Physical and/or mental health first aid certification, preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years related experience.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies.
• Good working knowledge of legislation related to post-secondary accommodations.
• Related experience in a non-profit and/or educational institution.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent administrative skills with the ability to multitask.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver organized and engaging presentations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with diplomacy, tact and professionalism.
• Customer service oriented with the ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to problem solve quickly.

Personal Characteristics

• Professional, adaptable, strong work ethic, positive and friendly.
• High level of patience when working with students who require special attention.
• Compassionate outlook and dedication to the growth of students’ academic ability.
• Collaborative approach to working environment.
• A keen desire to serve family, church, work and community. A firm commitment to Tyndale’s mission, values, Statement of Faith and Community Standards Statement.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Moderate – high level of stress. Respond to inquiries with a high degree of patience and diplomacy.
• May encounter challenging people from time to time.
• Must be able to act to get immediate help for a client who comes in a mental health crisis.
• Must be able to work with distractions and very frequent interruptions.

Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor either orally or in writing.

HOW TO APPLY
External candidates can apply for the position at the External Career Center.

Please note that our recruitment communications will come from ADP WorkForce Now and may occasionally be filtered into your spam/junk inbox. Please kindly ensure you are checking all inboxes for communications regarding next steps. While we thank all those interested, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Tyndale University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities; including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. Should you need assistance, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation during the interview process are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for interview.