Job Description

Posting Template

Posting Template

Position Title Access Strategist (TERM)
Required Qualifications

• Master\'s degree in Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Disability Studies, Social Work, Special Education, or related discipline.
• Formal education and training to provide the applicant with an in-depth knowledge of disabilities and accommodation issues.

The formal education and training must provide the candidate with the following knowledge and skills:

• In-depth knowledge of a broad range of disabilities and medical conditions and their functional impacts in diverse environments
• Training in strong clinical reasoning skills
• Training to interpret medical and disability reports
• Training in the science of cognition including cognitive theory, memory, working memory, information processing, models of memory (encoding, storage, retrieval), attention, executive function, meta-cognition
• Training in the theories and models related to disability, including the social constructs of disability
• Training to interpret case law and applicable legislation around disability and accommodation issues
• Training to use a wide range of assistive technology and disability management software

Required Direct Experience:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of specific job experience working directly in a 1:1 support services role with individuals with a diverse range of disabilities, including working directly with students with disabilities in a service role to create accommodation plans in a wide range of post-secondary environments
• Demonstrated and direct experience reviewing disability documentation such as medical reports, psychological assessments, neuro-cognitive assessments
• Demonstrated experience interpreting functional disability impacts from these reports
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience selecting appropriate accommodations to support a broad range of disability impacts.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to understand the wide range of mental health conditions and their functional impacts
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying the Duty to Accommodation Bulletin and Human Rights Legislation.
• Experience integrating assistive technology with learning strategies to support a student\'s cognitive and physical profile.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively as a close-knit team and ability to build trust and rapport among colleagues.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with marginalized and vulnerable student populations (LGBTQ2S+; physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities; people of colour, etc.) and create a psychologically safe environment.
• Candidates with a combination of education, experience, and training acceptable to the College will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education and experience to complete preliminary assessments to screen for a learning disability and refer for formalized assessment.
• Ability to administer cognitive assessments including, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales (WAIS) and Woodcock-Johnson tests of cognitive ability.
• Strong understanding of universal design for adult learning.
• Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet, email, data management system, virtual meeting software.

Department Accessibility & Wellness Services


Empower Education: Join as an Accessibility Maestro!

Keyano College is actively seeking an Access Strategist, a pivotal role accountable to the Manager of Wellness and Accessibility Services. This dynamic position is all about curating and implementing tailored accommodations for students with disabilities in the vibrant, diverse landscape of post-secondary education. But that\'s not all! There\'s an equally thrilling aspect: coaching on cutting-edge learning strategies and delivering engaging workshops.

The Access Strategist\'s domain is one of intricate challenges, demanding quick problem-solving, adept conflict resolution, and an unwavering knack for making crucial judgment calls. It\'s a collaborative adventure, fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders. Engaging deeply with students, instructors, and key influencers, the Access Strategist is the guiding force in crafting just-right accommodations for students with disabilities. Managing a vibrant caseload of approximately 100 registered students, this role advocates for prospective students and families, supporting their smooth transition into the dynamic landscape of post-secondary education.

About Us:

is an equal opportunity employer looking for motivated and diverse individuals to join our college community and support our quest to educate to change lives. We offer meaningful development opportunities for our staff and a supportive balanced working environment. We are a comprehensive post-secondary educational institution located in Fort McMurray, nested in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on traditional Treaty 8 territory. Stretching from north-central Alberta to the borders of Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo is one of the largest municipalities in Canada. Keyano College is a strategic community partner that meets both the training and talent upgrading needs of industry, as well as the personal enrichment and cultural needs of the Wood Buffalo community. We take pride in offering a safe work and study environment that embraces Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. Our students and customers come from all walks of life and so do we. That is why we are committed to hiring great people from a variety of backgrounds because it makes our employee community stronger.

Note: this is not a remote or hybrid work opportunity, you will be required to work on campus and relocate to Fort McMurray, AB.

Core functions of the role:

The Access Strategist at Keyano College will collaborate with various programs and student services, focusing on:

• Assisting and accommodating students with diverse disabilities and accessibility needs, such as Learning Disabilities, mental health disorders, Deaf/hard of hearing, blindness, and medical conditions.
• Creating and implementing accommodation and support plans, utilizing disability documentation across a range of programs, including trades, business, nursing, allied health, and various diploma and university studies, encompassing a combination of courses and practicums
• Teaching learning strategies to adult learners and proficiently utilizing assistive technology to support learning.
• Facilitating students in accessing disability funding and maintaining updated student records in Clockwork.
• Conducting workshops for Keyano employees on accommodations and learning strategies.
• Engaging in department meetings and representing the team in internal and external committees focused on disability and academic accommodations.
• Following up with medical professionals for additional clarification on disability documentation when necessary.
• Making referrals to other student services within the College.
• Addressing complex inquiries related to accommodation and disability.
• Contributing to the development of inclusive policies and procedures for students with disabilities.
• Expertly negotiating to resolve conflicts in emotionally charged situations.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with academic programs and service providers.
• Adapting quickly to change, tolerating ambiguity, and working effectively in a team environment.
• Synthesize knowledge and applying sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail while maintaining accuracy under strict deadlines.
• Adhering to privacy legislation (FOIP) and maintaining student confidentiality.
• Demonstrating a strong understanding of Alberta Human Rights Legislation and educating the College community on disability issues.
• Keeping current on case law surrounding disability and accommodation issues, along with reviewing applicable legislation.

Note: This is a term position ending on or before December 20, 2024.

What\'s in it for you:

• We offer an attractive competitive compensation based on your experience.
• Employer paid comprehensive health and dental benefits, including a health spending account.
• Not only do we get the breathtaking views and immediate access to nature where we work, live, and play but we get paid extra too - this position qualifies for additional payment of the Northern Living Allowance of $1,040.00 per month.

• This allowance is reviewed annually and is subject to budget approval, however the nature around us isn\'t going anywhere.
• Generous vacation entitlement and the bonus of paid holidays between Christmas and New Years (Yes! that is an extra week off you do not need to use your vacation time to cover).
• Life insurance is 2.5 times your annual salary, although we hope your family would never need to access it, we want to ensure we can support your loved ones in times of need.
• Paid sick days for any time you may not feel your best and need some rest.

Hold on! That\'s not all - we offer various perks and discounts to our employees:

• Employee Service and Academic Achievement recognition
• Greatly discounted employee membership to the Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre (our well-known gym and recreational facility).
• Tuition waiver for all employees and dependents to take courses at Keyano College to support your thirst for learning.
• Employee Discounts for the Keyano Theatre and the Keynotes Bookstore.
• Various other perks and discounts for insurance, hotels, car rentals, stores etc.

Advertised Salary Faculty salary range is $80,787.79 to $122,319.47 per annum. Placement on the salary grid is reflective upon educational and experiential qualifications. Keyano College also offers an attractive health and benefits package.

Posting Form

Posting Details

Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Immediately
Position End Date (if temporary) 12/20/2024
Open Date 12/21/2023
Close Date 01/21/2024
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant

Note: This is a term position ending on or before December 20, 2024.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * * Are you legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e. you are a citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit)?

• Yes
• No
• * Which of the following selections apply to your eligibility to work in Canada.

• Canadian Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• Valid Work Permit
• * How did you find out about this posting?

(Open Ended Question) * * Do you have experience working in the post-secondary sector?

(Open Ended Question) * * Are you currently living in Fort McMurray?

(Open Ended Question) * * There is a requirement for the successful candidate to work on the College campus, if you don\'t live in Fort McMurray, AB, are you willing to relocate?

• Yes
• No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents * Curriculum Vitae

Keyano College