Access Services Advisor

McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Defined contribution pension plan

RRSP and TFSA

Two personal days

Two floating holidays

Remote work up to two days per week

Job summary

McGill University seeks an Access Services Advisor to support students with disabilities, identifying appropriate accommodations and ensuring engagement and success across courses and programs.

You will assess needs, advise faculty, and collaborate across Student Services to enhance campus accessibility and inclusion. The role requires crisis intervention skills and a bilingual approach in English and French.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Inclusive Education or other psychosocial field.
• Experience working with people who have disabilities.
• Ability to advise faculty and administrators on student disability-related accommodations.
• Proven proficiency in crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning and disability services in post-secondary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments for students seeking accommodations.
• Advise faculty and appropriate departments on accommodations in classrooms and settings.
• Act as liaison between students and faculty for effective communication and accommodation provision.
• Collaborate with Student Services and other university departments to promote accessibility.
• Lead outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness of services.
• Stay current with best practices in disability services and compliance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

Communication skills

Bilingual English/French

Education

Graduate degree in Educational Psychology or related field

Bachelor's degree

Job description

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Hiring Unit:Student Accessibility & Achievement Student Accessibility and Achievement provide an array of learner support services toMcGill students of all levels of study, including reasonable academic accommodations for those with documented disabilities of either a permanent, temporary,or episodicnature. They foster an accessible and inclusive university experience for McGill’s diverse student population in collaboration with other Student Services and the wider McGill community through resources and services.

Additional Information: Overtime, including evening and weekend hours may be required during peak periods.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Associate Director, Advising and Learning Supports, the Access Services Advisor serves as a primary point of contact for students with disabilities experiencing barriers to their learning and full participation at McGill. Ensures appropriate support and academic accommodations are identified and implemented to facilitate academic engagement and achievement. Conducts need assessments, provides expert advice to faculty, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery and proper case management. Additionally, the role involves facilitating outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness and foster an inclusive campus environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments with students facing academic or physical barriers due to disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, or other impairments, ensuring accommodations align with both the student’s needs and medical documentation.
• Collaborate with internal and external professionals when necessary to clarify diagnostic details and ensure a fulsome understanding of the barriers being faced.
• Advise faculty and appropriate University departments on the development and implementation of reasonable accommodations in the classroom and other university settings.
• Act as a liaison between students and faculty to ensure effective communication and accommodation provision.
• Collaborate with key departments within Student Services and across the university to promote understanding and support for students with disabilities.
• Actively engage in initiatives to enhance campus-wide accessibility and inclusion.
• Manage a portfolio of outreach, promotional and educational activities designed to increase awareness of services and foster a supportive environment for students with disabilities.
• Stay current with best practices and emerging trends in disability services, ensuring that all accommodations and services are compliant with legal and university standards.
• Undertake special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Access Services Advisor – Team Lead, contributing to the continuous improvement of disability support services.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Graduate degree in Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Inclusive Education or other psychosocial field, required.
• Experience working in a professional service provider role with people who have disabilities.
• Experience working on a one‑to‑one basis with a potentially high stress, constantly changing clientele.
• Ability to advise faculty and administrators on student disability‑related academic accommodations and issues.
• Proven proficiency in crisis intervention and de‑escalation required.
• Proven experience reviewing medical documentation required.
• Experience in the disability field with a particular emphasis on current trends in post‑secondary disability service provision, including the Social Model, Universal Design and ecological modes of intervention.
• Knowledge of post‑secondary Universal Design for Learning principles.
• Must be self‑directed and able to work autonomously and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Tact, diplomacy, excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are essential.
• Experience leading discussion groups and classes.
• Awareness and knowledge of adaptive technology for students with disabilities.
• Proven presentation skills.
• English and French, spoken and written.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) \"Summer Fridays\" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 05) $73,470.00 - $91,840.00 - $110,210.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-SAF2B - Student Services - Professional 2 Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time) Supervisor: Assoc Dir Stu W Disabilities Position End Date (If applicable): 2028-04-30 Deadline to Apply:

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future.

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