Learner Support Specialist (Assistive Technology)

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About the Unit

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 temporaryor episodicnature. They foster an accessible and inclusive university experience for McGills diverse student population in collaboration with other Student Services and the wider McGill community through resources and services.

Additional Information: Evening/weekend hours may be required during peak periods. This position is fully supported by soft funds.

Vacation restrictions apply during peak periods.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision oftheLearner Support Specialist-Team Leadthe Learner Support Specialist develops and administers a suite of support programs and services designed with the needs of McGills diverse student populations in a particular focus on Assistive Technologythe incumbent supportsStudent Accessibility and Achievementoperationsmaintainingall aspects of Assistive Technology forStudent Accessibility and Achievementaddressingand troubleshootingstudentissues onvarious instructional uses of different assistive technologiesandsupportingin the conversion ofcomplexadaptive materials.

The Learner Support Specialist works cross-university to ensure students are connected to and accessing opportunities to develop skills and networks to improve their academic outcomes maximize their educational potential and increase their sense of academic wellbeing.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work as part of an intradisciplinary team dedicated to supporting learners facing barriers and academic challenges.
• Assess learner barriers / needs and propose targeted interventions including technology-related learning interventions.
• Provideassistive technology services to students includinglendingtrainingand troubleshooting in the use of specialized software and/or systems ( Antidote C-PenFM systemsSmartPenClockwork etc.).
• Meet with students duringone-on-oneappointmenttohelpdeterminestudent technology requirements based on theiraccessibilityneeds for exam writing and other academic implements accessible technological solutions to meet their needs.
• Manageendtoendconversions for students requiringalternativeformatmaterials ensuring accuracy accessibility andtimelydelivery in alignment with accommodation plans.
• Coordinate the production and quality assurance ofaltformatmaterialsfor both course materials and exams ( print digital formatsscreenreadercompatible files) to supportequitableexperiences.
• Liaise with facultylibraryservices and exam operations teamsto confirm requirements and oversee the secure compliant preparation ofalternativeformatassessments.
• Maintain tracking systems and documentationtomonitorconversion requests turnaround times and completion status for allaltformatmaterials.
• Research new developments in the adaptive technology / disability fields;liaising with other assistive technologyand learningsupport specialists internal and external to McGill to ensure continuity of operations between sites and the implementation of best practices based on current and implement new initiatives that advance the strategicdirectionof the Learner Supports team.
• Supportdigital material exam security which includes developingand refiningprotocols for digital exam material receiptstorageand transmission.
• Manage andmaintaintechnology inventory for staff and students including tracking equipment managing software needs and liaising with IT Services as needed.
• Develop materials / training materials train and prepare students to use assistive technology in an academic setting including during examinations.
• Develop processes with Faculties using exam proctoring softwarein order toimplement accommodations for exams.
• Liaise with faculty members/course instructors who are administering exams/quizzes onmyCoursesor other digital platformsin order tosupport the application of students disability-related accommodations.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Masters Degree in Education/Inclusive Education strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a service provider role in a university environment with people with disabilities is strongly preferred.
• High degree of technical literacy with a proven ease and familiarity with adaptive technology and assistive technological applications particularly within an educational setting.
• Experience in the disability field with a particular emphasis on current trends in post-secondary disability service provision technological supports for academic achievement.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative problem-solve and organize work within area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ease with technological applications with a proven ability to work in a PC and Mac environments using MS Word Excel and Outlook.
• Strong ability to work / research a variety of applications is a very strong asset.
• Must be self-directed and able to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a fast paced high volume service area.
• Experience in project management an asset.
• Tact diplomacy excellent interpersonal organizational and communication skills are essential.
• Experience and comfort designing developing and delivering technology trainings across a variety of groups (faculty staff students).
• Experience working on a one-to-one basis with a potentially high stress constantly changing clientele.
• Proven discretion in dealing with confidential information
• Knowledge of French and English:McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing.The level of Englishfor this position has been assessed at a level 4(fluent)on a scale of 0-4.

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