Accommodation Consultant, EHA

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The internal deadline is December 11 2025 at 11:59pm.

There are two open positions.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Accommodation Consultant is accountable to the Director Employee Health and Accommodations for the clinical assessment development and implementation of individualized workplace accommodation plans for employees with disabilities conditions and/or trauma based on individual assessments. The Accommodation Consultant is a subject matter expert on workplace accommodations as it relates to the University community overseeing compliance and mitigating risk with the Universitys responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) and its regulations. The incumbent assesses medical documentation and assessments and conducts clinical interviews with employees seeking accommodations to explore how the disability or disabling condition affects access and participation in the workplace. The incumbent applies this information in combination with Ministry requirements provincial law industry standards and clinical judgement to design and facilitate individualized accommodation plans that ensures the University of Waterloo is fulfilling its legal duty to accommodate. The Accommodation Consultant works closely with managers and supervisors to ensure workplace accommodations are implemented and uphold Bonafide occupational requirements. Collaboration with other campus partners including (but not limited to) Human Resources Faculty Planning and Policy Safety Office is critical to providing holistic support to employees.

Key Accountabilities

Developing individualized workplace accommodation plans

Reviewing and assessing employee medical documentation and reports to develop an individualized workplace accommodation plan for employees with disabilities (e.g. mental health disabilities learning disabilities medical disabilities acquired brain injuries ADHD and trauma) in alignment with the procedural and substantive duty to accommodate under the Code

Using medical documentation clinical judgement and decision making provincial legislation and standards of practice to design appropriate and individualized workplace accommodation plans on a temporary or ongoing basis and when returning to work from a medical leave of absence

Conducting bio-psycho-social interviews with employees to determine how their functional limitations work role and work environment influence a need for accommodation

Counselling employees on workplace accommodations as it relates to their disability within the scope of the role

Screening (for suspected disabilities learning disabilities mental health and ADHD) and making or supporting referrals to appropriate services within the scope of the role

Ongoing clinical assessments of employees to determine any changes in condition and accommodations requirements as well any identification of any internal/external supports within the scope of the role

Reviewing role and workplace to assess the impact the disability may have while working

Using clinical judgement and relevant guidelines to determine eligibility and need for specialized funding that supports accommodation

Provides consultations with managers/supervisors to ensure accommodations are appropriate for the role. If accommodation is believed to interfere with the Bonafide occupational requirements of a role the Accommodation Consultant will work with manager/supervisor to determine an alternative accommodation that will ensure the needs of the employee are met while maintaining the requirements of the role

Support employees and managers/supervisors through the accommodation dispute process

Coordinating and collaborating with decision-makers for the accommodation dispute process

Suggesting modifications to the workplace when deemed appropriate to ensure it is accessible and that accommodations are upheld

The consultant provides risk mitigation by ensuring accommodations are being implemented in accordance with statutory obligations

Abiding by all legislative and university policies relevant to accommodations planning (e.g. the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act the Code) and privacy legislation (e.g. FIPPA PHIPA).

Facilitate Workplace Accommodations

Providing coordination between managers/supervisors Human Resources and other campus partners regarding the provision of accommodations and support (e.g. facilitating medical leaves of absence) within the scope of the role

Referring to and coordinating with third party disability management providers (e.g. TELUS Health) when needed for adjudication and management of medical leaves of absences and facilitating return to work accommodation plans

Collaborating and coordinating with the Campus Accessibility team Adaptive Technologist to ensure employees assistive technology needs are supported as part of their accommodation plan.

Generate accommodation summaries for employees upon request for use with petitions appeals etc. Using clinical judgement to consider (and mitigate) the implications of other variables on the accommodation process (e.g. whether there are intersecting Code protected identities/needs)

Ongoing Consulting on Complex Disability-related Issues/Needs

Consulting with employees seeking or receiving workplace accommodations around complex issues related to specific disabilities

Consulting with managers/supervisors Human Resources Faculty Planning and Policy receiving or seeking workplace accommodations and advising around complex issues related to specific disabilities

Working closely with other units (e.g. Human Resources Safety Office Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office and Conflict Management Office) to provide holistic support for employees in crisis or requiring additional support

Using clinical judgement to refer employee to on and off campus support services

Consulting with employees seeking to appeal and/or defer decisions on the basis of disability

Using clinical judgement to make recommendations to managers/supervisors regarding complex disability or accommodation case management issues

Working with employees to develop the skills necessary to self-advocate and access campus/community resources that can support their workplace success

The Accommodation Consultant is committed to best clinical practice regarding workplace accommodations and disabilities and remains current with research ethical considerations and evidence-based practice

Collaboration with Partners and Stakeholders

Providing recommendations to various campus partners regarding workplace accommodations to ensure the University is meeting the duty to accommodate under the Code.

Collaborating with campus partners to provide seamless service provision including Human Resources Safety Office Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office Conflict Management Office and Faculty Planning and Policy

Collaborating with campus partners to ensure accommodations are appropriately facilitated (e.g. Plant Operations Sustainable Transportation)

Collaboration with third-party service providers offering support services (e.g. transcriptionists interpreters)

Working with relevant campus partners to facilitate the purchase and provision of accommodation-related equipment and services

Providing potential applicants with information related to services and accommodations supported by the office

Develop leverage and utilize positive relationships with appropriate on and off campus stakeholders

Utilize proactive professional and effective communications strategies with employees registered with the office as well as the general campus community as appropriate

Handling Sensitive Materials

Ensure access to secure documents are controlled appropriately

Ensure data accuracy and document integrity

Appropriately use and maintain confidential health and case management records in accordance with university policy and relevant Privacy legislation and in collaboration with the administrative team within the broader Office of the Associate Provost Campus Support and Accessibility.

Effectively use systems and technology to manage employee medical information accurately and efficiently

Direct the return of clinical records to the intended party in a secure manner (appropriate storage and movement of confidential documents) when needed

Demonstrates consistent compliance with protocols and procedures that ensure access to secure documents are controlled appropriately

Demonstrates consistent compliance with protocols and procedures that ensures data accuracy and document integrity

Demonstrate consistent compliance with maintaining confidential health and employee records in accordance with university policy and relevant Privacy legislation

Required Qualifications

Education

Graduate degree in Social Work Rehabilitation Sciences Health Sciences Nursing Psychology or related field is required

Individual must be registered with a professional college/society recognized in Ontario

Experience

Experience designing and facilitating accommodations disability case management support or services to persons with disabilities preferably employees with disabilities

Experience working in a post-secondary context environment is preferred

Experience and/or training in supporting persons in crisis and securing appropriate support

Experience working with individuals that have experienced complex mental health and trauma is preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Working knowledge of the Registered Health Professionals Act (1991) and/or the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (1998) and control acts

Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) the Ontario Human Right Commission the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other relevant legislation.

Strong knowledge on trauma-informed practice

Working knowledge of privacy regulations

Familiarity with the implications of specific disabilities

An understanding of how the symptoms or functional limitations of a disability interferes with an individuals daily functioning

Proven ability to work independently and as a team member in a busy and inter-disciplinary environment

Excellent communication (oral and written) skills

Superior organizational problem-solving and interpersonal skills required

Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy particularly in charting and maintaining records

Proven ability to provide solution-focused interventions

Negotiation and mediation skills is an asset

Basic knowledge of MS Word Excel and PowerPoint

Familiarity using databases for case management

A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is required

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.