Term: 12 Months

The Accommodation Consultant, Mental Health, is accountable to the Manager, Student Accommodations for the development and implementation of individualized academic accommodation plans for students with disabilities, conditions and/or trauma, registered with AccessAbility Services, based on individual assessments. The incumbent assesses medical documentation and psycho-educational assessments, and works closely with students registered with AccessAbility Services, to explore how the disability or disabling condition affects access to learning and the learning environment. The incumbent uses this information, in combination with Ministry requirements, provincial law, industry standards, and clinical judgement to design and facilitate an individualized accommodation plan that ensures the University of Waterloo is fulfilling its legal duty to accommodate. The Accommodation Consultant, Mental Health, works closely with faculty to ensure academic accommodations are implemented, and to ensure accommodations uphold academic integrity and the essential requirements of a specific courses and/or program. Collaboration with other campus partners, including faculty, Academic Advisors, Career Advisors, Counselling Services, Health Services, Student Success Office and the Writing Centre is critical to providing holistic support to students.

Review medical reports, and consult with students and faculty, to develop individualized academic accommodation plans

• Reviewing student medical documentation and psycho-educational reports to ensure they are complete, which may involve following up with the student, as well as following up with relevant health care professionals to obtain verbal orders
• Interviewing and observing students registered with AccessAbility Services to assess need
• Using clinical judgement, Ministry requirements, provincial legislation, and standards of practice to design appropriate and individualized academic accommodation plans on a temporary or ongoing basis
• Ongoing evaluation and assessment of students to determine any changes in condition and accommodations requirements
• Reviewing curriculum to assess the impact the disability may have in accessing education
• Using clinical judgement and Ministry guidelines to assess student eligibility for specialized funding that supports accommodation
• Consulting with faculty to ensure accommodations are appropriate for the course/program. If accommodation interferes with the essential requirements of a course/program, the Accommodation

Consultant will negotiate with instructors and students to determine an alternative accommodation that will ensure the needs of the students are met, while maintaining course/program integrity

• Suggesting modifications to faculty regarding curriculum, when deemed appropriate, in order to ensure material is accessible and that accommodations are upheld
• Abiding by all legislative and university policies relevant to accommodations planning (e.g., AODA, Ontario Human Rights) and privacy legislation (PHIPA)
  Facilitate academic accommodations
• Liaising between students, faculty, academic advisors/coordinators, and other campus partners regarding the provision of accommodations and student support
• Liaising with AccessAbility Services Adaptive Technologist and Learning Strategist to ensure students’ learning needs are supported
• Generate accommodation summaries for students upon request for use with petitions, appeals, or ongoing education
• Liaise with other post-secondary institutions regarding accommodation history and or future needs
• Using clinical judgement to consider (and mitigate) the implications of other variables on the accommodation process including whether the student is an international students, graduate students, cooperative education students, and so forth
  Ongoing Consulting on Complex Disability-related Issues/Needs

Consulting with students and advising around complex issues related to specific disabilities

• Working closely with other units (e.g., faculties, Health Services, Counselling Services) to provide holistic care and support for students in crisis or requiring additional support
• Using clinical judgement to refer student to on and off campus support services, including referrals for psycho-educational assessments, counselling, and academic support
• Consulting with students seeking to appeal (petitions) and/or defer exams on the basis of disability
• Using clinical judgement to make recommendations to instructors/department regarding these issues
• Working with students to develop the skills necessary to self-advocate and access campus/community resources that can support their academic success

Collaboration with Partners and Stakeholders

• Collaborating with campus partners to provide seamless service provision, including Counselling Services, Health Services, Writing and Communications Centre, and Student Success office
• Collaborating with campus partners to ensure accommodations are appropriately facilitated, including plant operations, Waterloo Housing and Residences, and the Registrar’s Office
• Liaising with auxiliary service providers offering support services (e.g., transcriptionists, interpreters)
• Working with Student Awards and Financial Aid office to facilitate applications to the Bursary for Students with Disabilities
• Providing potential applicants with information related to services and accommodations supported by the office
• Utilize proactive, professional and effective communications strategies with students registered with the
• office as well as the general student body, parents, instructors and other key stakeholders 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 education records in accordance with University policy and relevant Privacy legislation
• Effectively use systems and technology to accurately and efficiently manage student medical information
• Direct the return of clinical records to the intended party in a secure manner (appropriate storage and movement of confidential documents) when needed

• Graduate degree in a mental-health related field (ex. Social Work, Psychology)
• Individual must be registered with a professional college/society recognized in Ontario
• Experience working with individuals with complex mental health needs
• Experience in a student-focused (secondary or post-secondary school context) environment
• Experience providing accommodations, academic support, or services to persons with disabilities, preferably postsecondary students with disabilities
• Experience and/or training in supporting persons in crisis and securing appropriate support, preferably in a postsecondary environment
• Training in trauma-informed practice
• 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 privacy regulations
• Familiarity with the implications of specific disabilities at the post-secondary level
• An understanding of how the symptoms or functional limitations of a disability interferes with an individual’s 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
• 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
• Vulnerable Sector Check required 

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

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+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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 at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.