Accessible Learning Assistant

Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT

The Accessible Learning Assistant provides reception and student support assistance for the centre, using specialized knowledge and / or diplomacy, and adhering to professional standards for situations which often involve highly sensitive and / or confidential materials / issues. The assistant works with students from different cultural backgrounds and with differing abilities, some of whom are experiencing physical, emotional and / or learning or language challenges that may pose barriers to their academic success. The position also provides administrative and clerical functions to support the smooth running of day-to-day operations within the work group.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Acts as first point of contact for the centre, handling sensitive or confidential situations / documents
• Creates a welcoming, supportive atmosphere at reception to assist in building rapport with students.
• Performs initial assessment of student’s needs for accessible learning support services in order to book appointments or make appropriate referrals.
• Books student appointments and other departmental activities by reviewing and analyzing a variety of applicable calendars.
• Uses a professional, non-judgemental and sensitive approach, responds to and supports students / clients who may be experiencing frustration, anxiety, and / or who have challenging or disruptive behaviours, mental health issues, physical disabilities, come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and / or for whom English may be difficult.
• Checks and replies to or redirects email and voicemail. May assist with checking and responding to or redirecting TTY messages (telephone device for deaf and hard-of-hearing students).
• Provides general information relating to educational supports and accommodations available to students with disabilities.
• Answers internal and external inquiries and provides general information on procedures, programs and services, advising on and resolving concerns where possible or referring to other sources as appropriate;
• Prepares, completes, compiles, drafts and / or contributes to a wide variety of documents, forms and correspondence.
• Data-enters information into various database(s) and tracking system(s) used for reports and internal statistical purposes, as well as assists the Chair in preparation of ministry-required and internal reports.
• Assists in the maintenance of career resource library and centre materials / adaptive equipment inventory. Assists students with finding and borrowing resources.
• Assists faculty in scheduling and advertising workshops and courses.
• Assists with special projects and events as assigned, which may require the use of database, spreadsheet, publication and / or presentation software
• Performs a wide range of clerical duties including, but not limited to, data entry; photocopying; ordering various supplies / equipment; mail distribution; preparing printing / graphics requests; arranging for telephone & copiers codes; preparing vouchers / requisitions and Visa reconciliations
• Maintains files / departmental records, including several interrelated records and cross-checking for accuracy; maintains security of sensitive and highly confidential documents and files.
• Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity. Qualifications Two-year Secretarial, Office Administration or Human Services diploma; plus three years of relevant reception and clerical experience demonstrating a progressively increasing scope of responsibility, of which one year is direct experience in the student services area of a post-secondary environment which includes working with students of different cultural background; plus one year of experience working with people with disabilities and / or mental health issues or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills; with a proven client service orientation; Demonstrated ability to work positively in a team;
• Demonstrated adaptability and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment calmly and quickly in a variety of sensitive, unpredictable or emergency situations;
• Ability to multitask, work with complicated / confidential information, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated organizational, file-management, and time-management skills; Advanced skill in using all applications of the Microsoft Office suite;
• Ability to type words per minute Supporting Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Recommendations Capabilities The core capabilities are required for all positions at the college.

Focus on Students and Their Success (Core)

Cultural Alignment (Core)

Fostering and Nurturing Relationships (Core)