Workplace Accessibility Specialist-1

Compensation Range
$7,283.75 - $10,474.08 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
January 16, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date
Mar 13, 2026

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Description Summary

UBC is committed to access, success, and representation of historically underserved, marginalized, or excluded populations. Inclusion of diverse lived/living experiences is key to the engagement and wellbeing of our faculty and staff and enhances UBC’s quality of scholarship and influence in greater society. The Workplace Accessibility Specialist promotes a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies, policies, and programs that promote accessible, safe, and welcoming working environments at UBC. The Workplace Accessibility Specialist works with faculty and staff to identify and overcome disability-related barriers in order to ensure full participation in all aspects of employment.

Work is based on the principles and strategies of EDI and supports UBC’s Strategic Plan, Inclusion Action Plan, Focus on People, and the Wellbeing Strategic Framework. As subject matter experts in accessible workplaces, the Workplace Accessibility Specialist works collaboratively with team members in Workplace Health Services, Human Resources (HR), the Equity and Inclusion Office, and other departments, to support a vibrant and diverse workplace.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Manager, Ergonomics and Accessibility in Workplace Health Services and works collaboratively across the VP HR portfolio. The Workplace Health Services unit of HR provides leadership on issues of accommodation for employees with disabilities on the UBC Vancouver campus and facilitates disability-related accommodations.

The incumbent will work in an office environment at UBC Vancouver and may consider hybrid remote work arrangements through UBC’s remote work program.

Work Performed

Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies, programs, and initiatives that promote accessible and inclusive working environments for staff and faculty with disabilities.

Develops and delivers accessibility services to UBC faculty and staff by: providing accessibility subject matter expertise, facilitating accommodations, procuring and implementing accessibility tools and supports, identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent a faculty or staff member’s full participation in the workplace.

Develops and delivers, in collaboration with other UBC departments and faculties, a variety of education and promotion workshops, information sessions, and training to raise awareness and enhance disability inclusion in the workplace.

Advises faculties/departments on best practices and strategies to reduce barriers to the hiring of people with disabilities. Contributes expertise to maximize accessibility of the recruitment process; assists employees with disabilities to have a smooth transition when hired and onboarded.

Assesses disability related accommodation needs for faculty and staff, working collaboratively with team members in Workplace Health Services, Human Resources, Employee Relations, Faculty Relations and/or operational leaders as necessary

Develops partnerships with individuals, professional groups, community groups, and service providers to enhance accessibility for faculty and staff, in alignment with the EDI commitments described in the Inclusion Action Plan.

Manages the Workplace Accommodations Fund by promoting the availability of funding, determining eligibility, and administering and monitoring the budget. Coordinates with suppliers to source, procure, and implement accessibility tools and equipment. Ensures accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Performs site assessments and provides technical advice and recommendations to faculty and staff on minor modifications and improvements including any equipment needs related to an individual’s disability and current functional status.

Conducts formal office ergonomics risk assessments by assessing work environments, analyzing risk factors, and collaborating with staff/faculty and their managers to develop risk reduction strategies.

Creates written reports for distribution to departmental senior managers and other key stakeholders.

Evaluates the outcome of risk reduction strategies and makes evidence-based recommendations to refine or enhance such strategies, as needed.

Ensures compliance with legislative requirements such as WCB and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations through the planning, implementing and coordinating of relevant policies, procedures and programs specific to accessibility barriers experienced by disabled individuals. Ensures a performance monitoring system is in place to measure the effectiveness of such programs and proposed remedial action.

Maintains and updates knowledge of accessibility barriers for disabled individuals by methods such as reviewing journals, videos, publications, and WCB regulations/requirement, attending seminars/lectures, and identifying new trends/programs to ensure that information provided in consultations and education sessions is accurate, current, and complete.

Prepares reports, publications, and other written work as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Failure to meet the expectations of the job may create severe hardship for prospective and current faculty and staff of UBC, and/or severe public relations or legal difficulties for the University.

The Workplace Accessibility Specialist uses considerable creativity and problem solving to align with the overall goals and objectives of the Workplace Health Services department. The Specialist provides sound decision making and guidance and deals with issues and responsibilities that are diverse and require the ability to determine when consultation with other Workplace Health Services staff is required.

Supervision Received

Supervision will be provided by the Ergonomics & Accessibility Manager in Workplace Health Services. Incumbent acts independently within established ethical guidelines.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications

A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Baccalaureate Degree in a relevant discipline, plus a minimum of four (4) to five (5) years of recent related experience in accessibility consultation or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a large organization preferred. Human Resources or post-secondary experience an asset. Demonstrated experience and skills related to disability, universal design, and duty to accommodate. Previous experience in program development and evaluation an asset.

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Proven ability to envision, design and implement innovative programs, training, and initiatives in a diverse environment. Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with faculty, staff, student employees, and community partners. Demonstrated ability to establish and implement workload priorities and the ability to adapt and be flexible to changing priorities and demands. Proven ability to take direction, and to function as an effective and collaborative team member. Ability to teach, facilitate, motivate, and coach others. Aptitude for progressive, creative and innovative thinking. Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects. Strong ability to work independently and be guided by standards of practice, WCB/OHS regulations and University standards. Excellent computer skills essential (including Microsoft Office, case management software, or other electronic platforms).