Exams Support Specialist, Accessibility Services in Kamloops, British Columbia at Thompson Rivers University

Applications will be reviewed commencing the “closing date for internal CUPE applicants” and may continue until the position is filled.

Internal CUPE applicants must submit their application by 4pm on the “closing date for internal CUPE applicants” for their Seniority to be recognized. Applications received after the "closing date for internal CUPE applicants" will be considered alongside external applicants.

The Exams Support Specialist provides administrative and exams support for the Accessibility Services Test Centre. The Specialist works closely with the Exams Supervisor and other Centre staff to ensure effective day-to-day operations and the provision of exams for students with disabilities at TRU.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides discreet and tactful service to students, faculty and staff that attend the Accessibility Services Test Centre.
2. Works with the Exams Supervisor to schedule accommodated exams, assigns Accommodation Assistants, stores exam materials, and administers exams; and liaises with faculty and staff to coordinate secure and timely service delivery.
3. Provides solutions and support for Accommodations Assistants when they invigilate exams; troubleshoots assistive technology or scheduling issues; coordinates breaks; delegates some tasks; and assists with training on the use of assistive technology and other Test Centre procedures.
4. Receives visitors to the Centre, assesses student needs, provides exam related information, maintains relevant paperwork, and refers to the appropriate staff members or services; answers the telephone in a sensitive and confidential manner.
5. Responds to exam related inquiries from students, staff, and faculty. Receives, sorts, and distributes mail, types correspondence, and handles and maintains Centre keys, facility requests, and external contractor or production (e.g., printing) requirements.
6. Maintains filing systems, compiles statistics on Centre usage and service volumes, and runs necessary reports.
7. Provides database support that includes maintaining confidential schedules, setting up and maintaining student files, and entering exam details.
8. Communicates important dates and deadlines to students, faculty and the TRU community.
9. Interprets and clarifies policies and procedures.
10. Maintains unit office supplies inventory and acts as the liaison for computer, fax, photocopy, and software maintenance and repair.
11. Proofreads and edits Centre handouts and forms, standard email responses, web page revisions, and promotional materials.
12. Tracks and maintains relevant expenditures to ensure financial activities are monitored.
13. Deals with private and sensitive information, problems, and materials while maintaining confidentiality.
14. Engages in difficult conversations in a confidential, solutions focused, and caring manner.
15. Provides services for students that face significant and complex learning barriers.

REPORTS TO
Director, Student Access and Academic Supports

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Information Technology, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years of related experience at a post-secondary institution working with students with disabilities, including:
  • Experience in scheduling systems and operations, or examination support
  • Experience providing technology support and using assistive technology
  • Experience using relational data base software, Microsoft Office (primarily Excel and Word), Outlook or similar e-mail communication systems

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, resourcefulness, and sensitivity in the application of guidelines in a high stakes' environment (e.g., a test centre)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high standard of confidentiality regarding student information and records
• Demonstrated ability to deal courteously, diplomatically, and effectively with a diverse range of students, staff, external agencies and members of the general public, including people under stress, and/or in distress
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer databases and software programs quickly
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in the areas information technology and assistive technology
• Demonstrated ability to identify, prioritize, and move between different activities
• Demonstrated ability to perform electronic word processing at 60 wpm

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at a desk and computer
• Standing, walking to support Centre activities
• General office conditions
• Frequent contact with staff, faculty and students with disabilities
• Ability to lift up to 10 kilograms
  

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website. External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.