Learner Support Specialist (Assistive Technology)
About the role
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About the Unit
Student Accessibility and Achievement provide an array of learner support services to McGill students of all levels of study, including reasonable academic accommodations for those with documented disabilities of either a permanent, temporary, or episodic nature. They foster an accessible and inclusive university experience for McGill’s diverse student population in collaboration with other Student Services and the wider McGill community through resources and services.
Additional Information: Evening/weekend hours may be required during peak periods. This position is fully supported by soft funds.
Vacation restrictions apply during peak periods.
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Learner Support Specialist - Team Lead, the Learner Support Specialist develops and administers a suite of support programs and services, designed with the needs of McGill’s diverse student populations in mind. With a particular focus on Assistive Technology, the incumbent supports Student Accessibility and Achievement operations, maintaining all aspects of Assistive Technology for Student Accessibility and Achievement, addressing and troubleshooting student issues on various instructional uses of different assistive technologies and supporting in the conversion of complex adaptive materials.
The Learner Support Specialist works cross-university to ensure students are connected to and accessing opportunities to develop skills and networks to improve their academic outcomes, maximize their educational potential, and increase their sense of academic wellbeing.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Work as part of an intradisciplinary team dedicated to supporting learners facing barriers and academic challenges.
- Assess learner barriers / needs and propose targeted interventions, including technology-related learning interventions.
- Provide assistive technology services to students, including lending, training and troubleshooting in the use of specialized software and/or systems (i.e., WordQ, Dragon, Antidote, C-Pen, FM systems, SmartPen, Clockwork, etc.).
- Meet with students during one-on-one appointment to help determine student technology requirements based on their accessibility needs for exam writing and other academic uses. Designs, suggests and/or implements accessible technological solutions to meet their needs.
- Manage end‑to‑end conversions for students requiring alternative‑format materials, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and timely delivery in alignment with accommodation plans.
- Coordinate the production and quality assurance of alt‑format materials for both course materials and exams (e.g., braille, enlarged print, digital formats, screen‑reader–compatible files) to support equitable experiences.
- Liaise with faculty, library services, and exam operations teams to confirm requirements and oversee the secure, compliant preparation of alternative‑format assessments.
- Maintain tracking systems and documentation to monitor conversion requests, turnaround times, and completion status for all alt‑format materials.
- Research new developments in the adaptive technology / disability fields; liaising with other assistive technology and learning support specialists internal and external to McGill to ensure continuity of operations between sites and the implementation of best practices based on current trends. Develop and implement new initiatives that advance the strategic direction of the Learner Supports team.
- Support digital material exam security which includes, developing and refining protocols for digital exam material receipt, storage and transmission.
- Manage and maintain technology inventory for staff and students, including tracking equipment, managing software needs, and liaising with IT Services as needed.
- Develop materials / training materials, train and prepare students to use assistive technology in an academic setting, including during examinations.
- Develop processes with Faculties using exam proctoring software in order to implement accommodations for exams.
- Liaise with faculty members/course instructors who are administering exams/quizzes on myCourses or other digital platforms in order to support the application of student’s disability-related accommodations.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
- Master’s Degree in Education/Inclusive Education strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a service provider role, in a university environment, with people with disabilities is strongly preferred.
- High degree of technical literacy with a proven ease and familiarity with adaptive technology and assistive technological applications, particularly within an educational setting.
- Experience in the disability field with a particular emphasis on current trends in post-secondary disability service provision, technological supports for academic achievement.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, problem-solve and organize work within area of responsibility.
- Demonstrated ease with technological applications with a proven ability to work in a PC and Mac environments using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Strong ability to work / research a variety of applications is a very strong asset.
- Must be self-directed and able to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a fast paced, high volume service area.
- Experience in project management, an asset.
- Tact, diplomacy, excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are essential.
- Experience and comfort designing, developing and delivering technology trainings across a variety of groups (faculty, staff, students).
- Experience working on a one-to-one basis with a potentially high stress, constantly changing clientele.
- Proven discretion in dealing with confidential information
- Knowledge of French and English:McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 (fluent) on a scale of 0-4.”
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-SAF2B - Student Services - Professional 2
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Learner Support Specialist - Team Leader
Position End Date (If applicable):
2027-04-30
Deadline to Apply:
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca***.***