Learning Specialist in Surrey

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures. As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

Accessibility Services advises KPU on disability-related issues, facilitates individual accommodations for students, and works collaboratively to identify and remove barriers in the learning environment. The team consists of Learning Specialists and Accessibility Advisors at each campus. Accessibility Services is part of Student Affairs and works collaboratively with associated service areas such as Assessment and Testing Services, Academic Advising, Counselling Services, the Career Development Centre, Student Health Promotion, and Student Awards and Financial Assistance, as well as the broader KPU community.

The Learning Specialist is a non-instructional faculty position that works with students, faculty, and staff to support equal access, full participation, and engagement for students with disabilities in KPU programs. While this posting is based at KPU Tech (Cloverdale), this position will also provide coverage at KPU Langley. Learning Specialists may be required to work with students from any of KPU's campuses. The Learning Specialist develops, implements, and supports individualized accommodation plans for students impacted by a variety of disabilities in the learning environment, including, but not limited to, those associated with learning disabilities, acquired injuries, sensory disabilities, neuro-differences, and mental health considerations. The Learning Specialist works closely with instructors to plan and implement accommodations in classrooms, labs, shops, and work-placement settings. The Learning Specialist also provides learning strategy support to teaching faculty and students, and coordinates with other service units to support holistic student development. The Learning Specialist works to increase awareness of access opportunities and solutions for students with disabilities across KPU.

The successful candidate will have the following skills, experience, and knowledge:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience determining and planning accommodations for adults with disabilities, preferably in a post-secondary setting.
• Familiarity with post-secondary academic environments; specific experience with business, design, trades, technology, and/or health programs is an asset.
• Knowledge of risks associated with labs, practicum, co-op, apprenticeship, and clinical health settings.
• Knowledge of the legal duty to accommodate, and human rights and accessibility legislation as it applies to persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and medical reports, as well as an extensive knowledge and expertise in providing learning strategies for adults with a wide range of disabilities.
• Specialization in at least one of the following: supporting youth transitioning from high school to post-secondary, learning disabilities, communication issues, mental health disabilities, physical disabilities, acquired injuries, or neurodivergent lived experiences.
• Familiarity with assistive technology and external agencies that provide access in British Columbia.
• Awareness of the intersection between accommodations, pedagogy, and curriculum learning outcomes.
• Experience in successfully navigating and engaging with institutional systems, services, and supports.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment in complex service decisions, both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in one of the following: Disability Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Rehabilitation, or Occupational Therapy, or a related field.
• Professional registration in a regulatory body is an asset.
• Knowledge in measurement or evaluation practices is an asset.

Application Requirements:

• A cover letter.
• A curriculum vitae describing relevant professional experience.

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, in-house training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check. We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.