Accessibility Advisor - Jobs in Niagara, ON

Job Description

DivisionClerksImportant Notices & AmendmentsAs an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements including hybrid work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Where operational needs align, and while ensuring business requirements and customer service expectations are achieved, employees may have an opportunity to work within a hybrid model, combining working from home and working in the office.About UsServing a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.Job DescriptionJob SummaryReporting to the Regional Clerk, the Accessibility Advisor is responsible for drafting, implementing and evaluating the success of the Accessibility Plan, ensuring corporate compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), including the identification of strategies to ensure legislative compliance, and supporting the creation of corporate policies, policy review and implementation. In addition this role works as a liaison with the Accessibility Advisory Committee.Education

• Post-secondary diploma or university degree in social services or a related field and training in universal design standards.
• Certificate in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG Conformance) is preferred.
• Additional courses related to Accessibility is preferred.

Knowledge

• A minimum of 5 years of working in the social services field, specifically with organizations directly involved in providing accommodations to those with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (IASR), the Accessible Canada Act, Ontario Building Code, and other provincial and federal legislation affecting persons with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other related legislation.
• Knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG Conformance)
• Knowledge of Universal design, and Accessibility Audit Techniques.
• Experience preparing reports, facilitating training, and other knowledge translation methods is preferred.
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple community partners.
• Project Management experience is preferred.

ResponsibilitiesLeads the development, implementation and evaluation of the Accessibility Plan, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians Act (AODA). (40% of time)

• Leads the development of policies and plans that conforms to legislative requirements set out under the Accessibility for Ontarians Act (AODA).
• Collaborates with internal and external interested parties to help identify strategies and offer advice and guidance to ensure compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations (IASR) of Customer Service Standard; Information and Communication Standard; Employment Standard; Transportation Standard; and Design of Public Spaces Standard as they related to the Niagara Region.
• Supports Regional Departments and Divisions to implement the above work plan
• Coordinates research and other activities with initiative partners to maximize alignment of strategies and actions
• Maintains detailed status of activities and issues to present to Senior Leadership Team, and other internal and external parties
• Provides advice and expertise to ensure that the municipality is proactive in advocacy.
• Provides input, guidance, experiential learning and direction regarding a broad range of policy issues, policy development and implementation, based on experience with accessibility policy implementation.
• Liaise with the Accessibility Advisory Committee on the development, review and required updates to the Accessibility Plan and accessibility matters.

Establishes and maintains meaningful relationships with internal interested parties, community partners and organizations in Niagara. (20% of time)

• Establishes and maintains a wide range of mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships to create a community where every person can participate.
• Engages with service agencies for people with disabilities, gathering information about barrier identification and removal solutions in order to implement legislated plans for accessibility.
• Liaises with other municipalities and agencies, as well as provincial and federal agencies in order to establish and implement legislated plans for accessibility across the corporation.
• Provides guidance, advice and direction to the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Prepares communications, reports and presentations to help communicate the accessibility matters. (15% of time)

• Prepares reports to Accessibility Advisory Committee and to Council as may be required.
• Reviews plans, policies, applications etc. to suggest alternate wording more reflective of the AODA intent.
• Participates as required in reviewing proposals submitted for consideration to ensure appropriate measure of accessibility related presence.
• Delivers presentations to Corporate Leadership Team, Council, Committees, community organizations and others on Accessibility.

Initiates, develops and coordinates the facilitation of accessibility training programs and provides and identifies resources for staff, community partners and residents. (15% of time)

• Supports the development of education and communication strategies to increase awareness of Accessibility issues in Niagara through various focus groups and working tables including working with the local area municipalities.
• Responds to general inquiries from staff, members of Council, the public and other organizations relating to accessibility.
• Collaborates on the development and facilitation of training programs for staff, and community partners.
• Develops and implements effective education, communication and change management strategies in order to create awareness and commitment to accessibility related programs and objectives for the Niagara Region.
• Implements training and other activities to ensure compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Monitors current events that may impact or influence accessibility plan implementation, including proposed changes to federal and provincial legislation. (10% of time)

• Proactively identifies and responds to new accessibility standards, anticipating required updates or modifications needed and collaborates with appropriate staff to ensure compliance.
• Maintains membership on a variety of appropriate committees in order to keep Niagara Region in a position of leadership in Accessibility related matters, legislated compliance and shared expertise
• Conducts environmental scans for best practices across other municipalities and anticipates future needs.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.Special Requirements

• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.

Closing StatementUncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department

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