Inclusion Services Coordinator at City of Kitchener

Overview

The Inclusion Service Coordinator is responsible for advancing accessibility and inclusion across all programs, services, and employment opportunities at the City of Kitchener.

This position leads the organization’s compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), serves as the liaison to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC), and ensures equitable participation for individuals of all abilities. The role requires strong collaboration, a deep understanding of accessibility legislation and an ability to support staff in fostering an inclusive environment.

This role is critical to achieving Kitchener’s goal of creating an inclusive and accessible City for all residents. By ensuring compliance with the AODA and promoting best practices, the Inclusion Service Coordinator helps to remove barriers, improves community access and participation, and supports exceptional customer service delivery.The Inclusion Service Coordinator plays a key role in delivering exceptional customer service by ensuring that programs and facilities are accessible and welcoming to individuals of all abilities. This position directly influences the engagement of residents with lived experiences.

This position is temporary for approximately 4 months

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor accessibility policies and procedures in alignment with AODA standards.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all AODA requirements, including Ministry reporting and documentation.
• Conduct accessibility audits and prepares compliance reports for leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate and deliver staff training on accessibility and inclusive practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of accessibility legislation and emerging best practices.
• Identifies accessibility requirements or flags areas of non-compliance for capital projects (construction of new facilities/parks/trails or renovation projects) by reviewing site plans, designs, drawings and completing site visits.
• Advocates for accessibility improvements in facilities, programs, and services
• Prepares Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and Annual Status Update (legislated requirement)
• Research products, information, industry best practices as it relates to accessible service, products, etc.
• Responds to queries from staff, affiliated organizations, and residents as it relates to accessibility concerns.
• Act as the primary liaison to GRAAC.
• Communicate committee recommendations and accessibility priorities to internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration between the organization and GRAAC to advance community-wide accessibility initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, updates, and proposals to GRAAC as required.
• Provides accommodation supports and GRAAC members as required.
• Provides support to working groups and subcommittees.
  
  

Education

3-year degree or diploma in Social Sciences, Social Work, Disability Studies, Accessibility Management, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in inclusion services and accessibility compliance.
• Strong knowledge of AODA legislation and accessibility standards.
• Experience in project management, training delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to integrate inclusive practices and remove barriers to participation across programs and services.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check at your own expense as a condition of employment.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level “C” Certification and AED
• Access to reliable to transportation to attend meetings, site visits.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Demonstrates commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
• Knowledge of accessibility legislation, accommodation practices, trends and services
• Project Management and Influence: Ability to lead projects to implement changes across the organization in order to ensure compliance
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships with residents with lived experiences, internal teams and external partners.
• Cultural Competence: Understands and respects diverse perspectives and needs.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess compliance requirements and recommend solutions.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office, eScribe
• Ability to lift materials, assist with accommodations (up to 20lbs)