This position is no longer open for applications

Accessible Academic Assistant

Accessible Academic Assistant (1164) Kelburn, Wellington Central, New Zealand

  • Are you an excellent typist, calm and confident?
  • Do you want to make a difference to students with disabilities?
  • Are you a strong communicator and listener?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero  te tūranga - About the role 

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Accessible Academic Assistant to join the Disability Services team on a short term fixed term contract. The role of Accessible Academic Assistant is to assist students with disabilities to participate fully in the academic environment and to produce work that is reflective of their academic ability. The Accessible Academic Assistant duties may include: note-taking, assessment assistance, academic assistance, assignment support, electronic transcription and captioning work. 

 

Key Responsibilities:   

  • Note-taking Duties: To provide a typed record of the information spoken in a lecture, tutorial or other event as required.  The service is provided for a wide range of clients who are unable to accurately record the information that is presented.  
  • Accessible Assessment DutiesAssist clients who are unable to read and/or type during assessment. This will include accurately and impartially reading all written information and/or recording the oral information dictated by a client in their assessment. The Accessible Academic Assistant will need to make sure that the student is aware of their responsibilities and is in a safe and supportive situation during assessment. Supervise clients as required. This may include remote invigilation, implementing extra time and rest break provisions, ensuring clients have the correct software and equipment to meet their needs, problem solving technology issues and liaising with the Assessment Coordinator and Digital Solutions 
  • Academic Assistance: Duties may include reading and describing text book and course materials for clients, providing support in laboratories, assisting with research, and assisting with the location and collection of study materials. These duties will be directed by the client within an approved time allocation.  
  • Assessment and Assignment Typing: To accurately and impartially type a record of a client’s assignment or other form of assessment as dictated by a client. These duties will be directed by the client within an approved time allocation. The client is responsible for arranging an appropriate location on campus.  
  • Electronic transcription/captioning: provide an accurate typed record of information spoken using transcription software, abbreviations and techniques, and captioning video content as required. 

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Key Requirements:   

  • Experience of the tertiary environment 
  • Effective listening and parahrasing skills  
  • Typing speed – at least 80 words per minute (to be assessed through completion of a typing test)  
  • Intermediate knowledge of technology and ability to problem solve minor technology issues 
  • Clear and comprehensive note-taking skills 
  • Proven competency in written English 
  • Clear pronunciation and reading skills 
  • Confidence in approaching lecturers and tutors 
  • The ability to remain calm and provide an effective service under sometimes stressful conditions 

Desirable attributes:   

  • An undergraduate tertiary qualification with a B grade average or better 
  • Previous experience as a note-taker for other students e.g. Disability Services Volunteer Notetaker 
  • Experience of captioning 
  • Basic knowledge of New Zealand Sign Language  
  • Understanding of Deaf culture 
  • Experience of disability 
  • Experience of university and examination situations 
  • Knowledge of Tikanga Māori and/or Te Reo Māori  
  • Knowledge of a Pasifika language and/or culture  

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Our multi-disciplinary team is high performing, innovative and rich in disability expertise. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys the academic environment, wants regular work and to make a difference for disabled students.  

Role Description

Close Date for Vacancy:22 April 2021 

Contact Details for Vacancy:If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Anastasija Bubanja (DisabilitySupportStaff@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below. 

Important - Application Steps and information

For applicants who are not NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, we recommend you check the NZ Immigration website for updates related to Covid19 restrictions on entry to New Zealand: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19.

Download and complete the University Application Form.

Please include a cover letter and CV in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for this position then email the completed application form, cover letter and any other supporting documentation to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line. 

Please include the following information with your application:  

  • Indicate whether you prefer to work 8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-430pm  
  • Offer a couple of time options for an interview on: 30 April, 7, 14, and 21 May between 9am and 3pm 

 

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