Kaitohutohu Whaikaha (Accessibility Advisor)

Job Description:

Te Ratonga Whaikaha | Student Accessibility Service

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)
• Salary - $75,923 to $94,401 p.a., based on skills and experience
• Permanent position, 37.5 hours per week

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Kaitohutohu Whaikaha? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Are you passionate about making a difference in students’ lives? Join our team and play a key role in supporting a diverse caseload of students with accessibility needs at the University of Canterbury. In this dynamic and rewarding role, you will:

• Support a diverse caseload of students with accessibility needs by delivering tailored academic support that helps them develop skills and confidence, achieve their goals, and succeed in their university studies.
• Coordinate support services and resources for current and future students with accessibility needs—ensuring they can fully participate in UC student life and reach their academic and personal potential.
• Provide one-on-one and group coaching to enhance students' wellbeing, academic success, and development of graduate attributes
• Collaborate on projects across faculties and services to improve accessibility and promote inclusive education

Mōu | Who You Are

You bring a deep understanding of the academic, social, and cultural experiences of students with accessibility needs and you can demonstrate experience in:

• Experience in providing high level support and advocacy for people with accessibility challenges in education/health/employment or another relevant sector.
• Tertiary Qualification – National Diploma (NZQA Level 5) in Education, Counselling, Psychology, Health and Social Sciences or relevant field is desirable.
• Expertise in working with students with challenges in mental health or neurodivergence.
• Practical teaching experience is desirable.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and compliance issues regarding the provision of support of tertiary students (Human Rights, health and Disability legislation Equal Employment Opportunity legislation and Treaty of Waitangi Te Tiriti o Waitangi Principles).
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The team in TRW|SAS are passionate and innovative in their approach to assist students with accessibility challenges by providing appropriate academic support with specialist and practical resources that enhance the student experience and optimise their personal, social and academic success. For more information about our team, please visit our website.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development and study opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts including UC RecCentre
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 14 April 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.*

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.