Travel Specialist

Career Opportunity

What You Will Do

• Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Initiatives, you will be responsible for creating and implementing and directly participating in Travel Training plans and strategies for the Wheel-Trans Transformation Program that supports Wheel-Trans customer engagement in utilizing the conventional TTC accessible services (bus, streetcar and subway).
• You will assess the customers' individual needs and abilities and strategically generate a customized conventional route plan that incorporates all of the necessary accessibility accommodations. The customers' disability will be considered; whether physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental health and an effective and appropriate lesson plan will be developed to ensure training is delivered in a format that is understood.
• You will be providing the customer with the resources they need in order to travel safely and independently on the TTC's conventional network, and the tools they need to be successful. You will also be responsible for determining and communicating in a sensitive manner when customers are unable to safely and effectively travel on the TTC’s conventional network.
• You will plan strategies for TTC Travel Training based on the AODA compliance requirements.
• You will ensure Travel Training program initiatives and information delivery are accurate and consistent with internal standards, standard operating procedures, best practices, corporate policies and applicable legislation.
• You will provide consultation to Wheel-Trans in the design, delivery, and evaluation of Travel Training programs.
• You will liaise with the Training and Development Department, Human Resources, Corporate Communications, and the TTC’s Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit to facilitate support for the implementation of new programs.
• You will act as the front-line face of TTC Travel Training and support the TTC's Family of Services model with focus on preparing customers for travel solutions that best meet with their abilities.
• You will develop targeted travel training plans, customer recruitment strategies, and be responsible for meeting department KPIs.
• You will offer various modes of travel training, including but not limited to; one-on-one, group sessions, vehicle/station familiarization, route design, and virtual/phone training, and classroom settings to educate customers with disabilities on how best to access conventional fixed route services, and how to successfully execute a route of their choice.
• You will anticipate, identify, and mitigate potential travel barriers through effective route planning strategies with consideration of the customer’s needs.
• You will deliver instructional training to customers in a clear and concise format that is accessible to their individualized learning needs.
• You will be required to participate in TTC sponsored events and community outreach which are often held during evening hours and weekends.
• You will develop and deliver high level presentations to management and staff when required, to share and review program status and project initiatives.

What Skills Do You Bring?

What Qualifications Do You Bring?

• Your educational background will consist of a university degree in health sciences or social services, with educational credentials relating to accessibility and working with people with singular or multiple disabilities (physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health) or a combination of education, training, and experience deemed to be equivalent.
• Your application will indicate proven experience and skills obtained through working directly with physically, cognitively and mental health disabled populations. Familiarity with the use and functioning of mobility devices and how this equipment is best maneuvered throughout a public transit network.
• Your application must entail experience as a direct service provider in a one-on-one environment.
• In addition, your extensive knowledge of, and familiarity with the TTC’s conventional transit system and routes including bus, streetcar and subway, with an emphasis on accessibility and all accessibility features must be evident in your application.
• You must have proven ability to deliver and adapt teaching style to best suit the customer’s level of understanding, and teaching in an appropriate sequential format.
• You must have an understanding of various disability cultures and using politically correct terminology when referencing disabilities.
• You must be skilled in understanding and interpreting maps, schedules, use of transit apps, and identification of compass directions.
• Your application will reveal knowledge about all wayfinding and accessibility features found throughout the network on each of the various conventional modes.
• Experience teaching blind and visually impaired populations and understanding the use of mobility canes and service animals would be considered a definite asset.
• Experience working with individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities (including but not limited to the deaf/hard of hearing, Deaf/blind), would be considered a definite asset.
• Strong communication skills, with an understanding of different communication modes (ASL, communication boards, etc.) would be considered a definite asset.
• The ability to effectively communicate in another language would be considered an asset.
• You must be comfortable with public speaking, leading groups of people, and participating in public events.
• Your application will reveal proficiency with computer skills, and proficient with the Microsoft Office environment and related software.
• You must have access to you’re a personal vehicle and be willing to use personal vehicle for employment purposes.
• You must have a valid Province of Ontario Class "G" Driver’s License.
• You must have the ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends if required.
• Additional certifications such as CPR-B and basic first aid certified would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of community agencies and resources within the City of Toronto that provide services to persons with disabilities.
• Awareness of use and navigation on public transit in surrounding municipalities (York Region, Region of Peel, Metrolinx, MiWay, Durham Transit) for cross boundary travel.
• You must have sound knowledge, and be Informed of upcoming transit projects and improvements, and transit related programs (support person cards, Presto, Fair Pass Program, Eglinton Crosstown, One Fare, etc.)
  

What We Offer

• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that promotes a sense of belonging and represents and reflects the needs of the communities we serve.
• A flexible, hybrid work approach that allows colleagues to find balance between their professional and personal lives and making the most of the benefits of working remotely and purpose-driven in-person collaboration opportunities.
• One of the great benefits of being a full-time TTC employee is becoming a member of the TTC defined pension plan.
• A comprehensive package that covers health, dental, vision and more.
• Support for professional development opportunities for all colleagues through a broad range of learning programs that include in-person and online training, leadership development, and support for colleagues’ well-being.