Indigenous Student Success Coordinator
Durham College
- Oshawa, ON
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Plans and co-ordinates the E-mentoring and transitions programming for Indigenous students
- Co-ordinates, liaises and facilitates campus visits from the Indigenous Education Managers who are required to monitor the academic progress of sponsored students.
- Advocates on the behalf of sponsored Indigenous students to funding organizations.
- Promotes and advises current and potential students on academic policies and available supports such as financial aid opportunities.
- Provides individual student supports through coaching to promote persistence, increase retention and enhance student success.
- Arranges sessions and opportunities for Indigenous students to connect with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Holders within the centre and in community.
- Provides referrals for students to both on and off-campus resources to meet the individual needs of the student with a holistic approach (for example: social, economic, health, and academic needs).
- Collaborates on the development of the student calendar of events with colleagues in FPIC (for example, ceremonies, traditional teachings, celebrations, transitions programs).
- Works with students to develop holistic, balanced success plans to promote well-being and community engagement.
- Participates in activities such as Open House events, new student orientations, information sessions, and community events.
- Provides Indigenous voice on various campus communities, and participates in community circles/committees and initiatives promoting collaborative approaches to Indigenous wellness, education and service delivery, where required.
- Assists with special projects such as student surveys and focus groups in order to evaluate services.
- Conducts regular programming evaluations.
- Updates Indigenous Services online content. Including but not limited to assisting in developing marketing and promotional materials content.
- Addresses Indigenous student inquiries, including email, Live Chat, phone, and in-person visits.
- A minimum of a three-year advanced diploma or degree with a focus in Indigenous Studies, or an equivalent combination of academic preparation and experience may be considered.
- The incumbent must have a minimum of three years of progressive and relevant experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations in the human services field.
- Knowledge of student development theory, post-secondary programs and policies is essential.
- Must have significant Traditional Knowledge including cultural protocols, traditional governance, Traditional Ways of Knowing; this is attained through years of Elders teachings, participation in ceremony and close community ties and relationships.
- Understanding of Indigenous viewpoints and political climate, strong advocacy and diplomacy skills, ability to reconcile diverse viewpoints, foster co-operations and work collaboratively.
- Ability to work and communicate across cultures and articulate Indigenous worldview within the post secondary environment.
- Intermediate level computer skills in Microsoft Office.
- Experience using trauma-informed approaches to learning, engagement, mediation, and facilitation.
- Extensive knowledge and/or direct experience of the social and academic challenges and needs of Indigenous students.
- Experience delivering culturally safe workshops, events, and gatherings for Indigenous peoples.
- Experience in helping people in crisis and the ability to apply this knowledge when advising students.
- Extensive knowledge of, and ability to collaborate and liaison with Indigenous students, and local First Nations and Indigenous community organizations.
- Demonstrated understanding and preferably lived experience of the potential impact of systemic discrimination with respect to academic opportunities and performance.
- Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and objectivity.
- Proven judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
- The following training/ certifications would be considered an asset:
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Life Promotion / Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention – ASIST Training
- Inclusion and Equity Training/ Certification
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Training
- Advocacy, Information & Referral Training
- Workshop Facilitation Training
- Decolonizing Education Certificate