Indigenous Student Services Coordinator

Competition Details

Position Information Position Number S00357 Position Title Indigenous Student Services Coordinator Division/Portfolio Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation Department/Program Indigenous Student Services Location Kelowna Other Flexible Work Options Your Opportunity Under the general supervision of the Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and in close collaboration with other Indigenous Service Coordinators and members of College’s recruitment and student service teams, the Indigenous Student Services Coordinator facilitates the successful transition of Indigenous students from pre-application to graduation using a holistic, Indigenous student-centered lens.

A key function of this position is facilitating retention, working closely with enrolled Indigenous students. The position assists with the development and implementation of individualized educational plans as necessary and works to create a supportive and culturally enriched environment for Indigenous students. The Indigenous Student Services Coordinator initiates and maintains working relations with, and knowledge of, Indigenous communities, organizations, service providers, School Districts and other training institutions locally, regionally, and provincially.

The position acts as primary resource for prospective and current Indigenous students linking them with other resources and supports as needed and performing other related duties as required. Functions and Duties ENTRANCE ADVISING:1. Assists prospective and current Indigenous students to meet their personal career and educational objectives. Provides prospective Indigenous students with information and basic advice regarding OC programs, admission requirements, and suitability related to their learning/training objectives.

Refers Indigenous students to Educational Advisors for in-depth program and course advising information. Assists with OC processes including facilitating admissions and registration. Assists in interpreting College policy and regulations.
2. Assists in providing general educational advice. Provides one-on-one support by identifying and putting in place strategies and plans to assist Indigenous students with their successful transition into OC, their transition from one academic year to the next, and upon transferring or graduating from OC.3. Assists Indigenous students by helping to identify and then providing advice related to reducing or eliminating barriers to participation in post-secondary education (e.g. daycare, financial aid, academic readiness, and band funding).4. Maintains detailed records of student interviews.
MENTORING:1. Regularly communicates and interacts with Indigenous students, individually and/or collectively, to support their educational journey. Acknowledges the strengths of each student and maintains a focus on active listening, encouragement, and empowerment. Functions as an advocate as appropriate.
2. Recognizes when to provide trauma-informed support as a result of issues stemming from a history of systemic marginalization including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder and intergenerational trauma. Addresses concerns tactfully, taking into consideration confidentiality, and refers students to counselling, accessibility services or academic support services as needed.
3. Maintains lists/databases of current Indigenous students and student funding contacts. Assists Indigenous students in awareness of the range of services available from local Indigenous communities, organizations, and service providers. Refers students to community resources as needed.
4. Responsible for the smooth functioning of the regional Indigenous Student Centres. Leads or participates in the planning, organization, and delivery of culturally specific services on an annual basis. Refers students to additional services (e.g. Learning Centre, Counselling, Financial Aid & Awards, Accessibility Services, etc.), faculty, admissions and registration, and on-campus housing as needed. Recruits, hires, and supervises student employees (e.g. peer mentors) as needed to supplement the support network provided by Indigenous Services.
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