Indigenous Student Support Specialist
$86,882–$127,421 year
On-siteMain, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Job Summary
Provide general academic advising, student life support, and financial literacy workshops to Indigenous students through one-on-one, group, and remote sessions. Oversee a portfolio of programming, policy development, and events to improve student transition, retention, and experiences, including data-informed recruitment strategies and transfer agreements with UBC and SFU. Develop student success and leadership initiatives in close collaboration with students, faculty, knowledge keepers, and elders, while establishing wellness strategies and cultural supports. Manage communications for the Indigenous Engagement and Initiatives team and work with campus partners to enhance engagement with Indigenous sponsors and community stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline such as First Nations and Indigenous Studies
- Minimum five (5) years of recent related experience, preferably in a post-secondary environment
- Detailed understanding of the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples of British Columbia
- Detailed understanding of the systemic issues and barriers discouraging Indigenous students from pursuing and completing a post-secondary education
- Experience living and working within Indigenous communities
- Good understanding of Indigenous cultural values, practices, protocols, and ceremony
- Experience working with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Experience managing multiple projects
- Leading and implementing change resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency
- Understanding of the Canadian post-secondary system
- Understanding of strategic enrolment management concepts
- Understanding of academic policies and processes that contribute to a quality post-secondary experience
- Willingness and ability to complete Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid, CPR and AED training
- Willingness and ability to complete Mental Health First Aid training
- Willingness and ability to complete Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) training
- Willingness and ability to complete Safe Talk training
- Willingness and ability to complete Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) training
- Willingness and ability to complete Positive Space training
- Willingness and ability to complete Naloxone training
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
- Ability to exercise initiative
- Ability to exercise discretionary judgment
- Ability to act with tact, diplomacy and integrity
- Ability to effectively engage with students of diverse ages and backgrounds
- Ability to support students during high stress situations
- Intercultural and interpersonal skills to navigate sensitive topics and situations
- Demonstrated understanding of the principle of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism
- Proficiency in the use of student information management systems
- Proficiency in standard office applications
- Prior training in trauma-informed practices
- Ability to mediate conflicts and facilitate resolutions
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Forms, and SharePoint)
- Good understanding of social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms used for student communications
- Indigenous identity (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Canada)
Desired Qualifications
- Land based experiences and knowledge
- Experience working with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers
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