Indigenous Student Success Coordinator

Support Staff

Oshawa • ID: SS23-122 • Full-Time/Regular

About Durham College:

Durham College (DC) is leading the way as a post-secondary institution, offering an innovative and transformative student experience and hands-on learning opportunities. With this focus top of mind for our students and our employees, DC is proud to be one of the fastest-growing colleges in the province and annually ranked as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers.

The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, justice, media, art and design.

With a focus on experiential learning, DC graduates are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need. More than 104,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

Serving the Durham Region and community for over 50 years, with campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, the college offers over 12,500 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 full-time post-secondary programs – including 5 honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. Led by over 1,860 full- and part-time staff, DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region.

DC recognizes that Indigenization is a continuous process requiring each member of our campus community to actively commit to reconciliation, with the goal of building respectful, reciprocal relationships that will contribute to better educational outcomes for all students. Inherent among this commitment is our pledge to uphold the seven principles of the Indigenous Education

Protocol for Colleges and Institutes Canada, of which DC is a proud signatory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Initiatives, the incumbent works out of the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) and develops, coordinates, promotes, assesses and reports on programming and initiatives for potential and current Indigenous students of Durham College focusing on every stage of the student academic life cycle. The incumbent provides individual holistic culturally relevant supports to meet the needs of Indigenous students through mentorship and guidance promoting persistence, increasing retention, and enhancing student success while creating a sense of community on campus.

The Indigenous Student Success Coordinator is responsible for the timely delivery of strategic retention and academic support services as identified in the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Indigenous Student Success Fund planning and implementing strategies to improve student retention and graduation rates.

The coordinator will also participate on cross college committees and advisory circles advocating for the needs of Indigenous learners and the diverse needs of Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Student Support:

• 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.

Administration

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived experience as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person, and experience working with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and/or organizations.
• 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 TrainingLife Promotion / Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention – ASIST TrainingInclusion and Equity Training/ CertificationAlternative Dispute Resolution TrainingAdvocacy, Information & Referral TrainingWorkshop Facilitation TrainingDecolonizing Education Certificate

Durham College policy requires employees be available for on campus work.

Under Section 24(1) (a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the College will be giving preference to applicants who identify as being of Indigenous heritage (including First Nations, Metis or Inuit). The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, traditions and spirituality including an understanding of the historical and current relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada. The incumbent understands and appreciates the importance of culturally appropriate protocols for Indigenous peoples.

Telephone:

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Required Skills

Salary: Starting Rate: $41.12; Four Year Rate: $47.67

Required Experience

Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon – Fri (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

Reporting To: Director, Indigenous Initiatives, First Peoples Indigenous Centre