Indigenous Support Specialist

Job Summary

The Indigenous Support Specialist provides leadership in the development of organizational change
strategies and the implementation of initiatives that represent Indigenous perspectives in sexual
violence response and prevention programs. The incumbent works from a culturally-based,
trauma-informed perspective to empower survivors of sexual violence by reducing the impact of
trauma and secondary victimization through the coordination of support and accommodations
with key campus and community stakeholders. Additionally, this position will identify and foster
relationships with key partners including Indigenous communities, organizations, and other
institutions.

Organizational Status
The Indigenous Support Specialist reports to the Director, Sexual Violence Prevention & Response
Office and works collaboratively as a member of a team of professionals. The position plays an
integral role in crisis intervention, support, and case management for the UBC Community
members who have experienced sexual violence, and participates in the development and
implementation of initiatives that support Indigenous survivors accessing UBC’s Sexual
Misconduct Policy SC17.

Work Performed

• Provides crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy, and ongoing support in accordance with various Indigenous cultural practices and traditions as appropriate to the client, and promotes cultural safety for Indigenous survivors of sexual violence.

• Prioritizes service to self-identifying Indigenous survivors of sexual violence, and has the flexibility to serve non-Indigenous survivors of sexual violence when capacity permits.

• In consultation with key campus and community stakeholders; identifies, accesses, and coordinates appropriate academic and non-academic accommodations for survivors of sexual violence.

• Provides information, assistance, and accompaniment for clients. This may include the hospital, police, court, the Investigations Office and other campus or local resources as identified.

• Consults and collaborates with Indigenous units and stakeholders such as the Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation Committee (ISPIC) and the Indigenous Working Group.

• Facilitates and participates in case management meetings.

• Provides additional support and guidance to the university staff, advisors, and/or faculty involved in the case as required.

• Partners with key campus and community stakeholders to develop and implement referral and intervention protocols that; i. Expedite access to support and accommodations, ii. Facilitate the continuity and coordination of care and, iii. Address systemic barriers in order to increase safety and support.

• Provides information about relevant policies and procedures including UBC Policy SC 17, Sexual Misconduct and Sexualized Violence, Policy SC 7, Discrimination, Policy SC 13, Response to At-Risk Behaviour, and Policy SC 18, Retaliation, Safe Disclosure, and Reporting.

• Provides information about and assistance with reporting, investigations, and alternative dispute resolution processes, as well as clarifies the differences between criminal process and UBC’s investigatory process.

• Responds to allegations regarding acts of retaliation relating to a Disclosure, Report or Investigation of sexual violence and provides information about, assistance with, and referral to the appropriate faculty, staff, or student disciplinary process.

• Manages accurate case records and prepares supporting documentation and reports as required.

• Interprets university policy regarding sexual violence and misconduct, identifies areas for improvement, makes recommendations for change, and participates in review and revision of systems and protocols as appropriate.

• Participates in on-going evaluations of relevant policies, programs and services, and
  recommends improvements.

• Works with Indigenous Educator and key stakeholders across campus to provide departmental and individual consultation on issues related to the person who experienced harm, individuals who have caused harm, sexual assault, policy/procedures and best practices for supporting Indigenous survivors of sexual assault.

• Coordinates and/or collaborates on programs, projects, and special events related to sexual violence response and prevention. Performs other duties consistent with the position.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercise professional judgement in the provision of sexual violence response services and
prevention education, and acts as a cooperative team member of the Sexual Violence
Prevention and Response Office. Failure to meet the expectations of the job may create severe
hardship for prospective and current students, faculty, staff and visitors to UBC and/or severe
public relations or legal difficulties to the university.

Supervision Received
Works independently within established case management practice guidelines, University policy
and procedures, and relevant Federal and Provincial legislation. Works within a model of
collegial consultation and collaboration, under the direction of the Director, Sexual Violence
Prevention and Response Office.

Supervision Given
May supervise practicum students, student employees, and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Indigenous Studies, Gender Studies. Master’s degree preferred.

• Excellent working knowledge of the varied Indigenous cultural beliefs and practices pertaining to provision of trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual violence.

• Excellent working knowledge of Indigenous-specific health resources and the ability to facilitate timely referral and access for survivors.

• Excellent working knowledge and experience working with diverse or marginalized populations recognizing the diversity of survivor experience due to sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, radicalization, age, family status, religion, faith, ability, disability, national or ethnic origin, Indigeneity, immigration status, socioeconomic status, class, and language.

• Excellent working knowledge of relevant legislation, protocols, and best practices.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to plan ahead, direct the work of others, and ensure deadlines are met.

• Ability to take direction, lead others, and to function as an effective team member.

• Ability to manage projects and multi-task while paying attention to details.

• Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

• Group facilitation knowledge, design, skills, and experience an asset.