About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham 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, media, art and design.
Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Position Information:
Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity
Pay band: J
Salary: Starting Rate: $42.56; Four Year Rate: $49.34
Department: First Peoples Indigenous Centre
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
Campus Location: Oshawa, 5 days onsite
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.
Experience working in post-secondary education is preferred.
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