Student Support Coordinator (Indigenous Services) Full Time

Your Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Student Services and working with the integrated Indigenous Services team, the Student Support Coordinator (SSC) is a first point of contact for Indigenous learners navigating social and emotional challenges that may impact their educational journey. Rooted in the principles of trauma-informed practice and Indigenous cultural understanding the SSC responds to, and triages student issues raised either in-person or via online means. Using a relationship based, holistic, and student development lens, the SSC works with individual learners to understand and identify the barriers to their success. Working closely with the Student Support Specialist, and Indigenous Student Services Coordinators (ISSC), the SSC focuses on the provision of advocacy, support, and advice with emphasis placed on creating a welcoming non-judgmental space, assisting the learner navigate complex systems, facilitating barrier-free referrals and elevating multi-faceted and complex cases as needed. In addition to working with Indigenous learners directly, the SSC understands client centred models of service and the complex barriers facing Indigenous learners and raises awareness of and promotes learner supports, policies, and procedures, as well as engages in the creation and maintenance of print and online informational resources. The SSC works collaboratively with learners, instructors, staff, and external agencies to foster environments where Indigenous learners feel welcomed, heard, and supported.

Functions and Duties
1. Acts as a first point of contact for Indigenous learners, professors, instructors, and staff to
provide basic advice, triage concerns, and facilitate supportive and appropriate referrals,
learning environments, and experiences.
2. Provide one-on-one support to Indigenous learners, helping them navigate and access social
systems and service supports, and overcome barriers such as racism, poverty, trauma, or
cultural disconnection.
3. Elevates complex learner concerns that include but are not limited to crisis support,
including sexualized violence, to the Student Support Specialist, Counselling Services,
Disability Access Services, and any other relevant student support service.
4. Creates safe, predictable, and empowering spaces for learners to express needs and
explore solutions. Applies trauma-informed and culturally informed principles in all
interactions, recognizing the impact of intergenerational trauma and systemic inequities
faced by Indigenous peoples.
5. Reviews and responds to all referrals made through any online early alert or reporting
system. Maintains consistent communication and follow-up to ensure learners feel
supported throughout their academic journey.
6. Maintains up to date records and prepares reports as required.
7. Provides directions to instructors and staff on the different ways to refer learners to
Student Services.
8. Designs and delivers training, awareness, and education opportunities related to student
support, policies, and procedures to students, instructors, professors, and staff.
9. Works closely with Indigenous Student Services Coordinators, instructors, and staff to ensure
consistent messaging and culturally safe practices.
10. Participates in institutional initiatives related to Truth and Reconciliation, and the Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.
11. Develops print and online informational resources for dissemination, including for
distribution across social media channels.
12. Develops and strengthens internal and external partnerships and maintains current
knowledge of community-based resources across the entire Okanagan College region.
13. Provides coverage for the Student Services Office as needed
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Diploma in a related area is required (e.g. Education, Social Work, Indigenous Studies). A minimum of five years’ work experience in a post-secondary or support worker setting supporting students or clients is required. Training in culturally informed practice and trauma informed care is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with an aptitude for
working in a collegial and collaborative environment.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to create non-judgmental, welcoming service approach.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills with superior attention
to detail and accuracy
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office.
• Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with both internal and external
contacts.
• Able to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a variety of external agencies.
• Able to effectively manage priorities and ensure quality service delivery.
• Must have strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent facilitation skills.