Indigenous Recruitment and Student Advisor

at  Queens University

Indigenous Recruitment and Student Advisor
About Queen’s University
Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
Come work with us!
Job Summary
Situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory, Queen’s is a leading Canadian university with a long-standing reputation for academic and research excellence, as well as a diverse and vibrant learning environment. Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS), in partnership with the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), is co-developing a program for training health professionals living along the western James Bay coast. The Queen’s Weeneebayko Health Education Program marks a new approach to educating and supporting Indigenous youth to pursue careers in healthcare and provides a unique model for transforming Indigenous health across Canada.
Reporting to the Associate Dean, Indigenous Health, the Indigenous Recruitment and Student Advisor is responsible for the development and implementation of initiatives that will increase both enrolment of and support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (Indigenous) students within Health Sciences Academic and Professional Programs. The Advisor will a special focus on supporting Indigenous youth in the WAHA communities and the nearby James Bay coast to access health sciences education. The Indigenous Recruitment and Student Advisor will liaise closely with Faculty leads in the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing and the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, admissions personnel, Office of Equity and Social Accountability, and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives to fulfill program-specific recruiting objectives and to ensure culturally relevant supports are accessible to Indigenous students.
The Indigenous Recruitment and Student Advisor also acts as primary resource person to Indigenous students in the Faculty to support the academic success, wellness, and retention of Indigenous students. It is expected that the Advisor collaborates with the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre to provide culturally relevant, responsive, holistic student support services to Indigenous students which includes the provision of academic advising, career counseling, and personal support services (e.g. study skills, finances, career goals, housing, etc.). The Advisor will implement, and support university wide strategies and programs in support of Indigenous students and provide information about relevant resources available at Queen’s and in the local community. The Advisor will work collaboratively with the WAHA-Queen’s Project Team to facilitate recruitment to the new campus.
The schedule for this position requires the incumbent to regularly travel within Ontario, occasionally across Canada, and to occasionally work variable hours including evenings and weekends. It is expected that travel to Moosonee and surrounding James Bay coast communities will also be required.
Job Description

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Indigenous ancestry and demonstrated connection with an Indigenous community and other Indigenous networks.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, communities, customs, practices, and communication styles required. Demonstrated knowledge of an Indigenous language spoken by First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis Peoples would be considered an asset.
• University degree combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of the medical, nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy professions and courses of study, admission requirements, and general structure and function of universities preferred. Demonstrated understanding of admissions processes for health professions programs would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the Moosonee and James Bay Coast area.
• Experience in counseling/advising/supporting Indigenous students.
• Familiarity with university life and activities and knowledge of university policies and priorities would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the needs and experiences of Indigenous students, with specific understanding of the complexity of cultural adjustment processes for Indigenous students entering university.
• Previous leadership experience, preferably within the Indigenous community.
• Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s licence required.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check (‘CPIC’) with Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Keen understanding of the Indigenous student experience, communities and organizations.
• Ability to articulate an Indigenous worldview within a post-secondary educational context.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to empathize and communicate effectively with Indigenous clients and the Queen’s University community
• Proven judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, equity issues.
• Able to work independently to organize, plan, and self-initiate both long-term and short-term goals.
• Ability to analyze data and provide statistical reports on activities.
• Ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively within a small group setting.
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail, time management, and the ability to set and balance evolving priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public presentation ability.
• Strong relationship-building skills combined with an ability to develop and proactively use networks to build rapport and seek or provide help.
• Client service orientation to understand, interpret and respond to needs and expectations proactively.
• Strong computer and office skills.
• Professional and respectful of client confidentiality.