Indigenous Student Health Sciences and Community Services Advisor

at  Saskatchewan Polytechnic

JOB DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES(QSA)

Job Duties

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (QSA)

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Nursing, Human Sciences or a related field of study.
2. Minimum of two years recent and relevant experience providing coaching, counselling, or advisement to Indigenous people, preferably in a post-secondary institution.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the network of social, financial and support agencies in the communities which serve Indigenous people.
4. Effective communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
5. Effective organization, problem-solving and planning skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, develop and foster collaborative, positive working relationships and partnerships with a variety of groups and stakeholders.
7. Ability to be self-directed.
8. Demonstrated skills in the use of common computer software packages such as MS Office, Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
9. Demonstrates valuing diversity.

JOB DUTIES

The role of the Indigenous Health Sciences and Community Services Student Advisor is designed to enhance the recruitment, retention and success of Health Sciences and Community Services students of Indigenous ancestry. Reporting to the Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences, the Indigenous Health Sciences and Community Services Student Advisor works as a part of a team within the School of Health Sciences and Community Services to implement our Indigenous Student Success Strategy- miyo wahkohtowin, support the transition to the post-secondary environment and changing living arrangements, as well as support the retention and success of Health Sciences and Community Services students of Indigenous ancestry.
The successful candidate will be knowledgeable and respectful of the diverse cultural perspectives and practice and possess the interpersonal skills to interact effectively with groups of diverse students, faculty, staff and community members. The incumbent will provide support and retention services that focus primarily on Indigenous Health Sciences and Community Services students, but may include students from other backgrounds. The incumbent will promote all Saskatchewan Polytechnic Health Sciences and Community Services programs in Indigenous communities and across the province, in collaboration with other agency partners and student role models.
1. Work as a team member to provide academic and personal advisement and support to Indigenous Health Sciences and Community Services students and to students from other backgrounds as required.
2. Contact each Indigenous Health Sciences and Community Services student on admission into the program to provide information and answer questions.
3. Conduct an orientation to the Health Sciences and Community Services programs with students and their families.
4. Support the transition to a post-secondary and urban environment of the student and family.
5. Arrange / facilitate student support services such as counselling, tutors, access to elders, access to cultural activities, and financial application support.
6. Establish proactive student centred relationships with campus community, Indigenous student centres, student development, enrolment services, and elders.
7. Liaise with high school guidance counsellors, funding agencies, sponsors, community and cultural agencies.
8. Facilitate problem-solving with students.
9. Provide support for the achievement of personalized student learning plans in collaboration with the program and student development.
10. Facilitate group processes such as sharing circles and study circles.
11. Assist students in obtaining summer employment.
12. Participate in student advisor activities and committees at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
13. Maintain records of student related information and program statistics.
14. Travel will be required. Ability to work irregular hours is required.
15. Other duties as assigned.