Learner Affairs Officer

at  Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Reporting to the Director, Learner Support Services, the Learner Affairs Officer (LAO) will provide service to learners enrolled in all programs at NOSM University.
The successful candidate will be assigned a rank of Learner Affairs Officer or Senior Learner Affairs Officer. The appropriate rank shall be determined at the time of initial appointment and shall take into account the successful candidates’ qualifications and experience, as outlined in Article 2.5 of the OPSEU NOSM Local 677 (Unit 1) Collective Agreement.
This position is covered by the Terms and Conditions of the OPSEU Local 677 Unit 1 Collective Agreement. A copy is available on the NOSM University website.

EDUCATION

• A University degree in one of the disciplines of Education, Social Work or Psychology or the like, from a recognized university with Canadian accreditation or its equivalent in knowledge and experience
• A relevant master’s degree (e.g. Counselling, Social Work or Psychology) would be preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Minimum one (1) year of demonstrated experience related to the position
• Demonstrable knowledge of counseling practices and the appropriate us of those guidance/intervention skills
• Computer office software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, internet)
• Office practices and procedures
• University student services programs
• NOSM University policies and procedures is an asset
• University administration policies and procedures is an asset
• The Occupational Health & Safety Act and regulations that apply to the work being performed
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a highly technological environment
• Deal with difficult situations and respond quickly and appropriately to resolve it
• Manage databases and maintain accurate records
• Analyze and solve problems typically associated with the responsibilities of a Learner Affairs Officer
• Use discretion and maintain confidentiality
• High ethical standards, honesty and integrity
• Organizational skills
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Work evening and/or weekend hours when needed
• Work within established organizational practices, protocols and policies
• Work in a consultative and collegial fashion with a variety of other units to further overall school strategic objectives
• A willingness to travel on behalf of NOSM University to fulfill his/her responsibilities

Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:
1. Learner Affairs Officers shall provide effective counseling and advising, creation and delivery of programs, and other duties including respecting principles of confidentiality in a manner consistent with the performance of their professional duties which includes but is not limited to respecting the rights of those counselled to withhold or withdraw consent to, or place conditions on, the disclosure of their information, as well as informing those counselled early in their relationship of the limits of confidentiality of information with respect to the need for disclosure of pertinent information to others.
Their work shall be performed in collaboration with NOSM University staff and faculty in a collegial fashion and within the scope of their training and professional qualifications with the understanding that formal counselor training and experience can be deemed to be met as per Article 2.5 (Appointment and Renewal) section 6.
2. Among other things, and under the supervision of the immediate supervisor the LAOs, shall:
a) work in collaboration with the immediate supervisor and other members of the Learner Support Services team to ensure that the accountabilities and responsibilities of the Learner Support Services Office are met;
b) be involved in the development, delivery, facilitation and evaluation of programs that support learner orientation, transition, wellness and career development;
c) coordinate new Learner Affairs staff orientation and training relating to Learner Affairs procedures, mentoring as appropriate.
d) be involved in the development of aspects of the necessary programs, protocols and procedures for the delivery of Learner Support Services programs;
e) maintain contact with the student affairs departments and the student health offices of the other Universities and medical school student affairs officers across Canada;
f) remain current on support programs at the Universities and in the communities that are available for learners;
g) counsel learners in need regarding the options available for the support services they need;
h) advise on career management processes through individual counseling, workshops and resource managements and work collaboratively with the Student Faculty Advisors (physician part time faculty) in all aspects of the development and implementation of their roles as contact persons for UME students concerning confidential career advising;
i) assist in the provision of proactive and responsive measures to maximize learner health, wellness and engagement;
j) respond to learners in a professional manner with the communications tools at our disposal;
k) produce a variety of reports as required by the University and their immediate supervisor;
l) participate on relevant committees and groups;
m) participate in periodic program evaluations.
3. A LAO Member’s professional activities related to counseling include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) personal, educational and career counseling/advising of individuals, small groups and/or their families, including activities such as interviewing clients, the assessment of learner needs using appropriate techniques, the referral of learners as deemed appropriate;
b) provide consultation services to Faculty and other persons or groups in the University (including on accreditation), community partners on matters related to the role of Learner Support Services;
c) assist in the development of accommodation plans in collaboration with the Accessibility Advisor to support learners with identified disabilities and/or exceptional special needs and liaise with persons or groups in the University and required community partners to accommodate needs;
d) the increased understanding of the needs, problems and characteristics of University learners, or of the University or some of its constituent parts, and the possible interaction of such needs, problems and characteristics;
e) the improvement of services rendered by the Office of Learner Support Services;
f) studies of counseling outcomes, methods, techniques and procedures and relevant legislation.
4. A LAO Member’s service activities may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
a) contributing to the effective operation of the Union by serving as an officer of the Union or on its Executive, or participating in the work of one of its committees or constituent parts as well as contributing to the effective operation of CAUT or OCUFA or OPSEU by serving on their governing bodies or participating in the work of their committees;
b) contributing to the effective operation of learned or professional societies by serving on their governing bodies or participating in the work of their committees;
c) contributing to community projects which are related to the role of the University;
d) contributing to administrative activities in the Office of Learner Support Services.