Student Advocate

at  Concordia University

Position Number: 50021066
Department: Student Advocacy Office
Grade: GR09
Campus: Sir George Williams (Downtown)
Salary: $60,236.43 - $71,942.51 per annum
Union/Association/HR Policy: CUPEU
Posting deadline: April 2, 2024
Recognized as Canada’s top university under the age of 50, and one of Montreal’s top Employers, Concordia University is the place to be if you are looking to grow, contribute and innovate in a dynamic and multicultural environment.
Be part of a community that addresses society’s big challenges, supports your personal and professional growth, and makes a real impact in building a more sustainable world.
As a member of our community, you will have access to comprehensive benefits, a defined pension plan and numerous on site well-being facilities such as a state of the art gym and health clinic as well as a variety of educational and cultural opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of related work experience preferably in a university environment and in dealing with the Academic Code of Conduct, Code of Rights and Responsibilities and regulations.
• Excellent spoken and written English and French (level 4) to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students and to draft correspondence, documentation, and reports. Knowledge of other languages is considered an asset.
• Good knowledge (intermediate level) of SharePoint, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of the Student Information System (SIS) is considered an asset.
• Ability to develop a solid understanding of the processes associated with the management of a case such as the granting of Appeals, Appeal Hearings, and recourse to the Board of Governors.
• Experience in dealing compassionately with individuals in sometimes difficult personal situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal sensitively with individuals.
• Proven skills in managing multiple cases with minimal supervision.
• Aptitude to work in a service-oriented environment as both a member of a team and independently.
• Strong planning, organizing, decision-making and problem-solving skills and advocacy skills; keen attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure in a team environment and be results-oriented.
• Flexible to work outside normal operating hours when needed for student hearings.
• Ability to work with students that are under stress, with a wide range of concerns including mental health difficulties, financial insecurity, interpersonal issues, and academic difficulties.
• Ability or experience working with underrepresented populations (i.e., BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+), and understanding of intersectionality.
• Knowledge of legal argumentation and interpretation is considered an asset.
• Prior experience working in an advisory capacity and/or delivering workshops considered an asset.
  Due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted by our Talent Team.
  Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic and administrative functions of the university, proficiency in English and French, as indicated, is required.

TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

• Advise students and provide information on academic and non-academic codes, policies, and procedures, with an emphasis on the Academic Code of Conduct and the Code of Rights and Responsibilities; advise students concerning policies and procedures.
• Analyze and strategize on each student case to determine what course of action to follow; prepare students for and accompany them to Interviews with the Deans (or delegate) and/or a Hearing/Appeal Panel involving charges of academic or non-academic misconduct, when necessary.
• Liaise and collaborate with various Departments, Faculties, Associate Deans and School of Graduate Studies (SGS), the Office of Rights and Responsibilities, the Ombuds Office, etc., regarding student cases.
• Liaise with student advocates on case files and participate in training and meetings of the Student Advocacy Office.
• Document all information and communication on the systems used by the unit.
• Create resource materials and directly coach students to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities to effectively participate in formal processes.
• Keep up to date with best practices in supporting students who present with mental health and behavioral challenges, attend training and professional development.
• Participate in outreach activities and conduct information sessions and workshops targeted to specific groups of students and/ or faculty.
• Provide referrals to support services within the University as well as community agencies.
• Participate in outreach activities and set up booths at information fairs held on both campuses and virtually as required.
• Give information sessions, workshops and participate in panels dealing with academic integrity and promotion of the Student Advocacy Office.
• Perform other duties as required.