Indigenous Education Navigator

Posting Number SS0077

Division Access & Regions

Department Indigenous Education

Supervisor Title Executive Director, Indigenous Education

Location Comox Valley(CV)

Posting Type Internal/External Posting

Position Status Temporary

If Others, please specify

Desired Start Date 07/26/2021

Position End Date (if temporary) 07/22/2022

Weekly work schedule (please indicate the start and end times for each day of work)

Regular working hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

NOTE: There will be an option for evening shifts on Wednesdays, with work day ending 6:00 p.m.

% 100

Pay Grade K:
Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Indigenous Education, the Indigenous Education Navigator responds to North Island College’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action by removing barriers, establishing relationships, and promoting Indigenous ways of knowing and being in a culturally sensitive manner.

The Indigenous Education Navigator is aware of the Mission and Values of North Island College, incorporating and practicing these values in everything they do. The Indigenous Education Navigators work together as a team to support overarching goals within their individual regions as appropriate.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Academic/Financial Advising
• Recruitment
• Community Involvement/Outreach
• Student Enhancement/Retention and Development
• Collaboration with Indigenous Education Department

The Indigenous Education Navigator provides information on College programs and courses, including admissions eligibility and the registration process to Indigenous students and prospective students. The Indigenous Education Navigator assists students in the preparation of educational plans and exploration of career options by providing information and advising on eligibility and selection criteria, funding opportunities as well as participating in College recruitment activities. The Indigenous Education Navigator will have a strong working knowledge of funding opportunities for Indigenous students. Knowledge and experience of issues affecting Indigenous education in Canada is necessary and sensitivity to the needs of adult Indigenous learners is essential.

Position Competencies

• Job Knowledge
• Judgment
• Teamwork
• Planning & Organization
• Customer Service Excellence
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides information on College programs and courses to Indigenous students and prospective students, and assists students in the development of educational and career options using a variety of communication methods, including group presentations;
• Promotes the image, mission and professionalism of the College through effective first point-of-contact service, providing student orientation packages, conducting tours of facilities and representing North island College, as necessary;
• Develops and maintains information to support educational advising, including information on Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs from BC post-secondary institutions and general information on programs offered by other Canadian institutions;
• Identifies students with a need for assessment testing and incorporates results in preparation for educational advising;
• Advises students on available and applicable financial assistance programs and assists students in the preparation of applications for financial assistance with particular focus on available funding within Indigenous communities;
• Reviews assessment results with students and identifies upgrading requirements and options;
• Where appropriate, refers students to Counselors;
• Develops and maintains open communication and effective working relationships with the local First Nations, Tribal Councils and other Indigenous funding agencies relating to educational plans for students;
• Provides advising services on a regular basis to local high schools and other community partners;
• Assists in organizing special events that enrich the social and educational experience of North Island College Indigenous students as required;
• Assists and participates in the development and practice of creative recruitment activities with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous students;
• Works in conjunction with the student services team to provide input and support;
• Performs other duties related to the function, as assigned by the Director, Indigenous Education.

Required Education & Experience

• Successful completion of a minimum of four years post-secondary education. Bachelor degree preferred;
• Three to five years of experience in a comparable environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess experience and an understanding of Indigenous cultural and educational issues and have recent experience working with Indigenous students, or in a First Nations related setting.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office and ability to use the internet extensively;
• Knowledge/experience with a database student records system;
• Good knowledge and understanding of North Island College programs and courses, as well as good referral techniques to transfer information in the BC post-secondary system;
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills, communication, and conflict resolution skills and the ability to work effectively with both the public and College staff;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work independently in a busy multi-tasking, heavy volume environment;
• Proven ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and use good judgment, tact and diplomacy;
• Ability to speak in public, organize presentations, and write information material in a clear and concise manner;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license;
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.

The College received Special Program Approval by the BC Human Rights Tribunal to give preference to the hiring of a person of Indigenous ancestry for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please scan copies of your transcripts into one document for attachment. If your transcripts are not available at the time of application, please attach a letter or certificate of confirmation from the educational institution.

Posting Open Date 06/07/2021

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes