BCIT’s Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships is seeking a temporary, full-time (1.0 FTE) Indigenous Advisor. This position plays a key role in student success at BCIT by providing support to Indigenous students, both prospective and those enrolled in academic and non-academic programs and services. This includes liaison, recruitment, advising and providing opportunities for student success through retention initiatives. Works in collaboration with faculty, staff and BCIT partners to provide culturally safe support services to Indigenous students.

Specific duties include, consultation and guidance on academic course selection and planning, assessing student needs and recommending programs of study and optional pathways and when necessary referring students to appropriate BCIT supports including counselling, student life, financial aid, accessibility and learner services, and where necessary, to external supports e.g. ACCESS, Band Education Coordinators and external funders. This position works in collaboration with all departments and schools while maintaining an awareness and understanding of all services available to assist Indigenous students’ transition into, during and out of BCIT successfully.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides support, guidance and advice to Indigenous students on BCIT program selection, enrolment and admissions processes. Advises students on specific program entrance requirements and processes, provides successful applicant profile information and strategies for admission to competitive programs. Supports students who have received non-acceptance letters or those who are required to withdraw and helps to create an individual plan for an alternative BCIT program that may be more suited to their needs. Works one-to-one with students to understand their unique needs and facilitates appropriate referrals to specialized services. Acts as an advocate as appropriate. Provides support, guidance and advice to Indigenous students requiring help resolving issues that have the potential to affect retention and academic success. Advocate on behalf of students in complex situations. Supports and encourages confidence in students to pursue educational goals and provides Indigenous student success support referrals. Advises on appropriate upgrading options and assessment exams. Works in collaboration with faculty, departmental Advisors, other student services, and external supports (Education Coordinators/Funders) to help students with personal or academic needs. Supports students in distress to access immediate support and provides appropriate referrals. Maintains statistics and records on student contact and requests for services to assist in creating strategies that aim to improve service delivery. Liaises with post-secondary funders to help student secure sponsorship. Works in collaboration with IIP team to plan, organize and implement workshops, programs and events aimed at increasing Indigenous student retention and success. Conducts presentations and outreach activities in coordination with internal BCIT departments. Delivers workshops on topics relating to academic program planning and support services on and off campus as directed by the Associate Director. Researches, develops and produces advising resources for Indigenous students. Participates in meetings and events and liaises with Management, Faculty and Staff as well as with other internal and external organizations and associations, in matters related to Indigenous student support and services, as directed by Associate Director. Participates in IIP and BCIT events such as Big Info, Kickstart, Indigenous Youth Gathering. Creates and maintains a database of awards, grants, bursaries and scholarships available to Indigenous students and assists students with application completion and submission as required. Keeps up to date on best practices and trends related to Indigenous student support and assess alignment and relevance to BCIT’s Indigenous student population. Researches and maintains current and extensive knowledge of all BCIT domestic and international programs and scholarship opportunities, in order to effectively provide advice and guidance to Indigenous students. Remains up to date on labour market trends, education systems, understanding of designated regulatory bodies, employment opportunities for new graduates to ensure students are well informed about available options and skills required. Maintains current, in-depth knowledge of pertinent BCIT policies and services to ensure students are provided with accurate and consistent information. Coordinates with other departments for the evaluation of Indigenous students’ educational experience and basic skills/competences to provide appropriate academic advise and referrals. Researches and attends informational and training sessions on Indigenous student development, progression, retention and success. Remains current with technology used to provide advising services. Updates and contributes to the writing of training and procedures manuals for Indigenous Advisors and other positions across BCIT who work with Indigenous students. Assists Faculty with reasonable assignments related to programs and services involving Indigenous students, including but not limited to laboratories, lectures, tutorials seminars, course evaluation, student evaluation, course upgrading, curriculum development, program planning meetings, field trips, library liaison, invigilation of exams, and other administrative duties necessary for the normal operation of the department. Undertakes related duties as assigned by Associate Director, consistent with the job grade of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. A Master’s degree in Counselling, Education, Student development or other related discipline is an asset.

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge of and/or experience in a post-secondary education system with minimum of four years’ experience in a similar position. Demonstrated experience working directly with Indigenous peoples, communities or organizations and knowledge of Indigenous history and contemporary realities. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous student experiences and issues in post-secondary education. Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of initiative with the ability to work independently, establish own priorities, and to meet project deadlines.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and diplomacy. Experience leading discussion groups, circles or facilitating meetings. Demonstrated ability to make formal, effective presentations, and in public speaking. Ability to work autonomously and to work effectively as part of a team. Resourceful and committed to Indigenous student success. Willingness to work outside normal operating hours to support BCIT/IIP events.

Administrative Skills

Excellent facilitation techniques including the ability to respond appropriately to cues of others. Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with diverse academic and administrative staff. Excellent intercultural communication skills. Superior organizational and time management skills. Effective planning skills including the ability to manage projects and deadlines while setting and maintaining priorities. Excellent written and oral communication. Proficiency in computer applications including Word and Excel. Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to approximately 20 pounds. Valid BC Driver’s License and access to reliable personal transportation – mileage will be compensated.

Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

Competitive pay

Minimum of twenty-five days of vacation (or more, depending on your position) Competitive employer-paid extended health and dental plan – take a look at our benefit plans!

Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions

Professional Development funds and resources Access to most BCIT Flexible Learning courses free of charge Wellness and Employee Assistance programs Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time. For more information on our generous benefits, click here!

BCIT is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring for systemically oppressed groups who have been excluded from full participation at BCIT and the larger community. This includes Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2S/LGBTQIA+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact us using our contact form. Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal. Applications submitted through the contact form will not be accepted. For additional information, please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page and see how we hire.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Salary Range: $69,006 - $120,460 per annum.

Additional Salary Information: Salary prorated based on percentage and term of appointment. Salary based on education, experience and placement criteria as outlined in the Collective Agreement.