Indigenous Student & Cultural Services Coach (Temporary Part Time: June 2021 - February 2022) - Jobs in Hamilton, ON

Job Description

The Indigenous Student & Cultural Services Coach reports to the Manager, Indigenous Education & Student Services. In alignment with Mohawk College’s mission and values, the incumbent assists Indigenous students in navigating the processes and procedures at the College to ensure they complete all necessary activities needed during their academic career. The activities are primarily focused on the Indigenous Education and Student Services Office and students, however the incumbent will be conversant and able to assist on all aspects of Student Services, depending on the needs of the student.As a primary point of contact for Mohawk Indigenous students, the incumbent must be able to respond to, investigate and resolve a diverse number of inquiries from students, staff, faculty and other departments. The incumbent must also develop strong relationships and work collaboratively with staff in the Indigenous Education and Student Services Office as well as with other areas of Student Services and College stakeholders.The incumbent will deliver guidance with the highest quality support and customer service to Indigenous students, staff and all associated client services. This is a key role in providing services to Mohawk’s students, thereby supporting Indigenous student recruitment, enrolment, retention and success. The successful candidate will be an Indigenous student-focused individual that supports and instils continuous process improvements to ensure services meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders, as well as encourage Indigenous leadership, engagement and Identity among the students.RESPONSIBILITIES:The duties of this position will include, but are not limited to the following:Student FacingBased on the Indigenous Student Service Model and in concert with the Mohawk College’s Advising Model, the scope of ‘coaching’ is defined primarily by ‘explanatory’ advising however ‘transaction and prescriptive’ advising is also defined within this model. More in-depth developmental work should be referred to the appropriate Advisors or Counsellors. Coaching also includes:Pre-scheduled coaching sessions – meeting with Indigenous students who have booked time with the incumbent;Drop-in coaching sessions – allotting time each day/week to meet with Indigenous students who arrive with questions who did not book a session ahead of time;Group coaching sessions – scheduling and promoting open sessions (or presentations) on a regular basis to groups of Indigenous students on timely topics;Alternative coaching sessions (email, phone or online) – providing coaching to Indigenous students (individual, group or drop-in) over the phone or using technologies such as conference calls, e-Learn, Skype etc. Session notes and data capture. The incumbent keeps detailed interaction and session notes using the college’s student relationship management software (i.e. Clockwork, Banner, Contact Centre, Ministry systems) and ensures notes are in compliance with departmental and College guidelines and policies. Keeps consistent counts of advising and support activities and submits regular (i.e. monthly and annually) reports to management, as required.Responsible for ‘direct service’ inquiries concerning Indigenous student services programs, procedures and processes, and making appropriate and timely referrals to areas of the College as needed, in alignment with the Mohawk Advising Model and professional standards of the International Coaching Federation (with a focus on explanatory-type coaching).Outreach and Integration in the Promotion of Indigenous Education and Student Services’ Information, Services and ProgramsProposes and tracks engagement strategies and proposed timelines to increase Indigenous student engagement in Mohawk College and the Indigenous Education and Student Services office and sometimes broader student community.Monitor and track proposed engagement strategies and timelines.Prepares material, organizes and delivers presentations to stakeholders.Responds to requests within the college community to promote opportunities and Indigenous student services programs by presenting to groups in the community.Engages and assists Indigenous students in cultural programming that promotes leadership, culture and identity (in partnership with Indigenous programmer).Engage and assist Indigenous students who are interested in forming an Indigenous Leaders Student group. Perform outreach with student group to bring awareness of student group and the Indigenous Education and Student ServicesProvides User and Technical ExpertiseUtilizing both online and in person resources to ensure Indigenous students are completing the appropriate steps to navigate various applications and are supported as they start their academic career at Mohawk.Provides feedback, suggestions and recommendations for continuous improvements on current processes and ensures up-to-date procedures are in place including:Provides ongoing critiquing of the existing systems with the goal to reduce manual processing and enhance customer service.Recommends and develops, in collaboration with other partners, system and process enhancements to improve service to students.Support departmental workload redistribution during key times of the year and during employee absenteeism, ensuring that all areas of the office are covered in the most efficient way.Prepares social media information and material for approval.Other Duties as AssignedQUALIFICATIONS:The successful applicant must have:Minimum 2 year Diploma in Business Administration, Business General, Office Administration or a diploma in a related fieldA minimum of 2 years of practical experience providing coaching/advising, including one-to-one and group/workshop formats within a post-secondary setting is required.Counselling Techniques Certificate, Career Consultant Certificate or certificate in related field.Additional certificates or designations in Teaching, Adult Education or Student Affairs would be an assetKnowledge of Indigenous community resources and Indigenous protocols.Knowledge of Indigenous culture, beliefs and practicesDemonstrated commitment and understanding of human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion with the ability to communicate and work effectively inter-culturally with diverse groups of students, employees and the communityThe successful candidate will also be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and attitudes obtained through previous work experience:Post-secondary education – experience working with post-secondary students and applicants is strongly preferred.Event planning/project management – demonstrated experience coordinating student success workshops and managing projectsCultural Competency – demonstrated experience working with and supporting an Indigenous student/applicant population.Approachable and relatable to all members of College community – ability to positively relate to applicants, students, faculty, staff, administration and the general public in a variety of situations (one-to-one and groups) is essential.Computer proficiency/experience – proficiency in and experience with business computer applications including MSOffice (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) plus internet researching skills is necessary. Ability to learn and adapt to new software applications is important.Team oriented: demonstrated intrapersonal skills and an ability to work effectively in a team environment is essential.Language and communication proficiency – strong communication and writing skills.Mohawk College is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.Mohawk College thanks all applicants for their interest in employment; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.Mohawk College is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the HR Department at 905-575-2047.