Indigenous Student Advisor

The University of Victoria seeks an Indigenous Student Advisor to develop and deliver programming for Indigenous students with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Responsibilities include academic accommodations, training on inclusion, and advising support. The role requires knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural competency, and experience in a post-secondary setting. The position is remote and may involve occasional in-person interactions and after-hours work.
Reporting to the CAL Associate Director, this role is responsible for the development and on-going delivery of programming for Indigenous students with a disability or chronic health condition. This includes academic accommodation development and planning with students and faculty, and delivery of training on inclusion, access, and universally designed environments for learning. In addition to working with Indigenous students, the Indigenous Student Advisor engages in a broader CAL Advising practice.

This includes responsibility for a portfolio of related administration (e.g. grant application processing) and for providing advising appointments and support (in-person, virtually and by email). Of critical importance to this position is an intimate knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being

The Indigenous Student Advisor is responsible for developing relationships, procedures and an accessibility advising practice that works to support Indigenous students in a manner that aligns Indigenous ways of knowing and being with relevant advising best practices, institutional policy and legal requirements. Cultural competency, including an in-depth understanding of colonization, decolonization, land issues, cultural protocols, and settler/Indigenous relationships is essential. This position, together with other CAL staff, participates in learning and professional development opportunities and contributes to knowledge exchange and quality improvement initiatives.

Occasionally, when dealing with students, institutional colleagues, and others, this position may experience people who are adversarial or challenging to communicate with. Additionally, the position may participate in responses to students in crisis, and/or legal or human rights proceedings on behalf of UVic that can be highly stressful and personally impactful. May on occasion be required to work outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in an area related to this position, such as Education, Disability Studies, Psychology, Public Administration, or Social Work, plus three (3) year of relevant experience preferably in a post-secondary setting

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: A demonstrated understanding of the implications of a disability or chronic health diagnosis as it relates to a student's success at university and the range of services/resources available both within the University and in the community. Understanding of colonization and the myriad of issues that arise from colonization i.e

racism, mental health, addiction. Knowledge of local Indigenous communities' history and social circumstances. In-depth understanding of appropriate protocol with Indigenous communities and organizations, particularly Coast and Straits Salish.

Understanding of Indigenous issues, particularly as they relate to post-secondary education and local Indigenous communities. Ability to assess and make decisions on medical/psychological documentation, disability or chronic health-related functional impacts, environmental barriers, and learning outcomes in a post-secondary academic environment. Ability to work cross-culturally, and especially across the range of urban and First Nations communities.

Ability to use and learn new administrative and computer software applications including student information database software. Excellent innovative, flexible, and creative problem-solving. Ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and diplomatic manner.

Strong ability to communicate in writing and verbally, clearly, convincingly, and professionally; and to navigate complex situations in a calm and persuasive manner Ability to integrate current research and evidence into professional practice. Knowledge of program assessment and evaluation best practices. Demonstrated ability to work proactively, and with independence in a student-centered environment.

Assets or Preferences: Post-secondary experience and/or with Indigenous communities/organizations. Knowledge of legal guidelines, regulations, case law and policies governing the provision of services to persons with disabilities in a post-secondary environment Knowledge of the challenges, opportunities, and advances in Indigenous Education in Canada and internationally. Implementation of Indigenous worldviews within an academic environment.This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in an area related to this position, such as Education, Disability Studies, Psychology, Public Administration, or Social Work, plus three (3) year of relevant experience preferably in a post-secondary setting

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: A demonstrated understanding of the implications of a disability or chronic health diagnosis as it relates to a student's success at university and the range of services/resources available both within the University and in the community. Understanding of colonization and the myriad of issues that arise from colonization i.e

racism, mental health, addiction. Knowledge of local Indigenous communities' history and social circumstances. In-depth understanding of appropriate protocol with Indigenous communities and organizations, particularly Coast and Straits Salish.

Understanding of Indigenous issues, particularly as they relate to post-secondary education and local Indigenous communities. Ability to assess and make decisions on medical/psychological documentation, disability or chronic health-related functional impacts, environmental barriers, and learning outcomes in a post-secondary academic environment. Ability to work cross-culturally, and especially across the range of urban and First Nations communities.

Ability to use and learn new administrative and computer software applications including student information database software. Excellent innovative, flexible, and creative problem-solving. Ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and diplomatic manner.

Strong ability to communicate in writing and verbally, clearly, convincingly, and professionally; and to navigate complex situations in a calm and persuasive manner Ability to integrate current research and evidence into professional practice. Knowledge of program assessment and evaluation best practices. Demonstrated ability to work proactively, and with independence in a student-centered environment.

Assets or Preferences: Post-secondary experience and/or with Indigenous communities/organizations. Knowledge of legal guidelines, regulations, case law and policies governing the provision of services to persons with disabilities in a post-secondary environment Knowledge of the challenges, opportunities, and advances in Indigenous Education in Canada and internationally. Implementation of Indigenous worldviews within an academic environment.