Indigenous Wholistic Support

Reporting to the Manager, Aboriginal Services, this position assesses student wellness concerns and responds appropriately by providing direct support, information about and or assistance in contacting services appropriate to their needs. Working from a strength-based perspective, the Indigenous Wholistic Support works collaboratively with other Student Services staff to optimize students' opportunities to connect to an integrated network of programs, services and supports that enhance their personal and academic success.

Students
• Work with students to develop and implement a plan to address issues in a strength-based and trauma-informed approach.
• Provide direct cultural support to students based on holistic teachings of considering physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.
• Provide support and connections to appropriate holistic supports for Aboriginal students.
• Provide information on internal resources available to students including Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Testing and Tutoring, Accessibility Services, Counselling, Health and Wellness support, Student Union etc. and externally in the community.
• Connect students with appropriate internal or external supports and resources, when direct support is no longer appropriate (i.e. when clinical counselling services or academic advising services are needed).
• Document meetings with students, services offered or suggested and track progress of referrals.
• Develop effective referral systems and relationships with community resources.
• Collaborate and consult with other Aboriginal Resource Centre team members on the needs of the student.
• Ensure all student interactions are conducted in a culturally safe way with respect, dignity and confidentiality.
• Provide data and reports on student use, referrals and educational outcomes as required.
• Provide workshops and activities that support Indigenous student wellness.
• Supports the College of New Caledonia Drum Group and other cultural activities in the college community as required.

College Community
• Offer cultural programming and guidance to students, faculty, and staff.
• Contribute to CNC's commitment to transformative praxis on decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.
• Organize events that promote mental health awareness and increase the knowledge and understanding of all the services available through the Student Services department.
• Offers in-class workshops that aim to promote student success through an Indigenous wellness lens.
• Liaise with the College community regarding the role and responsibilities of this position.
• Demonstrate and emphasize cultural wellness and inclusivity.
• Participate in community of practice/ peer consultation and professional develop meetings with CNC Wellness Staff once a semester.
• In conjunction with the Manager, Aboriginal Services, develop, update and communicate Protocols to Respond to Students in Crisis.

External community
• Actively build relationships with off-campus service providers, centres and programs, treatment providers and community partners with a specific focus on improving coordination and communication to support students.
• Liaise with community service providers to familiarize them with issues college students experience.
• Maintain current knowledge of resources in the College and Community to refer students to the most culturally-relevant service.
• You will work towards creating and maintaining safe spaces designed to ensure Indigenous students are supported in their learning environment.

• You will be part of a team actively engaged in contributing to and accomplishing the vision, mission, and goals of the College and in supporting the aspirations and needs of our learners and communities.
• You will promote a positive work atmosphere and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect with students and colleagues.
• Other related duties as assigned by Manager or designate.

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) specializing in Psychology, Social Work, Community Services, Psychiatric Nursing, or other relevant field with a clinical practicum preferred.
• 2 years or more work experience at a similar level in post-secondary education, Social Services, Community Support and Outreach, or other related experience; or an equivalent combination of experience (both accumulated lived and worked experience) and education may be taken into consideration

• Proven history of cultural connections to an Indigenous community and have experience as a mentor around topics related to maintain holistic health and wellness from an Indigenous lens.
• Awareness of Indigenous wellness practices, ceremony, and needs of student's studying away from their home community.
• You possess cultural connections that offer you the ability to connect with Indigenous students and staff.
• Knowledge of the role and function of Student Services in the Post-secondary system preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis intervention strategies and resources.
• Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of adult education.
• Demonstrated ability to deal professionally with students in distress.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing effective policies and procedures.
• Sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs and perspectives of students.
• Experience with intake assessment and triage processes that provide timely access to referral services on and off campus.
• Experience organizing and delivering effective workshops.
• Strong and kind communication skills both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members .
• Understanding of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
• Demonstrated inter-cultural competencies and willingness to espouse cultural safety and humility.
• Proficient in appropriate technological resources.
• Demonstrated understanding of the complex workings of a community college, including systems, services and programs and their inter-relationship.
• Proven ability to successfully facilitate collaborative group work.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Skilled interpersonal approach and proven problem-solving skills in complex situations.
• Demonstrated empathy and compassion for student experience in academic settings.