Indigenous Education Navigator

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 providing the following supports to all students in the Central or West Coast regions:

Academic/Financial Advising

Indigenous 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
EDUCATIONAL ADVISING

Provides information on College programs and courses, including admissions eligibility and the application and registration process with a priority to current and prospective Indigenous students.
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.
Works in conjunction with the Student Services team to provide input and support, including:
staying up to date on Advising, Counselling, Policy, and Employment Services current practice.
referring and directly supporting students where appropriate to Student Support Services, eg. Department of Accessible Learning, Counselling, Community Resources, Student Life, etc.
identifying students with a need for assessment testing and incorporates results in preparation for educational advising.
May be the initial contact for struggling or distressed students. Coach students toward resolution, refer to NIC and community supports and follow up as required.
Liaises with faculty and departments as needed.
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.
Coaches prospective students, current students, and key influencers through educational and career options in person and in group presentations.
Advises high school and prospective students on and off-site to provide admission and timetabling support.
Develops student resources including information on website, handouts, worksheets, and advising syllabus.
Supports students how to use NIC enrollment tools including MyNIC and Student Planner.
Expectation of ongoing professional development to keep Advising and Indigenous Education knowledge current, either through professional affiliations or other recommendations for PD supported by the Director, Indigenous Education.
Is aware and provides advising to students on NIC’s educational partnerships and pathways (i.e. Dual Admission, Guaranteed Admission, Transfer Agreements).
Advocates internally for changes to processes to ensure internal services are meeting the needs of Indigenous students; includes but not limited to library services, peer tutoring, department chairs.
Supports and manages a cohort of assigned students with a certain criterion (academic probation, community-based programs, etc.) as determined by the Director, Indigenous Education with input from the Assistant Registrar, Enrolment Services & Advising.
Work with Department Chairs to maintain specialty program knowledge. Disseminate knowledge to other Educational Advisors and Student Services staff.
Performs other duties related to the function as assigned by the Executive Director, Indigenous Education.


FINANCIAL 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.
strong working knowledge of funding opportunities for Indigenous students.
support students with band funding / Indigenous organization funding, including filling out documentation.
support students with external and internal scholarship / bursary documents.
Administering Indigenous Emergency Funds for qualified students with unmet financial needs.
Maintains currency with respect to the financial policy and procedures of external agencies, which provide services to students.
Coach students through financial decisions, financial health (budgeting, planning, repayment & debt), awards applications, understanding funding packages, and appeals as required.
Assess student financial need, prepare financial aid forms and information.
Participate in the college-wide committee recommending award of bursaries and scholarships
Assist in the administration of supplementary financial aid programs (such as Board of Governor bursaries, NIC Foundation awards etc).
Develop and maintain good communication and effective working relationships with the staff of funding agencies including WorkBC, WorkSafeBC and First Nation Bands.
Advocate for internal (ex. academic schedule) or external (ex. Ministry rules) change where needed to support NIC students’ financial considerations.
Recommends supplementary financial assistance (such as bursaries) for qualified students with unmet financial needs.
Perform duties for senior Financial Aid Advisor, as necessary.