The Counsellor for Indigenous Students (Counsellor) provides personal counselling, career planning, and educational advising to enrolled and prospective students. The Counsellor also liaises with faculty, staff, and Elders on issues relevant to student success; participates in College life; presents a variety of workshops within classrooms; engages in professional development activities; and maintains positive relationships with colleagues and College staff. As the Counsellor position within Indigenous Services prioritizes engaging with and supporting Indigenous students in a holistic way, the Counsellor also connects and maintains relationships with Student Access and Support (SAS) in providing culturally responsive academic, career and personal counselling services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students at Selkirk College.

** Note: Selkirk College hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. Selkirk College believes in inclusivity and supports the Calls to Action under the TRC report. For this position, preference will be given to candidates with self-identified Indigenous background.

Location Castlegar Department Student Services Subdepartment Indigenous Services Employment Group SCFA Recruitment Type Internal / External Appointment Type Regular FTE 100 Hrs / Week 35 Desired Start Date 20/02/2023 Closing Date 27/01/2023 Competition # 13266 Main Duties and Responsibilities

Provide personal counselling, career planning and educational advising to students regarding:

Educational issues such as course and program selection, timetables and scheduling, school adjustment, attendance problems, developing an academic plan, and study skills College culture and language in relation to the students own Indigenous cultural and community expectations and education; including active listening when debriefing about cultural or racialization issues Career or vocational issues including career exploration, career testing, and planning and making available to them a wide range of educational and occupational information Personal, mental health, and social issues such as stress management, substance abuse, depression, sexuality, eating disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, family problems, relationship and interpersonal skills and mood regulation Crisis situations such as dealing with the death of a friend or family member, suicidal ideation or actions, mental health crisis, and abuse situations Support students by:

Administering and interpreting standardized personality, vocational, and interest tests Enabling opportunities for students to explore Indigenous cultural identity issues by sharing information, leading or participating in talking circles, and liaises with the Elders Program and Nation Elders and Knowledge Keepers for activities or special events that support Indigenous cultural learning Making appropriate referrals to external agencies and internal support services regarding articulation and student advocacy matters Builds and strengthens relationships with other Indigenous education service providers and funders, and with secondary schools, agencies and Indigenous communities Provides financial support service to Indigenous students and applicant students

Provides information about Band funding and other forms of Indigenous funding (e.g. local, regional, nation governments) and works with students on building their applications, including proofreading. Assists students in accessing funding and refers to Financial Aid when appropriate for bursaries, scholarships and awards available to Indigenous students. Helps to maintain emergency supports for Indigenous students in crisis Actively contributes to the College and the School by:

Participating in the Student Access and Success department, Indigenous Services meetings, planning activities to share information on Indigenous culture to enhance the student experience Collaborates with local high schools by offering academic information and support to prospective students, their parents and Counsellors Contributing to selected committees or task forces to promote knowledge and awareness of the College’s Indigenization plan Maintains positive relationships with colleagues and other members of the College staff by:

Being a positive and active participant in departmental responsibilities Providing support and cooperative assistance to fellow professionals and College staff Acting with professionalism and integrity at all times Engages in professional development activities by:

Maintaining awareness of current counselling theory and trends Maintaining professional organization memberships appropriate for the position (BCACC or RCC) Networking with colleagues, Elders, and Nation partners on Indigenous scholarship and cultural practices (e.g. language learning, singing, on the land activities) Assisting in the delivery of professional development activities to the College, the Community and to industry Protects student information by:

Ensuring that required records are kept and provided as required by College procedure and policy Maintaining confidentiality and security of student information and other records Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Indigenous Education and Engagement

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of information and techniques needed to provide career guidance Strong foundation in counselling theory and practice as it relates to Indigenous peoples Knowledge and internalized understanding of Indigenous social and educational issues, resources, and community Understanding and appreciates cultural diversity among Indigenous People in Canada and the college service area Ability to support and engage with Indigenous students and students of colour Excellent communication skills and intercultural understanding of non-verbal communication skills Ability to successfully maintain a high standard of work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment Demonstrated a commitment to student success Education and Experience

A Master’s Degree in Counselling. Preference is provided to applicants who have additional credentials of Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Social Work, and/or demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Peoples in community-based organizations and Indigenous communities. 3-5 years of counselling experience in a post-secondary setting supporting Indigenous students Experience working in culturally appropriate ways with Indigenous Peoples and communities ** For a full job description, please contact careers@selkirk.ca **

This is a regular full-time commencing on February 20, 2023. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Selkirk College Faculty Association (SCFA) Collective Agreement. The salary range is $2,369.08 - $3,806.85 bi-weekly (at 100% appointment) and is based on qualifications and experience.