Indigenous Student Navigator

Lambton College; Sarnia; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community college in Ontario seeks a part-time Indigenous Student Navigator to support Indigenous students in accessing college resources and services. The ideal candidate will possess a college diploma and experience working with Indigenous communities. This role involves building relationships with local organizations and advocating for students facing systemic barriers. Competitive hourly rate offered.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation packages

Defined benefit pension plan

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience with knowledge of post-secondary & Indigenous financial systems.
• Active Indigenous community member.
• Understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing.

Responsibilities

• Support Indigenous students in navigating college resources.
• Conduct outreach to develop relationships with community partners.
• Advocate for students facing personal and systemic barriers.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Lived customary Indigenous knowledge

Experience with Indigenous students

Knowledge of Indigenous resources

Education

Minimum 2 year College diploma

Job description

About The Position

This is a temporary part-time support staff Bargaining Unit position reporting to the Director, Indigenous Education working 24 hours per week at an hourly rate of $28.60 - this role will start in October 2025 and run for 12 months.

The Indigenous Student Navigator supports Indigenous students in navigating the college and community systems to access appropriate resources to promote holistic wellbeing and supports with an external focus on community resources. The Navigator builds relationships with local community organizations, government agencies and First Nation communities. The Navigator develops trust based relationships with students, families and First Nation communities and addresses barriers that may obstruct the students’ academic success and retention.

This is a targeted search for an Indigenous staff appointment. Candidates from Indigenous communities are encouraged to identify, including those who are First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in accordance with the special programs provisions of the Human Rights Code.

Specific Accountabilities

• Ability to identify complex Indigenous student needs and respond with appropriate solution / resource(s).
• Ability to organize statistical information; collects and maintains required quantitative and qualitative data to support initiative
• Proactively reaches out to Indigenous students / applicants and conducts student success needs assessment with follow ups
• Facilitates and advocates for linkages, communication, information exchange and coordination between Indigenous students and service providers
• Assembles a directory of local, federal and First Nations resources to connect Indigenous students and their families with the most appropriate services and programs for food security, housing, medical, culturally appropriate resources, etc.
• Connects Indigenous students to appropriate Elders / Knowledge Keepers for spiritual and emotional support
• Conducts community outreach to develop and maintain relations with community partners, government departments and socially inclusive groups
• Advocates on behalf of Indigenous students who face personal and / or systemic barriers
• Supports communication and connection to home communities and Indigenous funders
• Supports student development and self-management goals
• Assists students with applications and required documentation
• Recognizes that systemic racism exists and that Indigenous people experience disproportionate barriers to education, economic, employment and health opportunities.
• Research and compiles information for development of Indigenous student resource guide
• Collaborates with Indigenous Student Success Coordinator
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 year College diploma
• 1-3 years of experience, with knowledge of college resources, Indigenous resources, post-secondary & Indigenous financial systems, as well as Indigenous post-secondary barriers
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous students and communities
• High level of lived customary Indigenous knowledge including cultural protocols and teachings
• Familiar with credible, traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• Understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and Indigenous forms of knowledge transmission and its use in an academic setting
• Direct lived experience as an Indigenous post-secondary student with clear understanding of factors impacting Indigenous student success
• Active Indigenous community member
• Strong communication skills

Lambton College is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. If contacted regarding this competition, please advise the interview coordinator of accommodation measures you may require during our selection process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

We thank all applicants for their interest and wish to advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lambton College is an equal opportunity employer seeking to live its values in all we do. We are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We seek applicants who will strengthen our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strongly encourage the following qualified candidates : women, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ to consider working with and for Lambton College.

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications, and therefore we seek to use employment equity to differentiate between candidates who meet the required qualifications; and encourage people to apply even if they feel that the position would be a stretch.

Employee Perks

Lambton College provides a wide range of exciting opportunities for both unionized and non-unionized positions with competitive total compensation packages, wages and benefits.

Investing In Our People

Lambton College is committed to the personal and professional growth of all our employees. Employees of Lambton College are incredibly valued and part of a transformative adventure. They enjoy an engaging and vibrant culture where they are encouraged to realize their full potential via development opportunities and accessible, supportive employee wellness initiatives.

Lifetime Retirement Pension - Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Our employee benefit package includes a defined benefit pension to help you create a secure future. The CAAT Pension Plan provides you with a predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, early retirement options, and more without the stress of making investment decisions. CAAT makes it easy for you to build stable, secure retirement income while you work.

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