Job Description

Indigenous Programs and Initiatives Coordinator

The SRS & MPT program demonstrate commitment to relational accountability to Indigenous Peoples and their communities through policies and processes related to the recruitment, admission, and retention of students, faculty, and instructors, and in opportunities for professional development, curriculum content, and clinical learning opportunities. We are committed to a practice of reconciliation in an ethical space of respect, responsibility, trust, relevance, reciprocity, and relationships.

Primary Purpose: The Indigenous Programs and Initiatives Coordinator plays a vital role in providing guidance and Indigenous perspective across all organizational pillars within the School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) and the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program.

Nature of Work: This position aims to inform and enhance a culture of equity grounded in anti-racism, anti-oppression, cultural humility, decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation. The Indigenous Programs and Initiatives Coordinator (SRS) will actively engage within the circle of the nistotamawin committee (SRS), offering leadership, support in strategic planning, and guidance for decolonization of SRS/MPT policies and procedures. This role will include mentorship and support for Indigenous and non-Indigenous MPT students, and guidance regarding professional development and application of concepts related to Indigenization, decolonization, reconciliation, and cultural humility, safety, and responsiveness for SRS faculty, instructors, and staff. The (SRS) Indigenous Programs and Initiatives Coordinator will report directly to the Director (SRS) and the Chair of the nistotamawin committee.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Relationship building (people, partners, leadership)

• Foster and nurture relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders to establish meaningful partnerships and collaborations.
• Act as a liaison between the SRS and relevant Indigenous communities, promoting open communication and dialogue, and building on current established relationships
• Collaborate with leadership, faculty, instructors, clinical specialists, clinical education team members, and staff within the SRS (including Continuing Education in Rehabilitation Science (SERS), the College of Medicine, and other relevant departments/colleges across the USask campus (including the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching & Learning), to facilitate a shared understanding and commitment to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, and cultural safety.
• Identify opportunities to actively engage with physical therapy professional organizations Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association (SPA); Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists (SCPT) to translate changes in SRS/MPT practices relevant to the identified organizations.

Strategic planning related to Indigenous Engagement & Reconciliation

• Collaborate with the CoM Senior Lead Indigenous Programs and Initiatives and with the nistotamawin committee to lead/co-lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives to support Indigenous engagement and reconciliation within the SRS.
• Identify opportunities and recommend actions to enhance cultural safety and responsiveness in all SRS programs and activities.
• Stay informed about current research, best practices, and emerging trends related to Indigenous engagement and reconciliation, and integrate this knowledge into nitsotamawin professional development initiatives and strategic planning efforts.

Support & Mentorship

• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship for Indigenous and non-Indigenous MPT students, encouraging their success and well-being throughout their academic journey, as well as supporting development of essential physical therapy professional competencies (specifically linked to cultural humility, self-decolonization, anti-racism, anti-oppression).
• Develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Indigenous students within the SRS/MPT.
• Advocate for the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous students, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Provide advisement and mentorship to faculty & instructors as they decolonize curriculum and course content, and as they teach, mentor, and support diverse Indigenous MPT learners

Experiential Learning, Teaching, & Scholarship

• Collaborate with faculty and instructors to develop and integrate Indigenous perspectives, content, and teaching methods into the curriculum.
• Support the implementation of experiential learning opportunities that promote cultural competence, humility, and responsiveness in urban and rural Indigenous contexts.
• Contribute to research and scholarship related to Indigenous health, rehabilitation, and education, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and innovation.

Education: Minimum of a bachelor\'s degree (or equivalent) required; a social work degree is an asset.

Experience:

• Lived experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations, preferably in an educational or healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support students, including Indigenous students.
• Preference will be given to individuals who self-identify as First Nation, M\xc3\xa9tis, or Inuit, with connection to their community, culture, language, and ancestral knowledge.

Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of anti-racism, anti-oppression, decolonization, and reconciliation frameworks is an asset.
• Ability to work with SRS leadership and the nistotamawin committee to co-develop and co-implement strategic plans, initiatives, and programs.
• Ability/openness to engage in professional development specific to expanding knowledge and practice related to curriculum development and experiential learning approaches.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth in the areas of Indigenous engagement, cultural humility, and reconciliation.

Department: School of Rehabilitation Science
Status: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Monday to Friday 830am to 430pm with flexibility during certain times of the year.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 - 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 6/26/2023
Closing Date: 7/3/2023 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where \'Yes\' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver\'s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan\'s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the M\xc3\xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and M\xc3\xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan