Job Description

Position Information

Position Number

P02689

Position Title

Student Support Coordinator (Indigenous Services)

Division/Portfolio

Student Services

Department/Program

Coordinated Support Services

Location

Kelowna

Other Flexible Work Options

Your Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Student Services and working with the integrated Indigenous Services team, the Student Support Coordinator (SSC) is a first point of contact for Indigenous learners navigating social and emotional challenges that may impact their educational journey. Rooted in the principles of trauma-informed practice and Indigenous cultural understanding the SSC responds to, and triages student issues raised either in-person or via online means. Using a relationship based, holistic, and student development lens, the SSC works with individual learners to understand and identify the barriers to their success. Working closely with the Student Support Specialist, and Indigenous Student Services Coordinators (ISSC), the SSC focuses on the provision of advocacy, support, and advice with emphasis placed on creating a welcoming non-judgmental space, assisting the learner navigate complex systems, facilitating barrier-free referrals and elevating multi-faceted and complex cases as needed. In addition to working with Indigenous learners directly, the SSC understands client centred models of service and the complex barriers facing Indigenous learners and raises awareness of and promotes learner supports, policies, and procedures, as well as engages in the creation and maintenance of print and online informational resources. The SSC works collaboratively with learners, instructors, staff, and external agencies to foster environments where Indigenous learners feel welcomed, heard, and supported.

Functions and Duties

1. Acts as a first point of contact for Indigenous learners, professors, instructors, and staff to

provide basic advice, triage concerns, and facilitate supportive and appropriate referrals,

learning environments, and experiences.

2. Provide one-on-one support to Indigenous learners, helping them navigate and access social

systems and service supports, and overcome barriers such as racism, poverty, trauma, or

cultural disconnection.

3. Elevates complex learner concerns that include but are not limited to crisis support,

including sexualized violence, to the Student Support Specialist, Counselling Services,

Disability Access Services, and any other relevant student support service.

4. Creates safe, predictable, and empowering spaces for learners to express needs and

explore solutions. Applies trauma-informed and culturally informed principles in all

interactions, recognizing the impact of intergenerational trauma and systemic inequities

faced by Indigenous peoples.

5. Reviews and responds to all referrals made through any online early alert or reporting

system. Maintains consistent communication and follow-up to ensure learners feel

supported throughout their academic journey.

6. Maintains up to date records and prepares reports as required.

7. Provides directions to instructors and staff on the different ways to refer learners to

Student Services.

8. Designs and delivers training, awareness, and education opportunities related to student

support, policies, and procedures to students, instructors, professors, and staff.

9. Works closely with Indigenous Student Services Coordinators, instructors, and staff to ensure

consistent messaging and culturally safe practices.

10. Participates in institutional initiatives related to Truth and Reconciliation, and the Declaration

on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.

11. Develops print and online informational resources for dissemination, including for

distribution across social media channels.

12. Develops and strengthens internal and external partnerships and maintains current

knowledge of community-based resources across the entire Okanagan College region.

13. Provides coverage for the Student Services Office as needed

14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Diploma in a related area is required (e.g. Education, Social Work, Indigenous Studies). A minimum of five years' work experience in a post-secondary or support worker setting supporting students or clients is required. Training in culturally informed practice and trauma informed care is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities

Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with an aptitude for

working in a collegial and collaborative environment.

Well-developed interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to create non-judgmental, welcoming service approach. Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills with superior attention

to detail and accuracy

Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office. Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with both internal and external

contacts.

Able to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a variety of external agencies. Able to effectively manage priorities and ensure quality service delivery. Must have strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Excellent facilitation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Start Date

12/15/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

06/30/2026

Schedule

Monday-Friday

35 hours per week

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate

$33.93 - $38.77

Appointment Type

Support - Non-Regular Full-time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Shortlisted internal candidates must notify the current Support Staff Bargaining Chairperson and People Services if they want a Union Observer during interviews and final selection of candidates.

Employee Group

Support


Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

C003268

Number of Vacancies

1

Posting Open Date

11/12/2025

Posting Closing Date

11/23/2025

Open Until Filled

No


Inclusion Statement
Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca.