Instructional Assistant

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Learning Support, the Instructional Assistant (IA) works both independently, and as part of a team of instructors, co-workers, and community partners, to provide extensive support primarily to the academic and cultural components of Indigenous Academic Upgrading programs at a satellite campus in the Indigenous community, and works in a liaison capacity with Indigenous community support services. The IA also manages the operations of a networked computer learning lab, test writing and learning centre. The IA may be the first point of contact in person, verbally, or in writing/on-line for prospective, new and returning students whose reading levels range from basic literacy to post-secondary, and whose math backgrounds vary similarly, and whose computer skills vary from none to advanced. The IA provides assistance and information related to programs, courses, assessments, student services, and college policies; makes every effort to resolve problems, answer questions, and when necessary, refers people to other community and/or college services. These duties are performed in a complex, sometimes high volume and constantly changing student-centered learning environment. The Instructional Assistant represents Camosun College, the Student Access Services department, and the Community Learning Partners department, and contributes to a positive learning environment for all students.

**TYPICAL DUTIES**
- Provides leadership and support to a diverse student body by reinforcing program objectives and students’ individual learning plans, answering students’ questions, providing guidance, clarification, and/or direction while adapting to individual instructor styles and changing curriculum;
- Manages the administrative aspects of the satellite location for Camosun College, including maintaining an inventory of all equipment, furniture, and technology on loan, network connections, photocopier usage reports and troubleshooting, and maintaining current inventory of college print materials such as calendars, program brochures, papers and notices;
- Liaises with instructors to help identify students with learning disabilities or students who are experiencing extreme anxiety and to ensure clear, consistent and regular communication and information flow between Instructors and Instructional Assistants;
- Acts as a liaison between the partnership site and the resources, support and services available at Camosun College;
- Determines if a student is ready to write a test and/or move on to the next assignment by confirming progress, and if necessary, communicating with instructor;
- Provides support and assistance to instructors in facilitating classroom activities and provides general and administrative support in creating and updating classroom resources and materials and basic correspondence;
- Tutors students in reading, writing, mathematics, science and computers up to the Provincial level under the guidance of instructors, including reinforcing concepts when needed and updating students on material missed;
- Introduces and orients students to the variety of learning materials available to them in the classroom and/or computer lab. This includes but is not limited to: course materials for English and Math, technical guides, resume guides, writing style materials, GED, videos, novels, on-line learning resources and websites;
- Tutors students in conducting research for a class project, including research, assessment of sources and extraction of information from the internet and incorporating electronic research into assignments, and refers students to the library, their instructor, or other college resources as required;
- Provides basic troubleshooting of a variety of computer hardware and software technical difficulties as required; such as re-setting equipment and print queues, replenishing paper, or toner cartridges and reporting any required repairs to the lab technician and refers problems to TLS as required;
- Sets procedures for student usage of the learning centre and monitors the flow of usage in the lab; identifies inappropriate computer use by student number and name; addresses issues with students when problems arise, and if required, refers the matter to security;
- Supports students through the registration process by providing specific information on courses, program location, prerequisites, and college procedures for registration, reviewing assessment, placement, and registration documents for errors or omissions; and identifying students who may be incorrectly registered;
- Supports student enrolment management by telephoning current students to follow up on no-shows, absences, and waitlists;
- Maintains and organizes the learning centre/classroom and establishes and modifies the borrowing system as required to ensure a variety of resources and materials are received, catalogued and made available to students. Monitors overdue cards and calls students who have o