Instructional Assistant

Job Description

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;
• Responds to a wide range of student inquiries in-person, verbally, or in writing, providing information, advice and guidance and where necessary, refers students to the appropriate program chair, college services, and/or external agencies, using strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to articulate clearly and concisely. Ensures all communication (voicemail, email, etc) is checked and replied to daily;
• 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;
• Administers final and practice tests, including invigilating, providing detailed instructions, performing subjective and objective marking, and maintaining secure and current original test masters;
• 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;
• Teaches students how to use a PC in a network environment. This includes detailing the operation of hardware: CPU, monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse; and the use of current software applications, Email, English and Math Tutorials, Computing and Typing Tutorials;
• 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 outstanding library materials;
• Maintains the appearance and organization of the test writing/computer lab/learning centre and classrooms to create a positive learning environment for students;
• Manages a secure file of records, including attendance, progress, and grade reports, investigates inconsistencies using Colleague, and forwards records to instructors and instructional assistants upon request;
• Monitors and maintains an inventory of office and classroom supplies and print materials, etc and re-orders as necessary;
• Orients and trains new staff; provides orientation for new instructors and substitute instructors;
• Provides orientations for new students by introducing college student services and learning centre information;
• Assists students with the development, monitoring and updating of student Personal Learning Plans (PLP’s) and makes appropriate referrals;
• Supports Indigenous students during their transition to an academic environment by building a safe and positive relationship through emphatic listening, problem solving, and referral during times of grieving, family breakdown, and stressful or financial emergencies;
• Supports Indigenous students during their transition to the college environment by familiarizing students with the college programs, support services, and processes through class visits to college programs and departments;
• Assists in recruitment of new students and marketing initiatives by attending and/or providing information sessions and answering prospective student enquiries;
• Organizes and makes administrative arrangements for workshops, presentations and speakers for classes and groups of students;
• Responds to student crisis situations, with appropriate crisis intervention strategies and contacts security and/or emergency services where necessary;
• Attends events such as Indigenous career fairs, Camosun partnership meetings, and Indigenous community activities and events;
• Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity. Qualifications Two years of relevant post-secondary education including English, math and computer courses plus two years relevant experience working with adult learners in a post-secondary environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced level knowledge and skill with personal computers and software applications including the MS Office suite, and basic level technical troubleshooting in a networked learning lab environment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with adults with learning disabilities and sensitivity towards learners with multi-barrier student issues and the ability to respond to the needs of these learners
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, demonstrating tact, discretion and sensitivity to a diverse student population
• Demonstrated time-management, multi-tasking and organizational skills; including the ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a team; and demonstrated problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of college structure, resources and services available to support students
• Ability to support and tutor learners up to and including Provincial levels of English and Math
• Excellent attention to detail
• Must possess knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultural and learning needs of Indigenous students, and have demonstrated success in supporting learning in an Indigenous community Supporting Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Recommendations Capabilities The core capabilities are required for all positions at the college.

Focus on Students and Their Success (Core)
• We all have a role to play in promoting and supporting students – directly or indirectly – contributing to their success, education and transition as they build their path to the future.

Cultural Alignment (Core)
• Inclusion and respect align with Camosun’s traditions of lifelong learning and positive, supportive experiences for all. We examine our individual and institutional cultures and, through indigenization, consider other ways of knowing (thinking), being (approaches), doing (acting), and relating.

Fostering and Nurturing Relationships (Core)
• Fostering and nurturing relationships is at the core of everything we do. Successful workplace relationships take time to develop and include building trust, engagement and collaboration.

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