Student Support Navigator

The Role

Reporting to the Associate Director, Student Support and Conduct, the Student Support Navigator will increase access, success and retention through a capacity-building process where students receive the support needed to learn to navigate the post-secondary system and access the institutional and community supports available.

The Student Support Navigator is responsible for overseeing the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program for former youth in care. This involves providing outreach and guidance to prospective and current students from groups traditionally under-represented in post- secondary institutions to promote the success of students who have experience in Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) Care, alternative secondary education, or may be first-generation students, or mature students. The Student Support Navigator will co- create and sustain positive and productive relationships with Douglas College student service departments and Faculties, and will work with branches of government, community agencies and non-profit organizations including the MCFD and Alternative Schools to provide transformative pathways for former youth in care and other traditionally under-represented students in post-secondary institutions. Responsibilities 1. Program Development, Implementation & Administration
a) Develops and implements an intake process that addresses complex and varied sources of documentation & incorporate tracking mechanisms to enable effective administration of the program.b) Provides feedback to MCFD on waiver policy and make recommendations to address gaps and impact of frequent and ongoing MCFD policy changes.c) Develops and maintains a working understanding of the function of each of the College’s student support services in order to appropriately guide students to necessary supports.d) Identifies the unique and exceptional needs of students in the program to inform intake process or program requirements and propose or implement adjustments.e) Collaborates with internal and external partners to identify supports, develop engagement strategies and obtain input in the development and implementation of wrap-around support services.f) Identifies gaps and provide recommendations on College policy and procedures that may impact or act as barriers to waiver program participants.g) Collaborates with Student Engagement to review, design and implement mentorship programs, Student Affairs support programs and interventions aimed at improving retention of at-risk students, including collaborative initiatives with communities and/or Faculties.
2. Student Support a) Advocates for students who may have unique life experiences or situations that fall outside normal processes practices or policies.b) Provides ongoing one-to-one support to students facing complex emotional, financial and academic challenges enrolling or currently in the program. This would involve the ability to navigate a wide range of college and external supports, processes and systems that students may be challenges for students to understand. Assist students or applicants to resolve challenges with ministry requirements.c) Collaborates with the College’s Behaviour Intervention Team to develop intervention action plans and refer or guide at-risk students to appropriate services such as: Indigenous Students Services, Academic Advising, Accessibility Services, Counselling, Financial Aid, Student Engagement and Wellness, and external community organizations to facilitate ongoing support for students.d) Leads and guides the design and implementation of basic leadership & mentorship programs for students identified by Waiver Program, Accessibility Services or Counselling.e) Liaises with community educational partners to provide connection and guidance to newly enrolled students in transition (e.g. CABE).

3. Promotion and Outreach a) Builds relationships with key external stake holders such as the provincial government (MCFD, School Districts), alternative school counsellors and schools and non-profit organizations that provide services to youth in care and aging out of care, and youth and adults experiencing social and economic challenges.b) Provides outreach and develops supportive relationships with identified students at risk through regular contact and monitoring (e.g. CABE Scholarship Recipients, BC Tuition Waiver Recipients).c) Builds and maintains relationships with key internal stake holders such as Financial Assistance, Registrar’s Office, Counselling and Accessibility Services.d) Promotes program and works collaboratively with MCO to design and develop promotional material. Guides as part of an information campaign for internal and external events and stake holders.e) Facilitates small and large group meetings and workshops for youth and social workers, who work closely with at-risk youth on the benefits of post-secondary education, Douglas programs, admission requirements, student services, financial awards, student life, articulated partnerships, future expansion plans and proposed degree programs.f) Promotes at-risk student participation and active engagement in activities such as community events that serve at-risk youth, orientations, workshops, Douglas Students’ Union clubs and initiatives supporting Health and Wellness.g) Responds to external and internal requests for information.h) Manages and updates department website.

4. Program Review a) Assesses program and processes and continuously makes adjustments to improve the effectiveness of the program.b) Reviews and implements best practices in student support based on student development theory.c) Reviews similar support programs and legislative/regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions, applying and recommending best practices.d) Consults with, reports, and makes recommendations to internal stakeholders on issues that affect the recruitment, challenges, administrative barriers, retention and success of waiver students.e) Collects and enters data into the appropriate database/spreadsheet; creates, distributes and presents reports/statistics; analyzes student feedback and makes recommendations for improvements.

5. Supervisory Responsibilities a) Identifies, interviews and hires Student Assistant positions;b) Provides training and orientation to Student Assistants;c) Coordinates the scheduling and daily operations of student assistant work including monitoring absences and providing time sheet approval;d) Supervises work performance and conducts periodic performance evaluations, as well as exit interviews for Student Assistants;e) Directs and supervises projects, events and workshops related to the waiver program.
6. Other Related Duties a) Other duties as assigned. To Be Successful in this Role You Will Need A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (e.g. Child and Youth Care, Psychology, and Social Work) from an accredited institution with a minimum of three years’ of related experience. Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, service providers, governmental and non-profit organizations, and students. Experience working with at risk youth populations who experience significant academic, social and economic challenges. Training and experience with conflict management and a demonstrated ability to diffuse and resolve potentially volatile and sensitive situations. Demonstrated ability with using a trauma informed approach to communicate supportively and effectively with students who are vulnerable and display complex risk factors. Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills; an appreciation for diversity and adaptability to different groups and cultures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of an integrated team. Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills including ability to adjust style for different audiences. Knowledge of post-secondary systems, policies and services. Understanding of provincial government services, programs and requirements. Demonstrated ability to:Exercise initiative and be a creative problem solver while using sound judgement;Develop, establish and maintain strong working relationships across campus services including Registrar’s Office, Finance, Indigenous Student Services, Counselling and Accessibility Services;Relate to at risk youth in an authentic way to establish rapport;Interact with a high degree of professionalism, empathy, discretion and confidentiality;Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement or new opportunities;Work in a dynamic environment with constantly changing landscapes and requirements;Plan, organize and establish work flow schedules in order to meet deadlines;Create and manage a budget for welcome and promotional activities and events;Plan, organize and execute workshops and events;Design, compile, format and produce a variety of documents. Demonstrated proficiency in Windows based software including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, database management systems; proficiency in Banner would be an asset. Required to work occasional evenings and travel to events during and outside standard work hours.

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