Student Support Services – Counsellor/Coordinator

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Yellowquill University College, this position is dedicated to advising and guiding students on their educational journey at Yellowquill University College. The Student Services Counsellor/Coordinator will engage and build relationships with students while assisting them to navigate the college/university life.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supporting students experiencing varying degrees of distress impacting academic pursuits.
• Engaging in hopeful practices that uphold First Nations students’ ability to feel valued, seen and heard.
• Providing navigational leadership, including but not limited to: guidance with internal procedures.
• Creates an environment where First Nations students can see themselves at Yellowquill University College and feel a sense of belonging, confidence, self-respect and pride of heritage amongst all Indigenous students.
• Work directly with students to develop solutions and attainable goals to resolve issues.
• Develop, organize, activities, and initiatives that connect students to supports, such as drug and alcohol prevention programs from a culturally oriented foundation.
• Create a resource manual to help students navigate the systems listing all resources that are available to First Nation students.
• Provide information on accessing student financial aid.
• Assist students in understanding and overcoming social, behavioral, or academic problems.
• Provide group or individual counseling to address the needs of students.
• Evaluate students’ academic/career plans and assist them in setting realistic goals.
• Create a working relationship with the funders: Post-secondary Counsellors.
• Organize and assist with career and academic development activities such as career fairs, career guidance, skills enhancement, etc.
• With the Elder on campus, develop, coordinate and implement traditional Indigenous teachings and activities that are culturally sensitive to First Nation students and are effective in meeting students’ needs.
• Employ responsive counselling in establishing positive relationships between teachers and students.
• Assist in marketing and promoting the Institution.
• Network with similar institutions and counseling associations.
• Work closely with the YQUC Student Council as a staff advisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong organizational skills to develop and implement programs, activities, and initiatives.
• Working knowledge of the traumatic events that affect the success of many First Nation students such as intergenerational residential school survivor syndrome, addictions, family violence, and other personal issues.
• Effective counselling skills to confidently provide advice and guidance.
• Knowledge and experience administering career assessments.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and training.
• Create an environment/space where students can express themselves honestly.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• High levels of patience and compassion.
• Work respectfully with students and staff towards success.
• Ability to work with a strong sense of focus, to manage competing priorities, task-oriented, non-judgmental, and with a clear sense of boundaries.
• Follow and implement privacy guidelines of all parties.
• Provide relevant and support services to students and staff.
• Knowledge of transitional barriers for students relocating to urban settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Training and/or education in school counselling or psychology, or in a related discipline.
• Bachelor of Social Work, or Bachelor of Education, or Bachelor of Arts or a combination of relevant training and experience.
• Experience working in adult education with Indigenous students.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledgeable and compassionate about Indigenous history, culture, and issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Valid Manitoba Drivers License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work overtime/travel when required.
• This position requires occasional lifting and the ability to lift more than 10 lbs.

Applications (with 2 references) may be emailed or faxed to:
Email: dstranger@yellowquill.org
Fax: (204) 953-2810
Deadline: Monday, March 17, 2025 – 12:00 noon