Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge Advisor, Faculty of Social Work

Position Overview

The Faculty of Social Work is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge Advisor for approximately 1 year.

This position reports to the Academic Director of the Faculty of Social Work (FSW) Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge, and works closely with the Director of Strategic Operations, Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) and works collaboratively with Faculty Wellness Elders, Manager Student Services, Manager of Communications, and Indigenous scholars. The Advisor will provide guidance, support and mentorship to Indigenous students enrolled in the Faculty of Social Work to enhance their educational experience and ensure post-secondary success. In alignment with the University's Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p, and the FSW Indigenous Strategy, the Advisor will develop and manage Indigenous-based programs and events across the province, as well as manage inquiries related to cultural protocols, cultural resources (internal and external), and provide cultural guidance to faculty and staff looking to engage Traditional Knowledge Keepers in teaching, learning, and research. This role provides opportunities to work closely with students, faculty, staff, as well as Indigenous community members and social service agencies, with a focus on reimagining child welfare practices. As an important part of the FSW Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge, this position works collaboratively with others to realize the principles, goals, and recommendations of the Faculty's Indigenous Strategy.

Assisting the Academic Director of the FSW Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge, the Advisor will be responsible for developing and offering cultural information sessions (Indigenous histories, cultures, and protocols) for the Faculty of Social Work. Working collaboratively with the Indigenous Engagement Office, Writing Symbols Lodge (formerly Native Centre), Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous students, the Advisor will build on cultural event planning and intercultural capacity.

This role requires a wholistic understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing and connecting and the ability to continuously incorporate an Indigenous lens throughout ones interactions with faculty and staff, team members, students, partnering institutions, Indigenous communities, and the general public. This person is responsible for the administration and operation of the Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge.

This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Develop and operate ISWCL programing, including programs and processes required for the success of the Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge.
• Obtain ongoing feedback from students, instructors and community members and agencies about the ISWCL for the purposes of evaluating and improving our model and processes.
• Suggest and promote the development and updating of procedure, practice, reporting and practice guide reviews.
• Make recommendations for changes and improvements to increase Indigenous participation and inclusion in the faculty across the province.
• Support for the realization of ii' taa'poh'to'p and the Faculty's Indigenous Strategy.
• Lead the development of culturally appropriate protocols to guide sustainable and reciprocal engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Manage the guidelines and provide cultural advice, awareness, and guidance to the faculty on Indigenous Cultural Protocols.
• Provide cultural advice, awareness and guidance on the Traditional Territorial Acknowledgements.
• Collect data and prepare reports on the ISWCL performance to inform practice and to support fundraising initiatives
• Maintain currency in relevant regulations, programs, and opportunities related to Indigenous student supports, including scholarships and resource opportunities.
• Ensure institutional accountability and compliance with respect to regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of Indigenous award nominations.
• Coordinate with the Communications Manager the ISWCL communications, advertising, and marketing.
• Manage and report on the ISWCL budget.
• Liaise with the Associate/Director, Advancement to ensure ISWCL donor support.
• Provide cultural assistance to ceremonial Elders upon request and when appropriate.
• Complete expense claims and process invoice payments applicable to Indigenous engagement.
• Develop and maintain an internal database of Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Performers with their area of knowledge. This will used to assist instructors and faculty who are seeking guest speakers in their courses or for special events.
• Proactively develop and nurture relationships with Alberta's Indigenous communities to facilitate successful student success initiatives with these groups.
• Develop and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous Elders/Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
• Develop, locate, utilize and implement training and learning opportunities that enhance the quality and consistency of supports provided across the faculty.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with similar organizations at other Canadian post-secondary institutions.
• Develop and maintain working relationship with relevant program leaders at UCalgary.
• Develop and maintain communication strategies and information programs to promote the services of the ISWCL.
• Develop new partnerships for the purposes of the success of the Indigenous Social Work Circle and Lodge (exploring options or identifying gaps of places we have not yet partnered with).
• Supporting and enacting innovative face-to-face and online field education placements.
• Coordinating with Alumni. Collaborating with University Advancement (Alumni) and Communications team.
• Coordinating with ACSW and the Alberta Association of Social Workers on the recruitment of Indigenous people to the profession of social work.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Completed Master's Degree in Social Work is preferred; completed Bachelor's degree in Human Services will be considered with the appropriate community related work experience is required.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams) are required;
• Minimum 3 years related work experience in direct association with Indigenous education, programs and/or communities is required;
• Superior administrative and organizational skills with attention to details, protocols and administrative processes;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - ability to communicate effectively with demonstrated strength and proficiency in writing, as well as strong interpersonal skills rooted in respect, kindness and reciprocity;
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working collaborative relationships and networks with students, faculty, co-workers, agencies and community members;
• Experience in providing counselling, guidance and support to Indigenous students, individuals and/or families
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively, independently, adapt, and be flexible and innovative in a complex and demanding team environment;
• Familiarity and knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols and ceremonial observances is essential;
• Possess positive, well established relationships with Indigenous community members, leaders and cultural knowledge keepers;
• Proven experience in the coordination of Indigenous cultural events, information sessions, and outreach;
• Experience in teaching Indigenous adult learners and/or high school students to collaborate with social work student recruitment committees;
• Knowledge and expertise in formulating recruitment and retention strategies and practices that support positive outcomes for Indigenous students in social work
• Good judgement and initiative, tact and diplomacy in dealing with frequent interactions with staff, instructors, faculty members, as well as internal and external organizations; and
• A willingness to learn about and implement university and relevant external processes.

Assets that would be advantageous:

• Experience in creating and introducing an Indigenous program to build professional capacity;
• Minimum five years of experience in social work, knowledge of university infrastructure systems;
• Current registration or ability to register with Alberta College of Social Workers;
• Competency in one of the Indigenous languages spoken within Treaty 6, 7 or 8 territories
• Experience coordinating teams;
• Experience supporting researchers or project leaders in an academic, organizational, or community setting;
• Experience with budget reporting and understanding of basic accounting terminology;
• Experience working with relevant computer programs, such as Peoplesoft;
• Valid Drivers License.

Application Deadline:  December 10, 2021

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase III.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Social Work visit Careers in the Faculty of Social Work.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.