Learning Skills Peer – Indigenous Student Focus

POSITION TITLE: Learning Skills Peer – Indigenous Student Focus 

UNIT & DEPARTMENT: Centre for Indigenous Student Services & Learning Skills Services, Student Success

ELIGIBILITY: Students must be work/study eligible and must complete the online Student Financial Profile.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

RATE OF PAY: $17/hour

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Fall/Winter 2024-2025

HOURS OF WORK:  10 hours/week

LOCATION: The position is intended to work on-campus at the Keele campus during designated business hours (8:30am – 4:30pm). Opportunities for hybrid (some on-campus and some remote) work may become available, but it is not guaranteed, and will be discussed with the successful candidates.

BECOMING YU:
The Work Study Student program provides on-campus job opportunities for eligible York University undergraduate students. Work Study Student employees are provided opportunities to contribute to support roles while developing valuable, relevant skills and work experience for the workplace. These roles offer a learning and development opportunity for Work Study Student employees to receive experiential on-the-job training, guidance and mentorship. Under the guidance of permanent staff members, Work Study Student employees will provide support to their relevant department/faculty in clerical, administrative and technical capacities. As part of your Work-Study/LEAP experience, you will participate in Becoming YU, a program designed to support students in:

• creating meaningful goals and objectives;
• recognizing the value of their personal, academic and professional experiences;
• identifying their competencies and skills; and
• articulating their skills and experiences with confidence. Becoming YU includes regular meetings with your student employment supervisor/coach for reflecting on your progress and getting valuable feedback.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Learning Skills Services (LSS) serves all York students by fostering the academic and organizational skills necessary for academic success across all disciplines. Through group and individual services, LSS promotes independent learning by working with students to develop university-level learning skills and strategies, enhanced self-awareness about themselves as learners, and improved academic confidence and success. Learning Skills Services supports the mandate of York University by contributing to successful transitions to university, retention, engagement, and student academic and personal success.

The Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) strives to create a sense of belonging and to support the academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of a diverse Indigenous student population. The Centre provides a safe community space that offers culturally appropriate support services and programs to facilitate students’ success throughout their post-secondary studies.

The Learning Skills Peer – Indigenous Focus promotes and delivers various Learning Skills Services across campus and provides support in promoting, executing, and evaluating Learning Skills Services, particularly focusing on CISS and the Indigenous student population. This position reports directly to the Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) and the Learning Skills Specialists, and works in cooperation with the Learning Skills Peer Team, CISS, Learning Commons partners, and other departments and student groups on campus.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as a student lead in the planning and implementation of learning skills services, particularly focusing on the Indigenous student population.
• Facilitate group workshops (online and in-person) on Learning Skills topics (content provided) such as time management, academic reading, test taking, and more. 
• Provide peer-to-peer coaching on Learning Skills strategies and triage student needs to the appropriate referral.
• Represent Learning Skills Services at various outreach events across the University, particularly focusing on CISS and the Indigenous student population. 
• Various administrative duties as assigned, including record keeping, data entry, and responding to student inquiries.
• Engage in project and/or research learning skills-related work, as assigned.
• Meet regularly and communicate effectively with supervisors. 
• Communicate updates regularly to appropriate LSS and CISS team members and appropriate campus partners.
• Escalate serious problems or matters to the appropriate full-time staff.
• Attend all training sessions and meetings, unless in direct conflict with a class.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience 

• Current undergraduate York student (we encourage applicants from diverse programs of study).
• High academic standing and experience-based knowledge of effective study strategies and learning skills. 
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous traditions and culture.
• Sensitive to the overall issues facing Indigenous peoples.
• Previous experience providing peer to peer support (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, etc.) and knowledge of campus resources is an asset.
• Previous experience delivering presentations and/or facilitating in a group environment is an asset.

Skills and Qualifications 

• Ability to work supportively with students using a coaching model in a confidential and professional manner.
• Demonstrated commitment to peer academic support and awareness of the academic support needs of students, especially Indigenous students.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources, including academic, social, safety, health, cultural and others and able to refer students as appropriate.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to connect with others across differences of culture, experience, identity etc.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills and good attention to detail. 
• Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative.
• Proficient with MS Office such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Professional, punctual, and reliable.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and keep accurate and detailed records
• Students who are a good fit for this position are dynamic, approachable, knowledgeable, and open to learning about themselves and others. They will show high levels of emotional intelligence combined with excellent adaptability and organizational skills.

MANDATORY TRAINING DATES:

• August 19 – August 23, 2024: Mandatory Peer Training Week
• Ongoing PLT Professional Development training throughout the year

*Dates subject to change; additional training may be added.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR APPLICATION:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter that answers the following questions:
   1. What do you understand about the Learning Skills Peer role and why did you apply for this specific position?
   1. How can Learning Skills Services better support the needs of Indigenous students at York? (250 words maximum)

* We strongly encourage all applicants to take advantage of the free services offered through the YorkU Career Centre for resume, cover letter, and interview support.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: March 15^th, 2024 by 12pm (noon)

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit your application materials (resume and cover letter) via email to Lisa Maracle (maraclel@yorku.ca).

PLEASE NOTE:

• Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.
• This role is pending work-study funding approval.

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.

York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.