Indigenous Support Specialist

Overview

Indigenous Support Specialist Jobs in Vancouver, Canada at The University of British Columbia

Title: Indigenous Support Specialist

Company: The University of British Columbia

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Category:

Job Summary

The Indigenous Support Specialist provides leadership in the development of organizational change strategies and the implementation of initiatives that represent Indigenous perspectives in sexual violence response and prevention programs. Working from a culturally‑based, trauma‑informed perspective, the incumbent empowers survivors of sexual violence by reducing the impact of trauma and secondary victimization through coordination of support and accommodations with key campus and community stakeholders.

The position also identifies and fosters relationships with key partners, including Indigenous communities, organizations, and other institutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy, and ongoing support in accordance with Indigenous cultural practices and traditions.
• Prioritize service to self‑identifying Indigenous survivors of sexual violence and serve non‑Indigenous survivors when capacity permits.
• Consult with campus and community stakeholders to identify, access, and coordinate appropriate academic and non‑academic accommodations for survivors.
• Provide information, assistance, and accompaniment to clients, including travel to hospitals, police, courts, and the Investigations Office.
• Consult and collaborate with Indigenous units and stakeholders such as the Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation Committee (ISPIC) and the Indigenous Working Group.
• Facilitate and participate in case management meetings, providing additional support and guidance to university staff, advisors, and faculty involved in the case.
• Partner with key stakeholders to develop and implement referral and intervention protocols that expedite access to support, facilitate continuity of care, and address systemic barriers.
• Provide information about relevant policies and procedures, including UBC Policy SC 17, Policy SC 7, Policy SC 13, and Policy SC 18.
• Assist clients with reporting, investigations, and alternative dispute resolution processes, clarifying differences between criminal and UBC investigatory processes.
• Respond to allegations of retaliation related to disclosures, reports, or investigations, providing information and referrals to appropriate disciplinary processes.
• Maintain accurate case records and prepare supporting documentation and reports as required.
• Interpret university policy regarding sexual violence and misconduct, identify areas for improvement, recommend changes, and participate in review and revision of systems and protocols.
• Participate in ongoing evaluations of relevant policies, programs, and services, recommending improvements.
• Work with Indigenous Educator and other campus stakeholders to provide consultation on issues related to survivors, perpetrators, and best practices for supporting Indigenous survivors.
• Coordinate and/or collaborate on programs, projects, and special events related to sexual violence response and prevention.
• Exercise professional judgment in the provision of sexual violence response services and prevention education, acting as a cooperative team member of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office.
• Work independently within case‑management practice guidelines, university policy, and relevant legislation while consulting collegially and collaboratively.
• Supervise practicum students, student employees, and volunteers as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including those that conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Indigenous Studies, or Gender Studies;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Excellent working knowledge of Indigenous cultural beliefs and practices pertaining to trauma‑informed support for sexual violence survivors.
• Excellent working knowledge of Indigenous‑specific health resources and the ability to facilitate…