Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.
Job Title: Mushkegowuk Payukotayno Program Advisor
Staff Bargaining Unit
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hrs/wk)
OSSTF
Department: School of Social Work
Supervision Received: Dean, Faculties of Humanities & Social Sciences, and Cross-Cultural Studies
Location: Moosonee / Moose Factory, ON
Number of Positions: 1
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
A. Student Support 50%
B. Offsite Program Development & Community Engagement Support 30%
C. Communications / Coordination Support 10%
D. Other Duties 10%
TOTAL 100%
Reporting to the Dean, Faculties of Humanities & Social Sciences, and Cross-Cultural Studies, the Mushkegowuk Payukotayno Program Advisor provides support to the Director, School of Social Work, and completes a variety of duties in order to support the School of Social Work.
This role oversees the planning and delivery of offsite programming for the School of Social Work’s Mushkegowuk Payukotayno partnership, with a primary focus on student support. Key responsibilities include organizing events (e.g., orientations, open houses), providing academic and personal guidance, and coordinating student services. The position also involves developing offsite programs, supporting admissions and field education, and building partnerships with community organizations.
Additional duties include managing communications, creating promotional materials, maintaining relationships with key members of the Algoma University community, and ensuring students and staff are informed and supported.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student Support (50%)
Oversee the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of offsite programming events, including program orientations, open houses, and key Social Work and Field Education initiatives throughout the calendar year.
Serve as the primary in-person student support liaison for the Mushkegowuk Payukotayno partnership, providing strategic problem resolution in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office, and university-wide student services, including the Anishinaabe Academic Success Coordinator.
Conduct regular check-ins with students to help maintain their progress throughout the program.
Coordinate access to student supports in collaboration with the Anishinaabe Academic Success Coordinator, accessibility services, tutors, mental health and wellbeing support
Send introductory emails, maintain regular contact, respond to student inquiries, and create a supportive environment through virtual meet-ups or discussion forums.
Ensure students have access to necessary learning materials and tech tools.
Offer academic assistance, help students navigate personal issues, and provide guidance on study skills and time management.
Coordinate with program staff to meet academic needs, track student progress, and facilitate connections with support networks.
Document student issues and resolutions, report on progress, and gather feedback to improve support systems.
Offer career counseling, connect students with employers, and assist with the transition after the program.
Synthesize data from student surveys and feedback mechanisms to identify trends, generate insights, and inform continuous improvements to offsite programming and student support services.
Support diverse populations, encourage inclusion, and organize activities that promote respect and understanding.
Offsite Program Development and Community Engagement Support (30%)
Convene regularly with Program Advisory Committee meetings, and other department meetings as required, and report on developments.
Support the collection and synthesis of offsite programming information,
Develop and design new offsite programs in alignment with the institution's goals, ensuring they cater to student needs and enhance educational experiences.
Identify and secure necessary resources, such as technology, materials, and offsite instructors, to support program delivery.
Regularly assess program effectiveness through student feedback, performance metrics, and staff input, implementing improvements when necessary.
Build relationships with external organizations or institutions to enhance program offerings, such as internships, field placements, or guest lecturers.
Offer resources, training, and orientations to community partners .
Establish and nurture relationships with local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and other community partners that support offsite programs and field education
Evaluate the impact of community engagement activities on both students and the local community, and report on outcomes to program administrators.
Communication / Coordination Support (10%)
Connect the School of Social Work to community initiatives in offsite program locations.
Foster and maintain strategic collaborations with internal and external partners, including academic units, student services, and logistics teams, to ensure the seamless delivery of offsite programming.
Consult and liaise with the departments of Student Recruitment and Marketing & Communications to develop content for offsite programming events.
Oversee the development and dissemination of strategic promotional materials, including event posters and digital assets, to enhance the visibility and engagement of offsite programming.
Collect and coordinate updated information and content about offsite programming for the School of Social Work website.
Support the BSW program with college partners and assist the Student Recruitment and Marketing & Communications departments to promote the program and course offerings for offsite programming.
Develop and share schedules for offsite activities, ensuring all participants are informed of important dates, deadlines, and events.
Ensure that students and staff receive timely updates about changes to the program, such as scheduling adjustments or new opportunities.
Troubleshoot and resolve any communication breakdowns or misunderstandings between students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
Ensure all participants have access to the necessary program materials, resources, and guidelines, and assist with any required documentation.
Other Duties (10%)
Other duties, as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Effort: Moderate
Driving to field and community locations
Setting up for events on and off campus; carrying banners, gift bags, boxes and other materials
Physical Environment: Extreme
Travel for social work events and conferences in isolated northern First Nation communities, often by air and rail, as required
Commuting by boat taxi in seasonal weather, ice road taxi in winter months, and helicopter during spring and fall seasons, as required
Sensory Attention: Moderate
Frequent interruptions and competing priorities from different stakeholders
Mental Stress : Considerable
Frequent exposure to mental pressure and stress with competing deadlines and priorities, unexpected agency or student issues in placement, and sensitivity to topics related to suicide training (e.g., upset students)
Travel to different locations in Canada for conferences, and events, and to offer Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Undergraduate degree in Social Work, or a related field, and a minimum of three (3) years of experience working in a social service and/or educational environment offering support services or conducting research program coordination/support, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Mushkegowuk populations, communities, and organizations in a human service context is required.
Working knowledge of anti-oppressive and anti-racist social work, as well as Indigenous and diverse cultures and communities, is required.
Experience with website design/updating is required.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to take initiative and work with limited supervision.
Excellent research skills.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, team-building, and electronic record-keeping skills.
Understanding of, and ability to uphold, strict confidentiality.
Excellent use of technology for collaboration.
Vulnerable Sector check is required
Salary Scale: $69,258 to $86,572 annually.
To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter at:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=325cbdb8-d490-4480-ae8d-d332911ec006&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=544620&lang=en_CA&source=CC2
no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 10, 2025.
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.
