PLAR Advisor for Indigenous Students and Communities in Williams Lake, British Columbia at Thompson Rivers University

Applications will be reviewed commencing the “closing date for internal CUPE applicants” and may continue until the position is filled.

Internal CUPE applicants must submit their application by 4pm on the “closing date for internal CUPE applicants” for their Seniority to be recognized. Applications received after the "closing date for internal CUPE applicants" will be considered alongside external applicants.

This position provides educational planning and guidance to individuals and organizations seeking credit from TRU for post-secondary level informal and non-formal learning, recognizing the unique needs of Indigenous candidates and their communities, and being creative and compassionate in how they are supported. Reporting directly to the PLAR Manager and working collaboratively with the Indigenous PLAR Developer(s), this position participates in the development and implementation of a nationally and internationally recognized PLAR system at TRU. The PLAR Advisor also participates in activities associated with candidate support, recruitment, persistence, and the promotion of PLAR and its processes. This position honours truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous rights at TRU by supporting recognition of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supports, guides, and advocates for PLAR candidates throughout the full PLAR lifecycle—from initial inquiry to completion—by assisting them to identify, reflect on, and articulate their prior learning; develop individualized PLAR plans aligned with educational and career goals; navigate application requirements, procedures, and timelines; prepare PLAR submissions; receive post assessment guidance; and access appropriate referrals and supports, while honouring Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing throughout all interactions and processes.
2. Collaborates with candidates, their communities, the TRU PLAR team, and subject matter experts to establish appropriate PLAR assessment criteria and processes; facilitates credit assessment activities related to PLAR and Strategic Partnerships; and communicates assessment decisions to candidates while ensuring accurate and timely entry of outcomes into the student record system.
3. Researches, verifies, maintains, and applies detailed knowledge of TRU course and program offerings, services, and transfer credit opportunities, as well as relevant programs at other post secondary institutions provincially and nationally, to support informed PLAR advising and assessment decisions, in consultation with TRU directors, managers, program coordinators, and program advisors.
4. Builds and sustains respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous candidates, communities, and TRU internal and external partners; supports community based and institutional partnerships related to PLAR; demonstrates personal and institutional accountability by integrating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action into daily work; and contributes to TRU Indigenization initiatives.
5. Initiates, develops, and implements technology based tools, publications, and resources to support PLAR advising, enhance accessibility and inclusivity of information, improve workflow efficiencies, and maintain current, accurate PLAR communications and materials.
6. Maintains a high level of institutional accountability and demonstrates personal accountability in building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous candidates and their communities. Actively integrates the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action into daily work to ensure that information disseminated to candidates and all staff and faculty at TRU is relevant and accurate.
7. Develops, promotes, and facilitates PLAR orientations, workshops, information sessions, and presentations for prospective and current PLAR applicants, as well as TRU staff, faculty, and administrators, both in person and online; and participates with PLAR leadership in research, reporting, and presentations within the TRU community and at provincial, national, and international meetings and conferences.

REPORTS TO
Manager, PLAR

EDUCATION:

• Undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, Education, Human Services, Psychology, Adult Learning Theory, or a related field

EXPERIENCE:

• Lived knowledge and at least five (5) years of experience working and collaborating with Indigenous candidates and communities, as supported by said Indigenous candidates and communities, including:
  • Experience advocating for the value of Indigenous knowledge and/or Indigenous languages and advancing organizational perspectives on how Indigenous ways of knowing and knowledge systems are integrated at a post-secondary institution. For example, connecting with or supporting departments to help them better understand Indigenous ways of knowing and learning such as giving presentations or information sessions.
• Knowledge of, or experience working within a post-secondary education environment, including academic advising, admissions, and student support services.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB
Knowledge

• Relational depth of knowledge and at least five years of experience of historical Indigenous perspectives, protocols, and culture.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and their relation to PLAR.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, critical thinking, relationship building, navigating difficult conversations, and the provision of constructive feedback to support student success.
• Effective communication and interpersonal judgement in assessment related contexts, including the ability to engage students thoughtfully and provide clear, meaningful feedback related to learning outcomes.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and discretion when communicating with candidates, their families, and community members, particularly in sensitive or complex situations.

Analytical, Critical Thinking, Problem-solving and Organizational Skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and planning skills that reflect accuracy, responsibility, and accountability in complex work environments.
• Excellent organizational skills, including sustained attention to detail across multiple concurrent tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and implement effective and creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Effective research and analytical skills used to inform planning, assessment, and decision making.

Self and Time Management, Judgement, Adapting to Change

• Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, processes, and work demands.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and to initiate projects that support candidates’ educational goals, retention strategies, and departmental objectives.
• Capacity to remain flexible and adapt to new technologies, systems, and evolving workplace practices.

Cultural Awareness, Inclusivity

• Demonstrated cultural competence and inclusive practice, including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations and communicate clearly with culturally diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of Secwépemc culture and familiarity with St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh, and Syilx cultures.

Records Management

• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential academic records in accordance with institutional standards.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, familiarity with relational databases, and effective use of student record system software.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at a desk and computer for long periods of time; general office conditions.
• Travel required: May require a valid Class 5 Driver’s License with no restrictions that would prevent the incumbent from required travel.
• Ability to lift weights up to 5kg

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website. External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.