Peer Advocate (Student Position)

WHAT WE STAND FOR
The Mohawk Students Association exists to ensure all Mohawk Studentsachieve personal success in their college experience and beyond. Weempower Mohawk Students to create a community they can lean on forpositive experiences relevant supports a listening ear and a strong voiceso they can achieve personal success in their college experience by the Executive Director and an elected Student Board of Directors
(BOD) we are a Non-Profit Organization that supports students through ourmission:
Advocacy & Leadership
Engagement & Support
Sustainability & Operations
While we are a separate organization from Mohawk College we workcollaboratively with the college to reach our goals.

MY MSA TEAM
We live our values to ensure we achieve our Student Driven Vision andMission. In This Together we collaborate in transformative ways within andbeyond our departments helping wherever we are needed. We Believeits Possible by focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. We prioritizeFoster Belonging where all staff members feel purposeful and supportedas their authentic selves. And we share and learn through the power ofStorytelling.

MY GOVERNANCE & ADVOCACY TEAM
As an integral part of the Mohawk Students Association the Governance & Advocacy Team provides opportunities to support equity diversity andinclusion on-and-off-campus for Mohawk College students. By ensuringwe understand the needs of students through their lived experiences ourBoard of Directors have the processes supports and resources to effectivelygovern and advocate on behalf of our membership (students like you!).At the end of the day watching students succeed and knowing that weplayed a part in that success is the best part of our job.

WHAT YOU DO
As a Peer Advocate you provide guidance and mentorship for students toempower and further develop their self-advocacy skills related to academic success and college life. You act as a champion collaborator and connector by sharing relevant information that may directly or indirectly impact the overall experience of students at Mohawk College with an emphasis on equity diversity inclusion justice and compassion for practices and activities. You listen to students questions and concerns building a large data set of compiled feedback to support advocacy initiatives and recommendations for potential proactive services and/or projects. Because you are a student you also contribute to the MSAs area of focus around advocacy and leadership by providing your own lived experience as well as common issues and concerns amongst the larger student population both on-and-off campus. This role works collaboratively to ensure the success of all departments because we are in this together.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:
You thrive on helping your fellow students and building connections with others on campus that prioritize equity diversity inclusion justice and compassion. You ensure that students have a safe space to tell us what they need and how they would like to see change and receive service support. You play an active role within the Governance & Advocacy team to ensure that students are engaged informed empowered represented and feel included at the MSA and Mohawk College.
Primary Accountabilities:
Build trust between the MSA and Mohawk College students.
Create opportunities for students to develop self-advocacy skills through information sharing dialogue and workshop facilitation.
Promote opportunities for increased awareness and engagement within the MSA and Mohawk College.
Look for opportunities to further advocacy efforts of the MSA for Mohawk College students.

HOW YOU DO IT
Responsibilities:

Academic Success and Service Navigation
Provide information and guidance for students navigating appeal processes including but not limited to academic appeals academic integrity and student behaviour appeals.
Create a schedule for drop-in hours to support student inquiries.
Create and facilitate workshops events and popup tables to promote academic success personal growth and social connection among students across all campuses.
Support students through a peer support plan and/or referral process utilizing self-advocacy strategies.
Respond to email inquiries in a timely manner providing information and guidance.

College Life and Self-Advocacy

Research self-advocacy strategies to improve college life emphasizing strategies for success
Create and facilitate in-person and virtual workshops related to peer supported self-advocacy utilizing engagement strategies based on the student life cycle.
Assist students with self-advocacy strategies regarding challenges students may face while at college.
Assist students as a liaison between students staff faculty and the MSA as needed.
Work collaboratively with all departments

General
Maintain accurate records of student interactions through a large congregate data base
Interpret data sets through evaluation techniques for sustainability efficacy and areas for improvement
Create and submit monthly reports to Governance & Advocacy Specialist that identifies themes or trends amongst student inquiries with a focus on student issues affecting the larger student population

What you Need in Education Experience and Training for your Department:
Currently enrolled in a Mohawk College program
In good standing with the College
Second year or above student (Social Service Worker Graduate Certificate Programs Community and Justice Services Child and Youth Care Educational Support or any interdisciplinary/human services related program)
Legally eligible to work in Canada.
Comfortable engaging with diverse groups of individuals with diverse needs.
Understanding of equity diversity inclusion justice and compassion and how those areas affect students.
Understanding of underrepresented groups and the intersectionality at post-secondary institutions.
Understanding of human rights and social justice movements as they relate to student populations.
Preference although not a requirement is given to folks who identify as part of an underrepresented group(s).

What Knowledge Skills and Attitudes that you require:
Passion for working for and with post-secondary students.
Empathy for underrepresented student groups.
Proficient in a digital environment (e.g. Microsoft Teams Outlook Excel).
Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

Ability to work collaboratively or independently.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Good organizational time management and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to engage in research using digital and print resources.
Ability to accurately report research findings through written and verbal methods.
Positive energy and attitude.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Able to work in a variety of on-campus settings that may involve sitting standing lifting and transporting
Standard work hours are 0-15 hours per week. This may include evenings and weekends occasionally.
Schedule(s) will be created based on business needs.
Should availability change due to commitment or academic schedule we cannot guarantee hours or accommodations.
Travelling to all main and satellite campuses (Fennell IAHS Stoney Creek Airport Six Nations Polytechnique and Mississauga)
Able to sit/ stand for prolonged periods of time.

At MSA we prioritize both our operational needs and the well-being of our students. Our schedules are crafted to meet the business requirements while considering the availability of our students ensuring a harmonious balance that supports both the organizations goals and individual commitments. We understand that circumstances can change and if your availability or schedule needs to be adjusted during your contract we encourage open communication. Please be aware that such changes might affect our ability to offer you future shifts as we strive to maintain optimal support for our operations. Our approach reflects our commitment to mutual respect flexibility and maintaining a supportive environment for all.

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
This position is entitled to the following comprehensive compensation package:
Student Benefits.
Option to enroll in the CAAT Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
Staff Wellbeing Initiatives.
Celebrate an Individuals Authentic Self.
Work Culture that prioritizes that staff have a voice feel a sense of belonging and have fun together

ACCESSIBILITY

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities the MSA will upon the request of the candidate provide accommodation.

Should you require accommodation at any point during the appointment interview process with the MSA please contact People and Culture at

EQUITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The MSA seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives and especially seeks applications from indigenous (First Nations Mtis or Inuit) peoples members of racialized communities persons with disabilities women and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply using the link provided including a resume and contact information with your application.

The interview process will begin in late July or early August and the posting will remain open until late July. Preferred start date would be mid August.