Date Posted: July 31, 2015

Position Title:
Vacancy Status:
Classification/Salary:
Employment Definition:
Supervisor:
Position Start Date:

Cultural Counsellor
(First Peoples House of Learning)
Open
OPSEU Administrative (A-122; NOC-4033), Band 9
$59,185- $69,876 per annum (i.e. $4,932.12- $5,823.02 per month)
Full-time (35 hours per week), regular
Director, First Peoples House of Learning
As soon as possible

Summary of Duties:
Under the supervision of the Director, First Peoples House of Learning, provide professional personal
counselling and advising services based on a holistic Indigenous Knowledge sharing model for Indigenous
students at Trent University campuses. The Cultural Counsellor is a professional counselling position with a
significant focus on supporting Indigenous student wellness, cultural knowledge sharing, student success, and
community services relations building toward a sustainable support services network for all Trent University
Indigenous students and those affiliated with First Peoples House of Learning.
1. Provide Indigenous based personal guidance and personal counselling to all Indigenous students and
students affiliated with First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) at Trent University.
2. Work in partnerhsip with local Peterborough and Trent University support services to build a network
of support services and referral services for Indigenous students and students affiliated with First
Peoples House of Learning at Trent University.
3. Provide cultural-based support, advice and assistance for Trent University Faculty, Staff and Student
Groups & relevant committees toward ensuring student personal and academic success.
4. Assist FPHL in providing workshops to improve cultural capacity and Indigenous knowledge sharing
for Trent students, faculty, and staff.
5. Coordinate contacts with Elders for the provision of services specific to the Visiting Elders and
Traditional Teaching events.
6. Work with First Peoples House of Learning staff to assist in the promotion of and awareness building
around Indigenous cultural issues within Trent University.
7. Promote diverse Indigenous cultural teachings, histories, and practices of Indigenous Peoples.
8. Assist the Director, Student Success Coordinator, Indigenous Enrolment Advisor and Biishkaa
Coordinator,to continue to build and implement a strategic plan to increase Indigenous student
enrollment and retention.
9. Work with the Director to implement and co-ordinate an identified program of traditional cultural
events at Trent University for students, faculty and staff and community.
10. Assist in organizing social & cultural events that bring staff, students, alumni & faculty together.
11. Coordinate the planning and delivery of the annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering.
12. Assist the Director with reports to Trent, MTCU, and funders.
13. Assist the Director with proposals for Culture-Based program of service.
14. Liase with the Trent University Traditional Advisory Council.
15. Coordinate with community partners in the delivery and sharing of resources, where appropriate. i.e.
visiting elder and traditional teachers.
16. Provide cultural and counseling support at the Oshawa campus.
17. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
1. Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Work, Psychology); or, a program in Indigenous
practice of psychotherapy recognized by the Registration Committee of the College of Registered
Psychotherapists of Ontario or by a body that is approved by the Registration Committee
2. Registered Counselling Certification, preferrably the Native Counsellor Training Program from the
Ontario Native Education Counsellors Association
3. Three years of experience teaching and sharing Indigenous Cultural Knowledge, either through
workshops, classrooms, or in community services provision, including three years of directly-related
professional counselling experience.
4. Extensive Indigenous community development or partnership building experience. Strong knowledge
of Indigenous knowledge sharing protocols.
5. Demonstrated interest and knowledge of Indigenous history, language and culture.

6. Excellent cross-cultural communication skills (verbal and written); ability to communicate information
in a clear, consistent and courteous manner.
7. Intermediate level computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
8. Outstanding customer service skills.
9. High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality required.
10. Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and objectivity.
11. Proven judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
12. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse team environments.
13. The ability to relate effectively with students from varying social, academic, economic and cultural
backgrounds.
Closing Date for Applications:
To Apply:

Friday, August 14, 2015; 4:00 p.m.

The preferred method for submitting your covering letter and resume is by e-mail to
jobs@trentu.ca (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF). Please note your full name and the position
title in the subject line of your e-mail (i.e. First and Last Name Position Title). If you are
unable to send your application by e-mail, you may apply by fax or mail/drop-off your
application to: Trent University, Department of Human Resources, 1600 West Bank Dr.,
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8; Fax: (705)748-1276. **External applications will be
considered only when accompanied by a completed Application Form:
http://www.trentu.ca/humanresources/employment/nonacademic.php

Trent University is actively committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community and encourages
applications from all qualified candidates. Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with
disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or
require an accessible version of a document/publication, please contact humanresources@trentu.ca.
While the University appreciates all applications, please note that in competitions for regular/recurring positions, only app lications from internal candidates will be
acknowledged. If there is no successful internal candidate, only applications from external candidates considered for an interview will be acknowledged. Only
those applications from candidates considered for an interview for a contract or temporary/casual position will be acknowledged.