Social (Worker) Strategist

The Social Strategist plays a key role in supporting students by providing short-term counseling, advocacy, and guidance in accessing both internal and external resources. This role involves collaborating with faculty, student services teams, and external agencies to address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, ensuring they have the necessary support to succeed in their post-secondary education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide confidential short-term counseling and support to students facing academic, financial, and personal challenges.
• Assist students in accessing on-campus resources, including tutoring, accessibility services, financial aid, and mental health supports.
• Develop and implement individualized learning and support plans in collaboration with students and faculty.
• Act as a liaison between students and external community organizations, city services, and provincial support programs to facilitate access to housing, financial assistance, health care, and other essential services.
• Work closely with instructors and student services teams to identify students in need of additional support and coordinate appropriate interventions.
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals to specialized mental health services when necessary.
• Assist in the development and modification of curriculum and academic support programs to accommodate diverse learning needs.
• Advocate for student needs by engaging with external agencies and government programs to secure additional resources and support.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on topics such as time management, mental wellness, and navigating social services.
• Research, write, and apply for grants to secure funding for student support programs and initiatives.
• Build and maintain a professional network with community organizations, funding agencies, and government programs to enhance student services and resources.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience providing social work support in a post-secondary or educational setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of city and provincial support programs, including financial aid, housing, healthcare, and mental health resources.
• Experience working with diverse student populations, including individuals with disabilities, newcomers, and Indigenous students.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong counseling and case management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to assess student needs and connect them with appropriate resources.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex student challenges.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills to support student success.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity in working with diverse student backgrounds.
• Proficiency in report writing and maintaining accurate case records.
• Proven experience in securing funding, and managing grants for student support initiatives.
• Strong professional networking skills to establish and maintain relationships with community partners, government agencies, and funding organizations.