Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

The Program Head is accountable for the coordination and administration of quality adult programs and services for First Nations Learners. The incumbent manages the health program operations and instructs SIIT students in the classroom, laboratory or shop environments and assists during consultation hours. This position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.

General Accountability

The Program Head is the leader of the program faculty and may be required to instruct approximately 25% of the time. This position is responsible for ensuring that program delivery aligns with the strategic direction of SIIT, promoting student success, enhancing institutional strength, and fostering strategic stakeholder relations. The incumbent is responsible for the coordination of programs from start to finish, including administration and financial budgeting, program development, monitoring, as well as, recruitment and management of instructors and students, and completing evaluations.

The Program Head will serve as a resource assisting communities and the Institute to develop short and long term plans for programming development that is based on current best practices, reflecting industry standards and encompasses First Nations values, traditions and practices. This position is required to seek out new program opportunities, as well as, in collaboration with the Dean, identify the need to modify current programs and services to meet the needs of the learners, clients, and communities to further the education and training of clients/learners. This position is required to keep current with developments in their subject area, instructional resources and methods, and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities to suit the individual needs of their students. The incumbent will be required to organize the curriculum to create a learning environment that guides and promotes student success. This position is required to directly supervise the delivery of curriculum as laid out by SIIT's approved training through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan (CLPNS). This position will be required to travel to assigned program locations or other approved work sites in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of the role. This position includes the following broad range of accountabilities:

Specific Accountabilities

Instruction and Administration

• Prepare lesson plans and appropriate delivery methods planning documents for course delivery
• Select, design, update and createrelated materials including student assessment records, and attendance records
• Incorporate current technology advancements within instruction and administration where applicable
• Use appropriate methods of instruction, modeling, and mentoring to facilitate student learning
• Use appropriate methods of evaluating and recording student progress within set time frames
• Ensure that instruction design and delivery supports the approved objectives of the program
• Complete all course-related materials including attendance records and course evaluations
• Facilitate student testing as it relates to the program requirements
• Coordinate work experience practicums and monitor student success in conjunction with instructors where applicable
• Ensure the program is on schedule and course content is covered in the specified time period
• Seek professional development opportunities to keep current and relevant in applicable teaching areas, educational standards, industry trends, and best practices
• Monitor and review curriculum in accordance with regulatory bodies and to ensure quality
• Lead health program curriculum review, collaborating with other Academic staff, faculty and external contractors as necessary

Coordination, Monitoring & Academic Administration

• Identify, initiate, and support the coordination of various training programs for the Institute and Bands/Tribal Councils as requested
• Plan, implement, and evaluate the activities that attract First Nations communities to SIIT programs within the province while collaborating with various departments.
• Assist in the monitoring of various training programs for Bands/Tribal Councils as requested
• Ensure the training program meets the needs of the Band/Tribal Councils and stakeholders where applicable
• Ensure that existing and new classrooms and office spaces are equipped with the required resources and equipment to ensure teaching and learning opportunities are maximized, as well as, ensuring the maintenance of the site in collaboration with the facilities department or community contacts where applicable
• Work closely with relevant personnel and departments to ensure smooth operations, including academic calendar planning, internal and external appraisals, joint student recruitment/orientation opportunities, and joint workshop initiatives for instructors
• Assist Instructors, when required, to ensure students adhere to SIIT's Academic policies
• Assist with preparation and submission of reports to internal and external stakeholders as required; participate in graduate follow-up surveys
• Liaise with students, instructors, stakeholders and partners to provide explanations related to academic regulations, student records, programs and calendars while adhering to privacy legislation and SIIT policy
• Work closely with the Registrar's office on required and applicable documentation as it relates to the learner
• Initiate and coordinate program information and applicable forms

Partnering & Reporting

• Collaborate with Bands, Tribal Councils and other agencies while strengthening linkages between SIIT and First Nations communities
• Work collaboratively with SIIT Registrar to ensure all learners are registered and credits are accumulated as applicable
• In collaboration with the Dean, develop contracts and budgets with outside parties for programs and services
• Develop, promote and maintain positive working relationships with Bands, Industry, Tribal Councils, FSIN, funding institutions, and other institutes and partners, in order to meet community, professional, development and educational needs
• Investigate and report on potential external relationships and opportunities including partnerships that could benefit the department

Resource Allocation

• Develop and monitor budgets for all programs as requested
• Ensure sufficient resources are available to deliver the training
• Approve all contracts prior to the commencement of the training
• Authorize purchase orders pertaining to the programs
• Approve and authorize invoices and expenses for payment
• Ensure resources are allocated in accordance with the financial planning and operating budget

People Management & Leadership

• Ensure a positive, diverse, inclusive work and learning environment
• Coach, train and develop employees to ensure growth and development of those individuals
• Conduct regular reviews with direct reports; ensure adherence to SIIT policies and procedures
• Assist in building and leading the department through employee selection
• Work collaboratively with administration, instructors, and students to provide support services and cultural activities for students
• Attend and positively contribute during staff, department, and Institute meetings
• Adhere to and promote academic regulations and SIIT policies and procedures
• Foster a positive, collaborative and professional working relationship among students, coworkers and partners across the Institute

Student Focus

• Build and maintain positive relationships with students
• Implement and monitor effective student retention strategies
• Monitor student attendance, report as required, and implement disciplinary action as per SIIT policy
• Maintain classroom, laboratory and practicum discipline and, if necessary, recommend action to applicable supervisor regarding student behavior, including formal student disciplinary action
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of students for all programs
• Develop and maintain respectful relations using effective problem solving and constructive resolution of student issues
• Ensure a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment for all students

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements:

• Registered Nurse (RN) Master's degree or RN with a Master's degree in progress
• Member in good standing with the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS)
• Minimum 5 years of full-time clinical practice experience in medical-surgical, pediatrics/labor and delivery, and/or long term care/residential settings
• Relevant clinical training, practice experience, and ongoing professional development
• Knowledge of the role and scope of practice of the Licensed Practical Nurse
• Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations

Assets:

• Post-secondary teaching experience
• Experience working with Indigenous learners
• An understanding of adult learning theories and principles
  

Incumbent must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation as travel is required. As this position is considered safety sensitive, the incumbent will be subject to testing as per SIIT's Alcohol and Substances policy.
Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Leadership Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Communication (Instructional), Coaching and Developing Others, Initiative, Planning and Goal Setting.