Advocacy Coordinator

Position Title:            Advocacy Coordinator

Department:              Student Services

Reports to:                 Student Services Manager

Supervises:                 Advocacy Volunteers

Employee status:       Hourly Exempt, Term

Length of term:          January 2021 – End April 2021 

Hours per week:         20

Compensation:          Tier 2 – $14.65/hr

Position Overview

The Advocacy Office was established in 1999 to provide information and support to students facing the bureaucratic challenges and disciplinary committees of UBC. The Advocacy Office is one of few resources on campus that is 100% pro-student. Its goal is to empower students to advocate for their rights when facing the UBC’s intimidating power structures. The Office strives to provide students with information about UBC’s policies and procedures when they are in a formal conflict with the University. Although the office does not provide legal advice, the Office offers confidential and effective support to any undergraduate or graduate student at UBC in regards to the disputes outlined below.

• Non Academic Misconduct – Non Academic Misconduct may include vandalism of University property, harassing others individuals, and stealing on campus. We can also assist and advocate for the rights of students under Policy SC17 – Sexual Assault and Other Sexual Misconduct.
• Academic Misconduct – Academic Misconduct may include engaging or attempting to engage in cheating, plagiarism, falsifying information, etc.
• Academic standing – Academic Standing refers to issues such as failing a grade, being required to withdraw from a program, or promotion to next level of studies.
• Housing appeals – Housing incidents that relate to the UBC Resident Contract, subletting, etc.
• Parking disputes – Appealing a Traffic Notice (Parking ticket disputes).
• Library fine appeals – Appealing library fines and other charges.
• Other Disputes - accusations of bias, interpersonal complaints about faculty or staff, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• oversees all aspects of the AMS Advocacy Office, including the day to day workings of the office, guiding the future vision, and managing a team of volunteers
• Interact and manager relationships with a variety of clients
• Conduct legal research
• Preparing clients for and attending hearings before university committees
• Assisting students with editing and submitting appeal documents
• Hiring, training, and supervising volunteer advocates
• Running intake interviews for clients
• Assisting students with editing and submitting appeal documents
• Cultivating campus partnerships in order to better assist and refer students
• Working towards the long-term goal of growing the Advocacy Office
• Furthering  justice for students who are struggling against bureaucracy
• Post and attend regular office hours
• Attend weekly Services team meetings
• Attend weekly 1-on-1 meetings with the Student Services Manager
• Liaise with relevant campus partners
• Other duties as required

Qualifications:

• Must be a currently registered student at UBC Vancouver or one of its affiliated colleges
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience working with vulnerable clients where empathy and understanding are emphasized
• Strong organizational, time management, and team-leadership skills
• Strong self-starter mentality with the ability to work unsupervised
• Background in law is an asset - particularly Administrative Law
• A passion for advocacy and the underdog

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply ASAP to ensure your application is considered.

Thank you for your interest at the AMS. Due to the large volume of resumes we receive at the AMS, we are only able to contact those we are interested in interviewing and cannot reply to email/phone/walk-in inquiries regarding application status.

The Alma Mater Society of UBC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status or any other characteristic protected by law. We invite all qualified candidates to apply online with their resume and cover letter.