Manager, Student Care

Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Student Experience (AVPSE), the Manager, Student Care supports the AVPSE in setting strategic goals and translating them into operational plans for student care coordination at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). This position provides leadership to the Student Care, Intake, and Mental Health & Wellbeing teams. The Manager is responsible for highly sensitive and confidential information and is expected to carry out assigned responsibilities with a high degree of independence within a team-based learning environment.

The incumbent leads the delivery of consistent, high-quality services across Student Care, Intake and Mental Health & Wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on holistic, wrap-around support that promotes student retention, persistence, and overall success. Through effective leadership, a student-centred approach, staff training, clear communication, ongoing evaluation, and continuous improvement, the role ensures services are responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of students. Relationship building and collaboration are central to this position, with regular engagement with internal partners and community stakeholders to strengthen integrated supports. This work ensures services meet high-quality standards, align with RDP policies and procedures, and foster student success and belonging.

This position functions collaboratively as a member of the AVPSE team and engages institutional and community stakeholders to build relationships and improve access to comprehensive student supports for Red Deer Polytechnic students.

Position Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership: Student Care, Intake, Mental Health & Wellbeing:

• Provides leadership for student care coordination, intake coordination, and mental health and wellbeing education and awareness, informed by best practices, current needs, and available resources.
• Creates and implements operational plans for Student Care, Intake, and Mental Health & Wellbeing services in alignment with the Division’s Business Plan.
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean, Students on the development, implementation, completion and reporting for Mental Health Strategy initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to gather and use service data, as well as student, staff, and faculty feedback, to support planning, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
• Facilitates innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Reviews and improves work processes, operations, and systems to enhance student learning and service outcomes.
• Assists staff and faculty in understanding and responding to complex student-related issues, situations, or concerns.
• Engages with internal and external partners to build effective partnerships and collaborations that enhance access to resources and services.
• Ensures services align with RDP policies and procedures, applicable regulatory requirements, and best practices that support a strong culture of wellbeing.
• Supports the consistent interpretation and application of student policies and procedures to promote fair, transparent, and student-centered decision-making.
• Develops and maintains work, service, and learning environments that are equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible for the full diversity of the community served.

• Plans, delegates, and coordinates the work of direct reports to ensure services are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
• Approves, monitors, and reports vacation and other absences for all staff under the direct supervision; arrange coverage for all vacation and long-term absences as required
• Leads recruitment, selection, retention, coaching, training, supervision, and performance management in compliance with Human Resources policies and procedures, POPA, and applicable collective agreements.
• Supports a high-performing team by promoting professional growth, development, and continuous learning across the portfolio.
• Applies collective agreements and institutional policies to Division operations in consultation with the AVPSE and People and Culture.
• Facilitates discipline and dismissal processes, where necessary, in consultation with the AVPSE and People and Culture.
• Demonstrates accountability for Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities
• Maintains confidentiality of personal information in accordance with institutional policies, procedures, and POPA

• Fosters effective communication, collaboration, consultation, and coordination among Student Care, Intake, and Mental Health & Wellbeing staff to build strong working relationships and support integrated service delivery.
• Facilitates effective communication and collaboration between direct reports and relevant internal departments, including Counselling Services and other student support areas.
• Manages and communicates the referral process for students referred to Student Care services, including referrals to other internal departments and external partners.
• Participates as a member of the Academic Services Leadership Team.
• Participates in relevant RDP committees, as appropriate.
• Represents Student Care on relevant external committees, councils, and networks.
• Liaises with other post-secondary institutions and community agencies to strengthen partnerships and service coordination.

• Contributes to the preparation, development and monitoring of operating and capital budgets, and works with the DSE Operations Manager to support the budget process
• Manages and accounts for personnel and operational budgets for department in consultation with DSE Operations Manager
• Allocates resources within established budgets and monitors for effectiveness
• Works with Information Technology Systems to investigate, implement and maintain appropriate technologies that support continuous improvement in learning and service delivery
• Provides oversight and coordination of internal and external web-based applications and SaaS platforms such as Clockworks

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Health related field required
• Registration under the Health Professions Act required such as Registered Social Worker

• 3-5 years experience working as a registered health professional such as a Social Worker
• 3-5 years supervisory experience is required (including recruitment, selection, and performance coaching)
• Related experience working in the post-secondary environment is desired

• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with service, academic, and administrative leaders.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in staff development, supervision, coaching, and performance management.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to plan, coordinate, and implement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience developing, interpreting, and applying policies and procedures and ability to identify systemic impacts of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to apply technology to improve workflows, service delivery, and operational effectiveness.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to make independent decisions while maintaining confidentiality.
• Initiative and resourcefulness in leading and supporting change.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a positive environment through honesty, integrity, and ethical behaviour consistent with the core values of Red Deer Polytechnic.

Benefits and Compensation Information
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to College closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.

Eligibility to access the above-mentioned benefits dependent upon the EXEMPT Terms and conditions of Employment and related RDP policies.

Salary
Commensurate with education and experience

Desired Start Date
December 14, 2026

Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.
To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression.
Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected].
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.