Academic Support Officer jobs

Position Summary
The Placement Officer plays a vital role in supporting the success of student WorkIntegrated Learning (WIL) experiences across multiple schools and programs. As a key member of the WIL team, the position collaborates closely with the Placement Coordinator (PC) and liaises with WIL Partner(s) to gather and secure placements, coordinate the administration of WIL Partner Agreements (WILPAs), maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with institutional policies, and manage partner expectations.

By managing non-academic requirements, supporting placement systems and processes, and tracking student progress, the Placement Officer enables students to meet partner expectations and institutional standards. The role ensures that every placement is ethically managed, policy compliant, and aligned with the unique needs of each program and WIL Partner.

The Placement Officer brings clarity, consistency, and operational excellence to the placement process, ensuring that students, faculty, and partners are informed, prepared, and connected throughout the WIL journey.

Position Responsibilities
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Experience Facilitation:

• Administer WIL practicum experiences for assigned programs and courses, ensuring alignment with program objectives and policy-compliant execution.
• Initiate, verify, and maintain contractual agreements with WIL Partners (e.g., WILPA, MOU).
• Collaborate with the Placement Coordinator on planning, communication, and execution of placement cycles, and participate in internal and external meetings (e.g. orientations, cohort meetings, partner meetings) to provide updates to team and department as required.
• Review and monitor placement requests, (student eligibility, site suitability, placement history follow-ups, and replacements etc).
• Reconcile and maintain accurate records of placement details, agency communications, and student enrollment, ensuring information is up to date across relevant systems.
• Coordinates and administers external system training and access requests (ie. Connect Care) required for placements, including tracking, verification, and reconciliation of learner information, and escalate exceptions to the Placement Coordinator. Regarding Connect Care, communicates with students and instructors to review prior training history and determine required training for their current placement roles. ie. Connect Care training and access requests.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of, and validate, track, and verify student nonacademic requirements by program.
• Ensure students (and instructors, where applicable) meet WIL Partner / agency non-academic practicum requirements prior to placement attendance.
• Pre-screen Police Information Checks (PICs) and Vulnerable Sector Checks
• (VSC) to verify eligibility, in accordance with policy and process.
• Escalate non-compliance or eligibility issues to Placement Coordinator in alignment with RDP policies and processes.
• Maintain accurate records within placement systems (e.g., MyExperience-WIL Portal, HSPnet) or other approved systems).
• Coordinate interviews between students and WIL Partners as required.
• Collaborate with Health, Safety & Wellness and Occupational Health nurses regarding communication for student immunization requirements, what tests are needed, for those non-immunized results of outbreaks.
• Participate in developing and ensure secure coordination, distribution, and user compliance related to Photo ID badges and security access cards, where required.

• Provide general administrative support (reception, meeting logistics, room bookings, document updates) to team and department, when needed.
• Maintain department inbox and respond to internal/external inquiries.
• Maintain procedures manuals, templates, and handbooks.
• Take meeting notes/minutes and disseminate information.
• Refer students to appropriate support resources (mental health, international, accommodations, careers).

• Actively participates in training needed for role and professional development activities as they become available.
• Seeks learning opportunities from other staff in the Division of Student Experience to increase knowledge of divisional services.
• Actively acquires knowledge and regularly familiarizes self with policy and procedure to meet user needs.
• Provide cross-coverage to other positions within the Placement teams or CEED department and participate in special projects as needed.

• Two (2) years of post-secondary training, completion of a community Polytechnic certificate including trades apprenticeships or equivalent, in Administrative Professional, Business Administration or related programs
• 2 to 3 years experience (areas may include Business Administration, Administrative Assistant, customer service, human resource management) supporting clientele, problem solving, assisting in questions and concerns

• Strong analytical skills and keen attention to detail, including the ability to collect, reconcile, and interpret data from multiple sources.
• Creative thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
• Sound judgment and discernment-knowing when to take initiative and when to escalate issues appropriately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation, building and maintaining effective relationships with students, internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Demonstrated proficiency and ability to learn different software including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint).
• Familiarity with post-secondary education programs and institutional operations, including Work Integrated Learning is an asset

Benefits and Compensation Information
An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits.

Desired Start Date
November 2, 2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)
June 30, 2027

Hours of work
From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

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 peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Special Instructions to Applicants
The position is open until filled; however, the first review of applicants will begin on Oct 5, 2026