INDIGENOUS SUPPORT WORKER - Casual/On-Call

 

WHO WE ARE

From coastal beaches to mountain forests, North Vancouver School District – “the natural place to learn” – provides world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student.  Our 25 elementary and 7 secondary schools, 2500 staff and 16,000 students offer a safe and nurturing environment based on trust, respect, responsibility and collaboration. We are looking for enthusiastic and positive individuals to learn, share and grow with the North Vancouver School District -“the natural place to work”.

THE ROLE

The Indigenous Support Worker plays an integral part in providing student assistance and teacher support to the personal, cultural and educational needs of First Nations students. In this role, you will advise and support Indigenous students by supporting behavioural change and personal growth while recognizing the importance of their cultural heritage and traditions.  You will act as role model/mentor and perform duties such as supervising individuals or groups of students, assisting students with academic support and appropriate behaviour and personal life skills.  In this role, you will be able to provide an Indigenous cultural perspective to all students and staff.  This role requires considerable initiative, emotional stability, empathy and understanding of First Nations students and culture.  In addition, you will need to exercise sound judgement in dealing with a variety of situations under the general supervision of a teacher(s) or administrator.  Your work performance will be reviewed and evaluated based on the effectiveness of the services offered to students and staff.

• Supporting Indigenous students in achieving academic goals and appropriate behaviour and personal life skills in conjunction with professional staff within the guidelines of District programs and/or First Nations protocols including the Indigenous Educational materials.
• Performing a variety of duties related to the development, modification and implementation of the student’s Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Promoting an understanding of First Nations culture, heritage, customs and values to First Nations and others within the school.
• Providing information and liaising between School District employees, school communities and the First Nations community.
• Supervising students and maintaining order and safety on school grounds, in the school common areas, in the classrooms, in the community, or on field trips.
• Ensuring established school rules/codes are followed and upheld by students and assisting students with positive conflict  resolution.
• Documenting and reporting incidents, accidents and behaviour problems including those of a confidential nature.
• Facilitating and encouraging positive interactions with Indigenous students and others in the school and community.
• Administering basic first aid and reporting such instances.  Maintaining awareness of student medical alerts and follows school medical protocols.
• Uses computer and educational software applications, audio video and other educational equipment.
• Performing record keeping tasks such as collecting and monitoring data in order to help coordinate the student’s programs with other staff, other professionals and parents.
• Visiting student families to facilitate accurate and timely communication between the school and home regarding issues unique to students.

WHAT WE REQUIRE

Considerable knowledge of:

• methods and practices of Indigenous students’ learning styles, academic course content, non-academic programs and  other needs
• First Nations culture, heritage, customs and values as it pertains to the local First Nations community political and social structures
• and working knowledge of student development, behaviour theories, behaviour intervention strategies, anger management/conflict resolution techniques and situational safety assessment may be required.

Ability to:

• adapt and respond to the varying academic, social, emotional and behavioural needs of all students
• facilitate the understanding of First Nations culture, heritage, customs and values with the school community
• establish and maintain effective relationships with First Nations students and others.  To function cooperatively wit staff, other professionals and parents/guardian
• use a computer with applicable software and a variety of instructional aids
• perform a variety of record keeping tasks, including the collection and monitoring of data related to student academic  progress and behaviour
• administer basic first aid

DESIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of grade 12 or equivalent
• Two years experience working with Indigenous students or programs, or an equivalent combination of training and  experience
• Preference will be given to applicants with Indigenous heritage

This is a casual, on-call, unionized position. 

The current rate of pay is $32.00per hour, plus 14% in lieu of benefits.

All candidates are required to submit to a BC Ministry Criminal Record Check and a local Police Criminal Record Check as condition of employment.

Applying to this posting is a two-step process:

1. Create your profile on Make A Future
2. To apply clicking "APPLY ONLINE" at the bottom of the posting.

** The North Vancouver School District values the time you have taken to submit your application; however, only those applicants selected to move forward will be contacted.** 

At the North Vancouver School District, our values guide what we do.  We support diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and schools; we welcome and respect the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of all our employees and students.

We value the opportunity to learn, share and grow on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

*All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.