Mission Public Schools - Career Opportunity
Indigenous Liaison Worker
We acknowledge that our school district community is on the unceded, ancestral territory of the Stó:lo people and we benefit from local knowledge keepers and thriving Indigenous communities.
Mission Public Schools is dedicated to providing our students with an educational environment that nurtures the development of an Educated Citizen. Located in the beautiful Fraser Valley, Mission is a vibrant and diverse community with over 6200 students and 850 employees. We are committed to providing a safe, equitable, and inclusive educational system for all students in our thirteen urban and rural elementary schools, two middle schools, one secondary school, distributed learning centre, alternative learning centre, and vocational and technical college.
In accordance with Article 10 of the Collective Agreement the following position is open for application. This is a temporary position, effective immediately.
SUMMARY
This is work of a support nature working under the general direction of the District Principal Indigenous Education and under the daily supervision of the school based administration. The Indigenous Liaison Worker provides assistance and support to aboriginal students. The Liaison worker will be expected to work as part of the Siwal Si’wes – Indigenous Department.
Depending upon the nature of the student’s needs, the emphasis of the job responsibility will focus on providing a liaison between the home and school for indigenous students, in addition to academic assistance and tutoring from a culturally based perspective and cultural support.
Initially, the type and style of assistance and assignments are discussed with the District Principal but as the Liaison Worker becomes familiar with materials, students and program resources, some independence of judgement is exercised, within established guidelines.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- plans and implements activities that will enhance the understanding of Indigenous culture
- enhances the understanding of Indigenous culture among students and staff by advising of activities, materials, programs and resources available for personal or classroom use
- promotes extra-curricular activities which will enhance the students’ academic or social achievements
- consults with teachers and parents/guardians to monitor students’ attendance, progress and behavior
- assists in the development of proposals for applicable grants to enhance the understanding of Indigenous culture
- participates in school based team meetings as required
- liaises with Indigenous community, Band Representatives, Indigenous Advisory Group and outsides agencies such as MCFD, Xyolhemeylh, MCS, Mission Native Housing, Fraser House, Public Health, etc.
- demonstrates positive role modelling with children, youth and parents
- provides a report and student work for Siwal Si’wes Department newsletter
- works cooperatively with Siwal Si’wes staff to plan and implement annual cultural activities for the district and schools
- works with students in or out of the classroom to reinforce concepts taught by teacher
- assists with the maintenance of records related to student progress, including monthly reports, transition forms and tracking forms
- provides crisis support for student, family/guardian
- maintains confidentiality in all matters related to the school district
- performs other related duties as may reasonably be expected of a person in this position
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- completion of secondary school supplemented by a completed program of studies at the post secondary level such as First Nations Studies, Indigenous Support Worker, Social Services, Child and Youth Care
- a proven interest in, and ability to work with Indigenous children; demonstrated by a minimum of two year’s experience conducting activities in a formal setting, with such children
- considerable knowledge of Indigenous cultures, heritages and value systems and the ability to share with students and staff (Sto:lo Nation would be an asset)
- ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts
- ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and written
- ability to work in a cooperative team situation
- ability to work flexible hours within assigned weekly hours
- ability to work without direct supervision
- willingness to participate in related in-service training and to assist in presenting in-service to other staff
- First Aid certification
- a valid BC Driver’s Licence and vehicle
35 hours per week
Wages as per collective agreement: Currently $29.17/hour
Note: A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check will be required from the successful applicant, with a review every five (5) years.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Qualified applicants are invited to submit an application package which should include the following:
- Cover Letter
- Resume (Include recent professional development activities)
- Copies of:
- Diploma/degree
- Three professional references
The interest of all applicants is appreciated; however, only those short-listed for interviews will be contacted.