Indigenous Culture & Student Support Worker

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools - School District 68; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional school district in Canada is seeking Indigenous Culture and Student Support Workers to empower Indigenous students academically, socially, and culturally. This role involves advocating for students, facilitating cultural activities, and building positive relationships with families and communities. Candidates should have relevant education and experience, along with a strong understanding of Indigenous heritage. This position is casual on-call with a pay rate of $31.78 per hour plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and spirituality.
• Demonstrated ability to support Indigenous students.
• Experience working with Indigenous youth or communities.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for Indigenous students' social emotional well-being.
• Support students in achieving academic success.
• Facilitate cultural activities within the school.

Skills

Understanding of Indigenous culture

Communication skills

Ability to build relationships

Self-directed work skills

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

One-year post-secondary program in Indigenous studies

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting Indigenous youth and fostering cultural pride in education? We are seeking Indigenous Culture and Student Support Workers to join our team and play a vital role in uplifting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.

In this position, you will work closely with students, families, educators, and community members to provide cultural guidance, advocacy, and support services that help Indigenous students thrive—academically, socially, and culturally. Your lived experience, traditional knowledge, and connection to community will be deeply valued as you help create a welcoming, respectful, and culturally safe environment.

We are committed to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous self-determination, and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully embedded across our learning spaces. If you are passionate about making a difference, we welcome your application.

Assignments

• Vary from casual on call, short term (weeks), long term (months). Hours are Monday - Friday, school hours, and all school locations.

Wage

$31.78 per hour plus 10.8% in lieu of vacation and statutory holidays

Position Summary

• Serves as an advocate for Indigenous students to help support their social emotional well-being and stay on track with their academic journey.
• Provides encouragement and support to Indigenous students to achieve academic success by coaching, explaining, and enhancing their learning experiences, in both small group and individual settings.
• Coordinate and liaise with school-based principal to support Indigenous learners and foster a culturally rich school environment.
• Support the planning, organizing and facilitation of cultural activities and events within the school site, or within the wider community.
• Attend meetings as required that pertain to the Indigenous Learning department.
• Develop positive relationships with Indigenous students, their families, and their communities.
• Participates in school-based team meetings as required and consults with staff, parents, and Indigenous communities advocating for the needs of Indigenous students.
• Serves as primary contact for Indigenous students seeking assistance for personal, learning, and undertakes initial intervention strategies as required and refers to school and community resources including home visits as appropriate.
• Assists staff and students in the understanding of Indigenous culture, heritage, and spirituality.
• Participate in professional development, workshops, training and keep current with understanding how to support Indigenous learners with barriers in the way of their educational journey.
• Maintains files and records through a Ministry database of the services provided to Indigenous students through individual support and/or school and classroom wide activities to support the use of targeted funding.
• Monitors student attendance and helps students with the barriers to learning and engagement in school.
• May, on occasion, be required to perform other related duties.

Your Education And Experience

• High school graduation or equivalent
• One-year post-secondary program in Indigenous studies; or a combination of education and experience with Indigenous youth or communities
• Specialized training in counselling, family assistance, childcare work, behaviour management or social work, is preferred
• A minimum of one-year recent and related experience
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, heritage, and spirituality
• Ability to work proactively and in a self-directed manner to foster an atmosphere of trust and respect with parents, Indigenous communities, and all staff
• Ability to work within a team; or autonomously
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain respect for and from students
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information seen or heard
• Strong verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan, organize and implement special events, workshops, meetings, and information sessions
• Ability to keep accurate records using an electronic device

How To Apply

Please apply by clicking the APPLY button next to the job details.

Your application must include a cover letter, detailed resume and any certificates or diplomas and transcripts if applicable. Please provide information for two professional references, preferably from individuals you have reported to in a workplace or volunteer setting.

If you have any questions, or would like more information about the position, please contact Pam Graham, HR Recruitment Coordinator at 250 741 5238 or [e-mail].

While this posting is open, we will be shortlisting and interviewing applicants until optimum staffing levels are reached.

Note: Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools thanks all applicants for their interest in working with us, however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. This posting will remain open until a successful candidate is found.