Indigenous Student Advocate

School District 23: Central Okanagan; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school district in the Central Okanagan is seeking an Indigenous Student Advocate to provide support to Indigenous students. The role includes monitoring attendance, offering emotional and academic support, and fostering a sense of belonging among students. Candidates must have a strong understanding of Indigenous culture and experience working with Indigenous communities.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefit package

Extended health and dental coverage

Participation in a defined benefit pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience working with Indigenous students and their parents.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Completion of required Health & Safety training.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional, social, academic, and/or behavioral support.
• Monitor attendance and facilitate improved attendance for students.
• Collaborate with school administration to improve Indigenous student academic achievement.

Skills

Emotional support

Social support

Academic support

Cultural understanding

Education

Grade 12 (Senior Secondary School Graduation)

Two years of community college or university coursework

Job description

It is acknowledged that Central Okanagan Public Schools operates within the unceded, Traditional Territory of the Okanagan syilx peoples. The School District enrolls over 25,000 students (including approximately 3,200 students who self-identify as having First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit ancestry from Canada). Central Okanagan Public Schools is located in the Central Okanagan, encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country. There are a total of 50 school sites with 32 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle Schools, 5 Secondary Schools, 3 Learning Centres, an Alternate Education School, and an Online Learning School (K-12). The district has an excellent reputation for providing outstanding, student-centered programs in a diverse and inclusive environment, offering a wide range of educational opportunities for students and staff. We believe that equity empowers each learner to thrive holistically.

We Invite Applications For The Position Of

INDIGENOUS STUDENT ADVOCATE

This is an ongoing posting, allowing you to apply for future consideration. It is not indicative of an immediate vacancy.

Under the direct supervision of the District Principal of Indigenous Education, and the general supervision of the site-based Principal, the Indigenous Student Advocate will work with classroom teachers and other support staff to provide cultural and/or academic support and service to Indigenous students to help them succeed in school. The advocate will also assist with monitoring attendance of Indigenous students and facilitate improved attendance for students who are not attending regularly.

The Successful Applicant Will

1. Provide emotional, social, academic, and/or behavioral support;
2. Monitor attendance and facilitate improved attendance for students who are not attending;
3. Assist students with goal setting and career planning;
4. Work closely with teachers and staff to plan effectively for students;
5. Provide links between home and school;
6. Collaborate with school administration and staff to improve Indigenous student academic achievement, increase awareness and knowledge of Indigenous culture, and foster a sense of belonging, self-respect, and pride of heritage among Indigenous students.

Applicants Must Have The Following Qualifications

1. Successful completion of Grade 12 (Senior Secondary School Graduation);
2. Two (2) years of community college or university coursework, including courses in Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Human Service Work, or equivalent;
3. Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous students and their parents;
4. Ability to work as part of a team;
5. Good understanding of Indigenous culture and ability to model cultural teachings;
6. Interest in and desire to work with students on their academic, social, and emotional needs;
7. Ability to relate to students empathetically, respectfully, and consistently;
8. Completion of required Health & Safety training.

The successful candidate must participate in Cultural Awareness Training. Preference may be given to Indigenous applicants of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit descent who can demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, Indigenous culture and ancestry, as per the Special Program with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Indigenous Student Advocates may be hired into temporary or permanent full-time positions. Casual work may also be available.

The hourly wage rate for this role is $33.53, typically working 7 hours per day during the school months.

Casual or temporary advocates without seniority will receive 5% of bi-weekly earnings in lieu of vacation. Once seniority is attained, they will also receive 5% of straight time earnings in each pay period in lieu of statutory holidays and 10% in lieu of benefits when working 20 hours or more per week.

Permanent full-time 10-month positions are offered with 35 hours/week and include a comprehensive employee benefit package with extended health and dental coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and participation in a defined benefit pension plan.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online with a cover letter, detailed resume, three professional references (names and phone numbers), and copies of certifications.

The Central Okanagan Public Schools thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.