(Regular) Indigenous Education Support Worker

Kootenay Career Development Society; Trafalgar; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kootenay Career Development Society seeks an Indigenous Education Support Worker to assist teachers in delivering enhanced personal, cultural, and educational experiences to Aboriginal students. You will collaborate with families, school staff, and community agencies to improve outcomes in a culturally relevant program.

The role includes supporting local First Nations and Metis language and culture, maintaining records, and participating in team meetings.

Qualifications

• Completion of Indigenous Education Support Worker or related diploma.
• Significant knowledge of Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, syilx and/or Metis language and culture.
• Experience working in Aboriginal communities preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with school staff and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to Aboriginal Education program to meet student needs at assigned schools.
• Provide academic, social, and cultural support to Aboriginal students in a trauma-informed manner.
• Assist students in learning Aboriginal culture, history, and local First Nations priorities.
• Build relationships with families and increase student belonging at school.
• Maintain up-to-date records related to audit requirements.
• Participate in school-based team and parent meetings as required.
• Support families with information on community resources and services.
• Collaborate with district Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Skills

Initiative

Relationship building

Teamwork

Adaptability

Conflict resolution

Proactivity

Cultural sensitivity

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Indigenous Education Support Worker diploma

Grade 12

Driver's license (Class 5)

Experience with Ktunaxa/Secwepemc/syilx/Metis language

Job description

This position is a new allocation at the school.

The awarded applicant will be required to join the CUPE Local 748 Union and have a Criminal Record Check (submitted by the employer).

Position Description:
Assists teachers by providing enhanced personal, cultural, and educational learning experiences to students of Aboriginal ancestry. The employee works with families, school and district staff, school-based team, Aboriginal partners and community agencies to improve the educational outcomes and attendance of Aboriginal students in a culturally relevant program.

Reports To:
Director of Indigenous Education & Learning Services or designate and supervised by the site supervisor (principal).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide support to the district Aboriginal Education program to successfully meet the needs of students at assigned schools;
• provide academic, social, and cultural support to Aboriginal students in a trauma-informed manner;
• support students in learning Aboriginal culture, history, and traditions, with a focus priority on local First Nations as defined under DRIPA, as well as Metis language and culture;
• build relationships with families and increase student sense of belonging at school;
• maintain up-to-date records related to audit requirements;
• participate in school-based-team meetings, planning meetings, parent meetings, and other relevant meetings as required;
• under the direction of the teacher, provide information to families regarding community support agencies;
• support culturally appropriate strategies and programs that improve Aboriginal student educational outcomes and attendance;
• collaborate with district Elders and Knowledge Keepers;
• support school-to-school, including post-secondary, transitions of Aboriginal students;
• support and maintain cultural safety for Aboriginal students, families, and community;
• support and enhance classrooms in all grades and subject areas through the inclusion of Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives;
• support Local Education Agreement goals and objectives;
• work collaboratively with other Aboriginal Education staff in the school and district; and
• communicate with parents/guardians of Aboriginal students on providing Aboriginal Education support services.

Education and Experience

• Grade 12;
• Class 5 Driver's License;
• completion of an Indigenous Education Support Worker or Human or Social Service diploma or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience including working within an Aboriginal community and/or program; and
• significant demonstrated experience with and significant knowledge of Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, syilx, and/or Metis language and culture.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS:

• Initiative and flexibility in identifying and performing tasks in support of educational goals for Indigenous students;
• proficiency in building relationships;
• strong collaboration and teamwork abilities;
• flexibility for working in dynamic settings with changing priorities;
• strong conflict resolution skills and an ability to manage difficult situations with tact and diplomacy;
• proactive and initiative-driven mindset;
• sensitivity for differences in students and families;
• attention to detail and ability to follow directions; and
• Effective communication, organizational and time management skills.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Significant demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, syilx and/or Metis cultural traditions, protocols, history, and contemporary issues;
• Significant demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to values, beliefs, and needs of local First Nations as defined under DRIPA, as well as Metis communities;
• working knowledge of current office software programs and computer applications;
• understanding and awareness of diversity and inclusion;
• demonstrated ability to work in a manner that recognizes personal safety and the safety of others; and
• working knowledge of the provincial Duty to Report, FIPPA, and Duty of Care protocol and reporting procedures.

ABILITY:

• To communicate and work effectively with students, staff, parents and community resources as an integral part of a school-based-team;
• to serve as a role model for students;
• to effectively support students using a trauma-informed approach;
• to multi-task, prioritize, self-motivate, and meet deadlines;
• to establish and maintain positive, effective work relationships in a team environment at all times;
• to use office equipment at a proficient level;
• physical capabilities, stamina, and coordination suitable for working in a K-12 school setting;
• to use technology to assist students; and
• to focus/concentrate for long periods of time.

RESPONSIBILITY:

• Effectively interact and establish professional rapport with students;
• maintain professional relationships with community partners, families, and school district staff;
• support the Aboriginal Education department in Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, and syilx culture and language activities;
• in collaboration with the school-based team, implement courses of action to support youth and their families to engage in education and other applicable supports; and
• maintain a high level of tact and confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Relatively equal balance of standing/walking and sitting to accommodate students' needs;
• briskly walk on occasion and participate in outdoor recreational activities in all types of weather and various terrain;
• work is typically in a climate-controlled indoor facility;
• work is in a variety of school settings in the school district; and
• may involve travel between sites, locations, and communities.

SALARY:

• Wages and employment benefits per CUPE collective agreement.

Key Relationships

Effective working relationships with:

• Students
• Families
• School District 8 staff
• External agencies
• Local Aboriginal groups