Temporary Indigenous Student Advocate

School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen); Merritt; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

The Board of Education of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) invites applications for a Temporary Indigenous Student Advocate in Merritt, BC. This 17.5-hour-per-week position supports Aboriginal students under the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement.

The successful candidate will work with Principals and teachers to plan and promote cultural pride, monitor student progress, and act as a liaison with community resources. Aboriginal ancestry is requested under a special program.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 plus 6 months post-secondary in human or social service coursework or equivalent.
• 1 year of recent experience with Aboriginal students and families in an educational or recreational environment.
• Cultural awareness of the First Nations and Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with the public, students, teachers and staff.
• Working knowledge of computers and record keeping systems.

Responsibilities

• Assists with all aspects of student activities as required, incl. involvement with Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement and Local Education Agreement.
• Creates a schedule for working with Aboriginal students in cooperation with school Principals.
• Provides support for programs developing educational, emotional, social and cultural abilities of Aboriginal students.
• Works with a multi-disciplinary team and promotes cultural pride and awareness.
• Acts as liaison for community and cultural resources for classrooms and schools.
• Advocates for Aboriginal students in academic, social and cultural areas; supports life planning and transition.

Skills

Communication

Public speaking

Collaboration

Cultural awareness

Problem solving

Education

Grade 12 plus 6 months post-secondary in human or social service coursework

1 year experience with Aboriginal students and families

Cultural awareness of First Nations/Aboriginal communities

Job description

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman Street, Merritt, B.C., V1K 1B8, Phone: [phone]

PLEASE POST FOR ALL C.U.P.E. LOCAL 847 STAFF

C.U.P.E. EXTERNAL JOB POSTING NO. 26-22

POSITION: TEMPORARY - Indigenous Student Advocate - Merritt

SHIFT: 17.5 hours per week - School days only

EFFECTIVE : September 8, 2026 - December 18, 2026 – Exact timing of the hours to be determined by the Administrator

SALARY: Starting wage is $35.65 per hour.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assists with all aspects of student activities as required, including direct involvement with either individual or a small group of students, as it pertains to the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement and the Local Education Agreement.
• In cooperation with school Principals, and the District Principal, creates a schedule for working with Aboriginal students.
• Provide assistance and support for the implementation of programs aimed at developing the educational, emotional, social and cultural abilities of Aboriginal students.
• Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team with teachers, counselors, administrators and participates in planning, organizing, and promoting cultural pride and awareness.
• Assists with the student self-identification of Aboriginal ancestry and the collection of data for the school, and the district.
• Monitors and tracks students' progress, performance, attendance, academic achievement, and concerns regarding “vulnerable” students and reports on same to the appropriate teachers, principals, and counselors.
• May participate in school-based team meetings and other consultative meetings as required.
• Acts as a liaison for community and cultural resources for classrooms and schools.
• Acts as a positive role model and advocate for all Aboriginal students in areas including the academic, social and cultural aspects of the student and may include career/life planning and transition.
• Engages in problem solving with students and families using conflict resolution methods.
• May participate in field trips and class activities and outings.

The above job duties and responsibilities reflect the principal functions of the job. Other comparable or transient duties which are within the areas of knowledge and skills required by the job description may also be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Grade 12 plus 6 months recent post-secondary in human or social service coursework or equivalent in related field.
• One Year of recent experience with Aboriginal students and families in an educational or recreational environment.
• Cultural awareness of the First Nations and Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated effectiveness, initiative and flexibility in identifying and performing tasks in support of educational goals for Aboriginal students.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with the public, students, teachers, Principals and other employees of the District.
• Demonstrated ability to be a cultural resource person in First Nations cultural heritage and history with demonstrated cultural sensitivity for all Aboriginal nations.
• Working knowledge of computers and the ability to organize and maintain record keeping systems.

“The successful applicant will be a person of Aboriginal ancestry in accordance with an approved special program under Section 42(3) of the British Columbia Human Rights Code.”