Indigenous Support Worker

The Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lo people, the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

Why Abbotsford?

Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.?Learn more about the Abbotsford community:?? tourismabbotsford.ca? //?thefraservalley??

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Why the Abbotsford School District?

Every day, in every classroom and office at Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 19,000 students. We provide a workplace that fosters creativity, inspires excellence, and challenges everyone to embrace growth.

Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow, and succeed.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the District Principal of Indigenous Education or designate, the Indigenous Support Worker, provides enhancement support within the goals areas of the Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students and the Local Education Agreement with Sumas First Nation and Matsqui First Nation (student success, cultural identity and equity & access). Incumbents are assigned specifically to Indigenous students.

The job involves maintaining confidentiality in all matters of the school district and current, proficient knowledge of the documentation practices, detailed procedures, School District Policies and Ministry of Education Legislation.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Providing cultural support to Indigenous students by: acting as a strong Indigenous role model to Indigenous students; promoting extracurricular activities which will enhance the students’ academic or social achievements; learning about students’ various cultural backgrounds to appropriately nurture relationships; assisting eligible students obtaining Indian, Metis, or Inuit status; organizing cultural events; and providing family support via visits and phone calls to the home.

Enhancing academic curriculum by: delivering presentations to students and school staff; advising of cultural activities, materials, programs, and resources available for personal or classroom use; organizing field trips and tours which will enhance the understanding of Indigenous culture; liaising with Elders and education designates of the Indigenous communities, Administrator or designate, and District Indigenous Helping Teacher.

Providing academic support to Indigenous students by: working with a small group of students periodically pulled out of the regular program, and/or work with students in one or more regular classrooms to reinforce concepts previously taught by the teacher; reviewing and explaining instructions and homework assignments; tutoring students in a variety of subjects; providing feedback to students on assignments and tests; and advising the classroom teacher on issues related to student progress.

Providing academic support to Indigenous students with special needs by: working with Education Assistants to implement the individual education plans (IEPs).

Performing administrative tasks such as: generating letters and proposals for field trips; printing and photocopying documentation; monitoring attendance and tracking grades; and ensuring the safe and orderly storage of equipment and supplies.

Participating in staff meetings as requested and performing all such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal of Indigenous Education, or designate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:

This position requires a relatively equal balance of standing/walking and sitting to accommodate the needs of Indigenous students in all learning environments. Incumbents may be required to briskly walk on occasion and retrieve materials from storage which may require climbing ladders, lifting, and reaching.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Grade 12 diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by post-secondary training up to 6 months in duration. A minimum of 1 year of related work experience working with Indigenous people in an educational setting. Preference will be given to those individuals who have completed a program with a focus on Indigenous culture. A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. As well, incumbents also require the following:

Experience and knowledge of Sto:lo culture, teachings and protocols required;

Experience sharing cultural knowledge required;

Demonstrated collaboration and willingness to attend district professional development in Indigenous education;

Halq’emeylem, Michif or other Indigenous language certificates an asset;

Coursework in Indigenous studies an asset;

Proven ability to use Microsoft Office programs, internet and internet-based programs, with the ability to learn other software programs;

Proven ability to determine, judge and select appropriate courses of action in accordance with established policies and procedures;

Understanding and awareness of cultural diversity;

Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, self-motivate, and meet deadlines;

Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to provide service and relationship to the public and School District in a professional, respectful, positive and courteous manner;

Proven ability to establish and maintain positive, effective work relationships in a team environment at all times;

Proven ability to use tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality in matters pertaining to the School District;

Working knowledge of WHMIS and WorkSafe BC occupational health and safety regulations and the demonstrated ability to work in a manner that recognizes personal safety and the safety of others;

Ability to be flexible, adaptable and resilient to change;

Ability to explain complex or simple instructions or information clearly to others;

Working knowledge of the district child abuse protocol and reporting procedures;

Ability to effectively interact and establish positive rapport with students;

Ability to use office equipment (e.g.: printer, photocopier) at a basic level;

Experience working with special needs is an asset;

Level 1 First Aid certification is an asset;

Demonstrated willingness to participate in professional development opportunities as provided by the district;

Sufficient physical capabilities, stamina and coordination to perform the duties of the position to the required standard.