Indigenous Liaison Worker

Wage $35.30 per hour

Mission Public Schools is dedicated to providing our students with an educational environment that nurtures the development of an Educated Citizen. Located in the beautiful Fraser Valley, Mission is a vibrant and diverse community with over 6200 students and 850 employees. We are committed to providing a safe, equitable, and inclusive educational system for all students in our thirteen urban and rural elementary schools, two middle schools, one secondary school, distributed learning centre, alternative learning centre, and vocational and technical college.

Hiring preference for this position will be given to qualified applicants with Indigenous ancestry (as per Special Program exemption with the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner). Applicants should clearly indicate their ancestry/status on their application.

Summary

This is work of a support nature working under the general direction of the District Principal Indigenous Education and under the daily supervision of the school-based administration. The Liaison worker works as part of the Siwal Siwes Indigenous Education Department.

The Indigenous Culture and Liaison Worker provides service to Indigenous learners. Depending upon the nature of the students needs, the emphasis of the job responsibility will focus on providing a liaison between the home and school in addition to providing the following services from a culturally based perspective: social-emotional learning, healthy living, outreach (for those experiencing attendance barriers), academic, tutoring and grade-to-grade transitions.

Initially, the type and style of assistance and assignments are discussed with the District Principal Indigenous Education, but as the Indigenous Liaison Worker becomes familiar with materials, students and program resources, independence of judgment is exercised, within established guidelines. The job requires that changes be recommended to established methods or procedures. Work involves a choice of methods or procedures or sequence of operation.

Duties include, but are not limited to: advocate for equity for Indigenous learners, within assigned school(s)

consult, collaborate and engage with teachers, site administrators, counselors, other school staff and parents/guardians to monitor and enhance learners social and emotional well-being, attendance, academic progress, social and cultural achievements, safety, and behaviour

demonstrate a high level of tact and diplomacy in interpersonal relationships with colleagues parents/families

works with students in or out of the classroom to reinforce concepts taught by teacher, provide one-on-one support and small group activities

accurately log confidential student information digitally on the AIMS platform for Ministry-mandated documentation of meaningful interactions and service of Indigenous students on a regular basis

maintain clear, concise paper and digital records related to learner progress, all 1701 documentation for audit purposes (including consultation, tracking and transition forms etc.), monthly reports, learner surveys etc.

maintain strict confidentiality in matters related to Indigenous students in the school district, ensuring confidential student information is stored safely and securely at all times

promote and document extra-curricular activities for learners to enhance the learners cultural, academic, or social achievements

participate in and contribute to School-Based Team meetings, Care Team meetings, Intentional Student Success meetings, Intentional Student Planning meetings, and any other school-based meeting, as required

create, develop, plan, and implement cultural activities, and source resources for colleagues to be presented throughout all schools in the district

provide cultural enrichment presentations for Indigenous learners, classes or for the entire school community to enhance understanding of Indigenous culture, including assisting in the planning of National Day of Truth & Reconciliation, National Indigenous Peoples Day etc.

enhance the understanding of Indigenous culture among students and staff by advising of activities, materials, programs, and resources available for personal or classroom use

assist in the development of proposals for applicable grants to enhance the understanding of Indigenous culture

Liaise with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Education Designates of the Indigenous communities, Indigenous community members, Nation representatives, members of the Siwal Siwes Indigenous Education Advisory Council and outside agencies such as MCFD, Xyolhemeylh, MCS, Mission Native Housing, Fraser House, Public Health, RCMP, MYHouse, Child and Youth Mental Health, etc.

provide crisis support for student, family/guardian including home visits or liaise with outside agency accordingly

may be required to lift and transport food hampers to families and cultural learning kits to and from schools

demonstrate positive role modelling with children, youth, and parents

track, handle and distribute gift cards and bus passes to students and families

may provide snacks and prepare food for students

may provide transportation for students, to and from school, or appointments

perform other related duties as may reasonably be expected of a person in this position

Required Qualifications: Completion of grade 12

Diploma or completed program of studies at the post secondary level such as First Nations Studies, Indigenous Support Worker, Social Services, Child and Youth Care Required Experience: A minimum of two years experience conducting activities in a formal setting, with Indigenous children and youthRequired Skills and Abilities: a proven interest in, and ability to work with Indigenous children and youth

considerable knowledge of Indigenous cultures, heritages and value systems and the ability to share with students and staff (St:lo Nation would be an asset)

knowledge, understanding and sensitivity of the effects and impacts of historical educational experiences of Indigenous peoples, including transgenerational trauma

ability to incorporate trauma-sensitive practices into work practices

ability to cultivate and nurture positive relationships with learners and families of Indigenous ancestry

relationship-based ability to facilitate the development of strategies that will enhance the personal, social/emotional, cultural and educational development of Indigenous learners

ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts and willingness to participate in related in-service training and to assist in presenting in-service to other staff

ability to express ideas accurately and effectively, both orally and written

ability to work in a cooperative team situation

ability to work flexible hours within assigned weekly hours

ability to work without direct supervision

knowledge of healthy and safe work practices in accordance with WorkSafe BC Regulations for Workers and ability to work in a safe manner

a valid BC Drivers License and vehicleNOTE: A clear Criminal Record Review to be provided, and updated every five (5) years

Hiring preference for this position will be given to qualified applicants with Indigenous ancestry (as per Special Program exemption with the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner). Applicants should clearly indicate their ancestry/status on their application.