Description
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
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 Manager-International Program, or designate, the International Student Liaison travels to assigned schools, and provides support to elementary, middle and secondary students. The International Student Liaison assists international students with integration into Canadian culture and English language comprehension in a professional and courteous manner. The International Student Liaison is the main contact for all students enrolled in the International Student Program.
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:
Facilitating intake and new student orientation by administering, supervising and marking IPT reading portion (multiple choice questions) for elementary and middle students; orienting students with the international student handbook and school policies; conducting school tours, and introducing students to counselors for course planning.
Communicating with natural parents (local and overseas), custodian or home stay family, and school staff (e.g., teachers) regarding report cards, student issues (e.g., social, cultural, emotional, behavioural, medical, etc.), events, student progress and expectations, and providing interpreter/translator services as requested.
Facilitating curriculum adjustments by processing referrals for counseling services (e.g., peer counseling and peer tutoring); monitoring student progress, attendance and behaviour and following-up as required; scheduling parent-teacher interviews;
Working with the teacher to integrate international students with Canadian culture, participating/organizing multicultural activities (camp, field trips, ethnic celebrations, etc.); and communicating regularly with home stay parents to promote cultural awareness.
Maintaining student records, data collection, reporting; sending out online renewal/extension survey link to students and parents and monitoring the completion of the survey; various data collection forms (e.g., study permit, passport, custodian declaration, high risk consent, etc.); homestay move requests; bi-monthly student homestay/exit surveys.
Providing social guidance by reinforcing appropriate behaviours for social interaction, assisting with social integration in the classroom as well as during recess and lunch periods as appropriate, discussing student adaption requirements with the teacher.
Participating in staff meetings as requested and performing all such other duties as may be assigned by the Manager, International Program or designate.
Assisting in administering minor first aid to students-e.g., applying bandages and dispensing ice packs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:
This position requires a relatively equal balance of standing/walking and sitting.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Grade 12 diploma, or equivalent, Certificate in Interpretation and Translation, or a combination of related education and experience may be accepted; ability to read, write, speak and effectively translate/interpret students’ first language (e.g., Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, etc.). A high degree of understanding and awareness of varied cultures. A minimum of 2 years recent related work experience. A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. As well, incumbents also require the following:
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;
Demonstrated willingness to participate in professional development opportunities as provided by the district;
Level 1 First Aid certification is an asset;
Sufficient physical capabilities, stamina and coordination to perform the duties of the position to the required standard;
