Description
THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)
With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx_wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nation, and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation.
At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, the VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems and equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education.
Throughout the District, more than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices, and building relationships. The VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics with students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging being equally important. As an organization, we strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we work to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit https://www.vsb.bc.ca/.
THE OPPORTUNITY: SACY YOUTH ENGAGEMENT WORKER - SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION (SCHOOL & STUDENT SUPPORT B)
The SACY (Supporting and Connecting Youth) Substance Use Prevention Program is a joint initiative of the Vancouver Board of Education and Vancouver Coastal Health. SACY has three inter-related streams of activity: youth engagement, parent engagement and school environment/teacher support. The job of the SACY Youth Engagement Worker is school-based and duties include being a resource and support - primarily to students regarding substance use related issues, and raising awareness, knowledge and skills of youth regarding substance use health promotion and early intervention.
In this position, you will:
Assess and enhance current school-based activities with regard to substance use prevention/intervention.
Identify emerging issues and service gaps with respect to substance use prevention in the school communities.
Plan and provide a range of student engagement activities such as classroom activities, drug education, student support actions and brief intervention techniques to assist students who are at risk of displaying substance use related problems.
Apply progressive and age-appropriate approaches to substance use prevention/health promotion in school aged youth.
Foster leadership potential within youth.
Engage youth to establish school-based youth action teams who will then implement school-based prevention activities in consultation with school staff and program stakeholders.
Support and encourage youth to voice their perspectives regarding substance use issues through activities such as parent and student workshops.
Work collaboratively with youth, parents, Prevention Specialists, school staff, police and a variety of youth service providers.
Facilitate dialogue with and provides education to youth, teachers, parents and the wider community on youth substance use related issues.
Expedite and encourage partnerships with community agencies and community groups.
Assist students who require developmental, behavioural and/or multicultural support.
Prepare and maintain a variety of charts, records and reports.
Provide School & Student Support to the district.
Perform other work within the job band as assigned.
Itinerant Assignment:
A School & Student Support worker is hired to work throughout the Vancouver School District and not for a particular school or a restricted set of duties. Although in posted vacancies specific reference may be made to a school and to the duties associated with that assignment, Employee Services may transfer staff within the system in certain circumstances as deemed appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of grade 12 plus 2 years of full time equivalent post-secondary education and/or a diploma in any of the following areas: Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Immigration/Migration studies, Ethnic/Cultural/Indigenous studies, Human Development and Family studies, Applied Behaviour Science or Education.
Minimum 2 years of experience conducting substance use education and prevention.
Experience in an educational setting an asset.
Sound knowledge of developmental psychology and the ability to assess the behavior and needs of school students with substance use, and/or behavioural issues.
Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations relating to students, especially regarding substance use and to advise and support students both individually and in groups.
Must possess the ability to provide appropriate information on addictions as a resource person to teachers and other school-based staff and to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with minimal direct supervision.
Knowledge and experience in delivering information on substance use prevention/intervention activities and strategies required.
Ability to develop and implement strength-based client centered prevention programs.
Must be willing to travel throughout the district.
May be required to work irregular hours.
COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is $38.05/hour (7 hours/day, 5 days/week) plus a comprehensive benefits package, including Municipal Pension Plan, Vancouver Employee Savings Plan, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, Vacation, & Gratuity Days.
Working months are September to June each year.
TO APPLY
Create a profile on Make a Future
Click "Apply Now" under ECE, EA and Support Staff positions
Upload all supporting documents. Your application must include a cover letter, resume and your last 3 direct supervisors/managers as references.
Answer the job posting questions
Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.
This posting is ongoing until filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview.
The VSB has been given approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Under this special program, the VSB seeks to preferentially hire Aboriginal persons to a variety of teaching positions. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Aboriginal person.
