Description
PASS - Indigenous Student Support Worker
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board serves over 38,000 learners and provides services to students in 50 schools (Kindergarten to Grade 12 and adult learners) across the Waterloo Region.
The Board conducts intentional recruitment and selection as it seeks to achieve a state of greater equity for employees and students and to diversify its workforce.
All qualified applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply and applicants may choose to indicate if they are from a group who has experienced racial or social discrimination. Self-identification data will be used as a consideration in this posting. Aggregate data will be stored anonymously to support improvements to the Board’s hiring processes.
General Description of Duties:
The purpose of the Indigenous Student Support Worker is to provide comprehensive, culturally responsive support to Indigenous students to improve their well-being, academic achievements, and help affect systems change. The Student Support Worker will support Indigenous students by acting as a mentor and advisor, collaborating with school based and other staff and the broader community in responding to individual and systemic barriers (e.g., academic, mental health, justice); identifying and addressing individual barriers to engagement, learning and well-being; and facilitating access and referrals to academic supports and community resources to provide an integrated support system for the students and to support students to be able to thrive in the framework of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations.
The Indigenous Student Support Worker will report to the Superintendent of Learning for Indigenous Education and will be part of a collaborative team for any Ministry reporting and accountability.
Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, families, system staff, meet regularly with the WCDSB Indigenous Consultant and community resources to identify systemic barriers and develop meaningful solutions to support the engagement well-being and support high expectations for students.
Maintain open communication with participating students and their caregivers/families, as well as relevant community members about the progress and needs of the students
Knowledge of the Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Safe & Accepting Schools, and Equity & Inclusive Education
Establish the protective factors necessary for participating students to thrive, including integrating and linking new programs and supports to existing ones
Engage with schools to create a welcoming environment for all Indigenous students, parents, and community members
Facilitate access and referral to academic supports and community resources to provide integrated support systems for Indigenous students
Build positive and trusting relationships with Indigenous students through a strength-based approach
Act as mentor, trusted advisor, and advocate for participating Indigenous students
Engage Indigenous students and their families by affirming their identity and culture through culturally responsive and relevant practices
Build/establish and maintain relationships with various service agencies serving the community
Conduct individual in-person as well as virtual sessions via video conferencing on an as-needed basis with students and monitor progress and performance
Act as a mentor and an advisor to students and play an essential role as an advocate for them with teachers, other school staff, parents/guardians and community members
Support students’ academic progress through tutoring, course planning, peer mentoring and role modeling
Establish relationships with various service agencies serving the Indigenous community
Prepare reports and monitor program progression and outcomes in collaboration with Indigenous Consultant
Minimum Requirements:
Identify as an Indigenous Community Member
Post secondary education (University degree or College diploma) within the areas of: Indigenous education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Social Service, Education
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet program needs
A valid driver’s license and a good driving record and willingness to travel throughout the community and to work flexible hours
The successful candidate must provide a satisfactory criminal background check
Desirable Assets:
Lived experience deeply rooted in Indigenous communities
Understanding of Indigenous history, colonization and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Familiarity with Indigenous world view and cultural practices
Awareness of local community resources and the ability to support students/families in accessing and navigating the resources
Demonstrated ability to be a mentor, advisor and advocate for students
Excellent organizational, collaboration and communication skills
Deep understanding of systemic barriers and challenges that Indigenous students face in the education system and in the wider community
Understanding of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations
Demonstrates sound judgment and sensitivity, and ability to build rapport with various stakeholders
Experience in handling contentious issues with sensitivity, confidentiality, tact and discretion
Being an advocate for Indigenous students and families while working within an organized system of Catholic education
Salary Range: PASS - Level 5, $70,957- $83,480 per year in accordance with the PASS Terms of Employment
Hours of Work : Temporary full-time: 35 hours per week, (1) year appointment, ending June 27, 2025 *Possible extension
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and covering letter. Please see the Application Process below.
Applicants must attach diplomas/certificates required for this position to the resume in order to be considered a candidate for the position.
Application Process:
Applicants are required to apply directly through Apply to Education at: https://wcdsb.simplication.com
Applytoeducation assistance, contact 1-877-900-5627 (Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 7:00 pm EST.)
In the application process, identify your qualifications and abilities, such as relevant experience to perform the duties of this job. Include your resume, covering letter and diplomas/certificates in your application.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
info@wcdsb.ca
Detailed information on the application process can be found at: https://www.wcdsb.ca/careers/how-to-apply/
Applications will be accepted until July 12, 2024 at 4 PM
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
To request this file in large print, please email aoda@wcdsb.ca. If you require a disability related accommodation to participate the recruitment process, please contact us at (519) 578-3677, extension 2368 to discuss your needs under the Human Rights Code. Responses to inquiries will be provided within 72 hours.
At WCDSB, we are committed to respecting your privacy , and will take appropriate measures to protect any personal information you may share with us through the job application process. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to determine qualifications for employment. For more information about the Board’s Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Officer at 519-578-3660 Ext. 2381.
The successful candidate will be required to produce a satisfactory Criminal Background Check . For further information refer to policy APS 038 on the website of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
