Description
Youth - Settlement Workers in Schools
Recognized for its diversity, dedication to inclusion, and strong partnerships with the community, the Richmond School District is among one of the largest districts in British Columbia with some of the highest graduation rates in the province. With a long history of providing high quality experiences for students, the Richmond School District strives to be “The Best Place to Learn and Lead.”
Richmond School District operates 38 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools, alternate programs, continuing education and a number of additional facilities. The district enrolls approximately 21,000 students (K-12) and employs over 3000 dedicated staff.
The position is intended to provide supplementary settlement support to newly immigrated at-risk students and their families as they integrate to life in Canada. Support could include: home-school communication, accessing community services and resources, facilitating workshops and orientation sessions, and assisting youth with navigating the challenges of acculturation. The incumbent will provide support to secondary schools and school-based teams to address the needs of immigrant youth. This position is under the supervision of the Supervisor of Settlement Workers in Schools, but duties are performed with minimal direction.
This position is 12-month and 35 hours/week.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Works primarily throughout the secondary school system to assist immigrant youth who have settlement difficulties while concentrating their efforts on late-arriving youth who may be at-risk of not graduating.
Participates as a member of District school-based teams to prepare action plans for youth who have settlement difficulties (e.g. attendance, cultural issues, language and social barriers).
Assists in the development and implementation of program framework and evaluates and monitors programming to meet desired outcomes.
Provides needs assessments and referrals, information and orientation, and community connectionsas appropriate, while providing initial social, emotional and cultural support.
Develops and writes Settlement Action Plans, including specific goals and timelines, and conducts follow-up as needed.
Provides information and refers youth to appropriate school/community programs, workshops or support groups.
Supports youth by bridging home and school communication and advocates for students as needed.
Collaborates and liaises with district staff and community resources to organize and conduct: field trips, lunchtime, after school, evening and summer programs aimed at supporting the integration and settlement needs of youth.
Encourages youth to participate in the social and recreational life of the school and community.
Makes presentations and arranges speakers to educate youth on various settlement topics including health and safety concerns.
Develops, promotes and administers projects that reflect an appropriate cultural focus.
Informs youth, parents, schools and/or external parties of program intent, objectives and explanations; and follows through with implementation of plans.
Facilitates constructive and culturally sensitive communication between school staff and newcomer youth and initiates communication with appropriate school staff to provide updates on students’ progress as needed.
Participates in program monitoring and evaluation by maintaining narrative and statistical reports, client surveys, evaluations and accurate input of client data in database in order to provide accurate reporting to iCARE (Immigration Contribution Agreement Reporting Environment).
Performs other job related and clerical duties of comparable importance and responsibility as required.
Required Qualifications
Post-secondary degree or equivalent in human services, social sciences, counselling or social work, or
an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Three (3) years’ related experience working in a multicultural setting.
Demonstrated oral and written fluency in assigned language and English.
Understanding of Canadian and cross cultural issues and ability to assist with the bridging of cultures.
Knowledge of LGBTQ issues and concerns impacting youth today.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to speak to groups and work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents, district staff and outside agencies.
Ability to adapt to changing situations and to develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, staff and community members.
Ability to develop and maintain client files, Settlement Action Plans and provide adequate follow-up and documentation.
Sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in communication, conflict resolution and problem solving skills, and advocacy for clients.
Thorough knowledge of Canadian immigration policies and settlement issues.
Sound knowledge of community agencies and resources.
Proficient use of technology including office equipment such as computers, printers, photocopiers, projectors and proficient computer skills - MS Office - Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and present material.
Valid BC Driver’s License (Class 5).
Demonstrated ability to work at the level of independence and with degree of initiative appropriate to the position.
Capability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Willingness to work flexible hours as situation dictates.
Preference will be given to candidates fluent in Mandarin and/or Cantonese.
This position is in the bargaining unit, with an hourly rate of pay of 34.79 plus a benefit package of medical, extended health, dental and a pension plan.
For more information about Richmond School District 38, please visit www.makeafuture.ca/richmond or our website at www.sd38.bc.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however ONLY those being considered for interviews will be contacted.
Richmond School District is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Our ability to provide the best education for our student population relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds and experiences. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The Richmond School District is the best place to learn and lead.
