Description
The position of Indigenous Student Advisor (K-12) will have a specialized focus on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education. The Indigenous Student Advisor (K-12) will support the implementation of YRDSB Indigenous Education Strategic Plan and the Ontario First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
At the direction of the Associate Director of Education, Equitable Outcomes and Schools, the Student Advisor will be responsible for:
To support achievement and well-being of self-identified First Nation, Métis and Inuit students through a variety of Student Advisory Circle sessions and as part of the YRDSB Indigenous Education team to address individual student needs through an intervention model.
To develop and implement a process for engaging students in cultural awareness, student leadership, peer mentorship, and student advisory opportunities.
To conduct and/or facilitate sessions with groups of self-identified students at various YRDSB locations.
To work with the Indigenous Education Team to develop programming and provide appropriate supports for self-identified FNMI students.
To work with students individually, with their families and other service providers.
To collaborate with community partners in providing supports for student achievement and well-being for Indigenous students in both elementary and secondary schools.
To support awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives among all staff and students.
To plan and implement a Student Advisory Program including communicating with school staff and administration, arranging permissions with parents, arranging transportation, ordering of necessary materials to develop and support cultural awareness, leadership skills, and peer mentorship and student advisory skills for FNMI students.
To develop and implement a method to gather and analyze student voice to inform strategic goals of FNMI education in YRDSB with a focus on student needs and meeting those needs in schools.
To provide support for schools with self-identified students to develop culturally appropriate programming and interventions.
To provide social-emotional counseling for individual students, if qualified, or supporting access the supports needed.
To act as an advocate for self-identified Indigenous students, parents/guardians, school staff and administration to support student success.
To support the system and school work in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in the areas of literacy and numeracy, retention of students in school, graduation rates, and advancement to post secondary studies.
To develop and implement strategies that facilitate increased participation of Indigenous parents, students, communities, and organizations in working to support academic success and well-being for Indigenous students.
To collect and maintain accurate data and records to support the implementation and revision of the YRDSB FNMI Strategic Plan.
To assist in coordinating regional events addressing the unique needs of Indigenous students (Career Fair, FNMI Student Symposium Indigenous Student Council).
To provide regular updates to the Indigenous Education Co-ordinator/team.
To keep written record of the work and its impact on student achievement and well-being, including next steps, using data and student input.
To perform other duties as requested.
LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsible to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Coordinator.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
A university degree or college diploma in a relevant field or a minimum of two years’ experience with Indigenous students or equivalent as approved by the board, is required.
Preference will be given to candidates with: comprehensive knowledge and/or experience with First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit cultures, histories and perspectives. Experience leading groups of students from various schools and/or organizations.
First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit background and/or experience working with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit children.
Knowledge of Indigenous teachings would be an asset.
Access to your own transportation and a valid Ontario Driver’s License is required.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) believes in giving each and every applicant an equal opportunity to succeed on their own merit and we strive to hire staff that reflect and support the diverse perspectives, experiences and needs of students and communities. We remain committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. We know that diversity underpins excellence, and that we all share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive Board-community.
Therefore, in pursuit of the Board’s values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across the organizational hierarchy in actualizing the Board’s priorities, goals and principles outlined in the Director’s Action Plan. Candidates who have strong racial literacy practices and a commitment to dismantling anti-racism, anti-oppression, and creating identity-affirming spaces, in order to intentionally disrupt racist and hateful acts.
We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to sovereignty, equity, including, but not limited to:
First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
African, Black and Black Caribbean peoples (in alignment with Anti-Black Racism Strategy);
South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East/West Asian, Latino/Hispanic (in alignment with YRDSB Workforce Census to address disproportionalities identified).
members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
persons who identify as women; and
persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
At YRDSB, we recognize that many of these identities intersect and therefore, equity, diversity and inclusion can be complex. We value and respect the contributions that each person brings to enriching the Board and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in the communities that we serve.
Accessibility and Accommodation Statement
We also recognize the duty to accommodate and foster a culture of inclusion. Consistent with the principles of dignity, individualization and inclusion, we will make any appropriate accommodation based on any of the protected grounds in the Human Rights Code to support candidate participation in the hiring process. When contacted, candidates will be provided with an overview of the various elements of the hiring process, such as skills assessments, written practicum, presentation, interview, etc. If an accommodation is required, requests can be made in advance of any stage of the recruitment process. All information received relating to a candidate’s required accommodation will be addressed confidentially by the Recruitment and Retention Team. Please make this request to careers@yrdsb.ca or a member of the Recruitment Team. If this position is a school based LTO/Contract Teaching position, please email the Principal directly to request the accommodation to be made at the school in collaboration with Human Resource Services, Disability Management Team.
Important Note for YRDSB Employees: If you have a current accommodation in place through Disability Management, please inform your Disability Management Case Manager to ensure that your accommodation needs can be met in the new role that you are pursuing. If invited to participate in the hiring process, and you are unable to perform the essential/bona fide requirements (e.g. physical, cognitive requirements), please notify the Recruitment Team by emailing careers@yrdsb.ca to review next steps (in the email please reference the job title you are applying to).
Important Information for CUPE 1734 Members:
LA.11.7 Those twelve (12) month employees filling vacancies as a result of their applying to a job posting are to remain twelve (12) months at their position. Ten (10) month employees are to remain in their position until the end of the school year. This requirement can be waived with permission from the Superintendent responsible for Human Resource Services. This does not prevent employees from applying for a position or from applying for a promotion during the twelve (12) month period.
On-line applications are collected centrally at the Education Centre - Aurora and are monitored by Human Resource Services. All applications will be screened based on the required education, experience and qualifications as noted in the posting and job description and as reflected in the application. Only those candidates meeting these criteria will be eligible to participate in the selection process and only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The personnel file of all internal applicants will be reviewed as part of the selection process.
