Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 44,000 students and 5,000 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.
Requisition ID: 7833
Hours Per Week: 35
Position: Existing
FTE: 1.0
Department: ILS Programs
No Months Per Year: 10
Position Status: Permanent
Employee Group: OOS
Rate of Pay: $48,489 - $60,620
Posting Closing Date: 10/5/23
In this position, you will act as the primary contact for Indigenous learners – from orientation through transition to High School. You will do this by offering academic, cultural, and emotional support, and ensure Indigenous approaches to student wellness are of utmost importance.
When Indigenous learners are experiencing difficulties, you will serve as a trusted advocate, advisor, mentor, and life-skills coach. The incumbent in this role will share their knowledge and teachings around cultural practices and create a community for Indigenous students through group activities that develop leadership and wellness.
We are seeking a candidate that has specialized knowledge and facilitation skills. If this resonates with you, we look forward to seeing your application!
Please note that this is a 1.0 FTE, 10-month position located at St. Cecilia Catholic Junior High School.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with families, school staff and Indigenous Learning Services to create supportive programs for Indigenous students.
- Develop, support, and maintain standards for best practice for Indigenous student success following a collaborative response model and school continuum of specialized services and supports.
- Support the wellness and cultural learning experiences of all students using authentic Indigenous resources that accurately reflect and demonstrate the strength and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
- Collaborate with Four Directions Wellness Specialists and promote Indigenous knowledge systems and healing practices for Indigenous students.
- Facilitate programs and cultural supports for Indigenous students that lead to successful transitions between all levels.
- Develop and assist in the delivery of special projects and celebrations.
- Support youth with transitioning into a new grade and/or school.
- Establish relationships with students through modeling, mentoring, advocating and one-on-one guidance.
- Identify and develop strategies to address specific issues.
- Facilitate success in the school setting goals and developing life skills.
- Collaborate with a school’s existing leadership, develop a team that includes administrators, teachers, advisors, counselors, social workers and/or any other relevant service providers.
- Collaborate with feeder elementary schools to identify incoming at-risk students.
- Conduct quarterly team meetings with school staff to develop action steps to improve individual student and subgroup transition success rate.
- Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and/or advisors to assure the continued use of the transition process for seventh through ninth graders to help students successfully adapt to the rigors of the high school experience.
- Consult with educational team to identify First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students with wellness needs.
- Track individual Indigenous student progress and assist with identifying and implementing constructive solutions to problems.
- Support students/families in aspects of peers, mental health, meeting basic needs, ensuring balance in the areas of the Medicine Wheel.
- Create relationships with parents, families, care givers, community organizations and resources to participate in the individual’s learning.
- Provide support and outreach information to parents/guardians of at-risk students.
- Facilitate transition programs, social justice initiatives, leadership clubs, cultural activities, wellness initiatives, tutoring and parent engagement.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Human Services or Indigenous Studies.
- Formal training in health promotions and cultural wellness.
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
- Familiar with Indigenous student and family education resources that promote health & wellness.
- Knowledge and experience with facilitation techniques.
- Understanding of supports available for Indigenous students and families at the school, district, and community level.
- Knowledge of Microsoft programs, Canva, and PowerSchool, considered an asset.
- General knowledge of Indigenous Learning Services and the Braided Journeys Program at Edmonton Catholic School operations, programs, business, goals, and objectives.
- Strong verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and sectors.
- Proficiency in establishing trust and rapport in relationships with teachers, administrators, and other division staff, and Indigenous community supports.
- Advanced problem-solving skills.
- Strong time management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities.
- Ability to manage information and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to facilitate sharing circles and navigate Indigenous cultural protocols is an asset.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid benefits, which include:
- Life Insurance.
- AD&D and Extended Disability benefits.
- Accrued sick leave.
- Vacation pay.
Posting Closing Date: October 5, 2023
Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and Inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds. We hire employees of all faiths for non-teacher positions.
Due to high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.
Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program as part of its total compensation package, based on contract status.
Prior to employment, successful candidates will be required to submit Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check documents.
Candidates must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
