School District 71 is an inclusive learning community that embraces diversity, fosters relationships and empowers all learners to have a positive impact on the world. Our mission is to work with our educational partners to inspire engaged, compassionate, resilient lifelong learners and cultivate a collaborative community together.
We invite applications for the position of:
- Indigenous Support Worker - Elementary/Secondary, 27.95-28.75 hours a week, Monday through Friday. The current rate of pay is $31.95 per hour plus 16.3% in lieu of benefits.
- This temporary position will end June 25, 2026 or upon return of the incumbent.
Qualifications:
Grade 12 education supplemented with a minimum of 30 credits of post-secondary education in First Nations/Indigenous studies or a Human Services Worker program certificate and valid Food Safe Level 1 is required; three years of recent experience working with Indigenous students, parents/guardians and the community (e.g. First Nations, Métis or Inuit/Indigenous Youth programs, school-based Indigenous support programs, Indigenous cultural camps, work at friendship centres); Indigenous ancestry required; respects and upholds the cultural knowledge, traditions, and social frameworks of the local Indigenous community, aligning practices with the Local Education Agreement to foster trust, inclusion, and culturally responsive support for students and their families; demonstrates respectful and informed understanding of Indigenous cultures, heritage, customs, and values, applying this knowledge to foster culturally safe, inclusive, and supportive relationships with students, families, and communities; ability to perform a variety of record keeping tasks, including the collection and monitoring of data to help coordinate the students' programs with other staff, professional personnel and parents/guardians; effectively integrates Indigenous cultural knowledge and practices into learning environments to support student outcomes, fostering inclusive, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate experiences for diverse learners; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with school staff, students and their families; knowledge of the needs of Indigenous students and their families and the resources available to them; valid Class 5 B.C. driver's license and license appropriate to the type of equipment/vehicle being operated and a personal vehicle available for use on the job; meets the physical requirements of the position; ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Duties are performed under the supervision of the school Principal, Vice Principal, District Principal of Indigenous Education, District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education, Manager of Indigenous Education, or designate; participates and attends meetings/events as a member of the School District Indigenous Education Services team under the direction of a supervisor; enhances supports for Indigenous students through culturally responsive academic and personal guidance, nurturing strengths, identity, and resilience; acts as a role model for students and promotes Indigenous ways of knowing and being; liaises with teachers, counsellors, administrators, Indigenous students and their families, and community agencies as an advocate for Indigenous students; provides enhanced support to students based on the current goals from the local Indigenous Education Enhancement Agreement; promotes local Indigenous cultural events, workshops, and traditions within school communities; identifies and supports Indigenous students needs in a culturally safe, respectful, and responsive manner; consults with a school-based team and itinerant staff as required; identifies student and family needs and provides them with resources available; works in collaboration with supervisor to budget Indigenous student support funds and keeps track of expenditures; maintains daily accountability records and engages in clear, responsive communication with school staff and families to foster collaboration and support positive outcomes for students; follows proper work procedures, observes all regulations pertinent to the work, maintains a good working relationship with other employees, and cooperates in maintaining a healthy learning and working environment; performs other related duties in enhanced support of Indigenous students as assigned by the Supervisor; supports student supervision on an as needed basis in response to urgent matters, under the direction by the Principal or Vice Principal.
Consideration can only be given to qualified applicants who provide concise yet thorough responses to the following questions within their on-line application:
1. Please share your experiences of Indigenous values, culture and customs.
2. Provide examples of how you have successfully worked with Indigenous students to meet the goals from the local Indigenous Education Enhancement Agreement.
3. Please share how you have been a positive role model, or successfully advocated, for Indigenous students and their families in overcoming challenges at home and at school.
4. Do you have Indigenous ancestry?
To Apply:
School District 71 welcomes diverse candidates and encourages applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. As an inclusive learning community we are committed to actively creating and fostering a culture of inclusivity where voices are heard, people are seen, and values are respected. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, students and community, and we do so in a safe space fueled by curiosity and acceptance. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact: hr@sd71.bc.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply in confidence by submitting a cover letter, resume with supporting documentation and three (3) professional references through www.makeafuture.ca/comox-valley. Only applicants with a complete application package may be considered.
We sincerely thank all applicants for considering us an employer of choice. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The successful applicant will be subject to the terms of the Criminal Review Act.
Thank you for your interest in School District 71 (Comox Valley)
An Equal Opportunity Employer
