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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 50,000 students and 5,000 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.
Intercultural Liaison - French Language or African Dialects
The Intercultural Liaison fosters communication and builds relationships between English Language Learner (ELL) students, parents, and Division staff to enhance student achievement and parental participation. This role supports the adaptation and integration of newcomer families into the Canadian education system and society. They conduct reception and orientation to newcomers by welcoming families in their first language and leading families through the registration process. By providing cultural brokering, referral services, and language support, the liaison ensures that families receive the necessary resources and information to succeed. Additionally, the liaison collaborates with community agencies and educational teams to address the diverse needs of students and their families.
Job Responsibilities and Activities:
1. Facilitate Cultural Integration and Advocacy (30%)
Support newcomer parents and students during the acculturation process by providing cultural information on the host country.
Advocate for students' registration in schools and support the multi-disciplinary team with social-emotional strategies and cultural understanding.
Support schools with multicultural events to promote diversity, awareness, and sensitivity among students, parents, families, and school staff.
Plan, develop, prepare, and deliver cultural presentations at schools.
Collaborate with the Community Engagement Coordinator on referrals to community agencies and support for ECSD students and their families.
Seek training and support from community agencies through the Community Engagement Coordinator.
2. Communication, Interpretation, and Translation Services (30%)
Provide families with general information pertaining to courses, programs, and options.
Assist parents in accessing information on school and Division websites.
Collaborate with consultants in providing information sessions to educate parents.
Provide language support to families and school staff during registrations, parent-teacher interviews, and special events.
Translate a wide range of Division and school documents and resource materials for use by families and staff.
Interpret during various assessment result debriefings, including psycho-educational and ELL assessments.
Network with outside agencies to arrange for language interpreters when skills are not available in-house.
3. Conduct Reception and Orientation (20%)
Meet and welcome families in their first language and lead them through the registration process.
Assist with school registrations and complete background information forms.
Conduct family orientation sessions to ECSD and the Canadian education system.
Maintain an updated client service recording database to track monthly interactions.
4. Provide Referral Services (20%)
Direct families to mainstream government programs and community agencies for settlement services and links to ethno-cultural communities.
Network and communicate with federal and provincial government agencies for service updates.
Maintain rapport and continuously network with settlement-providing agencies for service changes and updates.
Work with Family School Liaison Social Workers, Multi-Disciplinary staff, and educational teams to provide information about available community services and referral processes.
Facilitate home visits to support family connection to school and facilitate student success.
Knowledge Skills and Competencies
1. Knowledge
Degree or Diploma in an area related to education or social sciences.
Three years of directly related experience working with immigration and newcomers.
Fluency in English and the first language of the client group, both written and oral.
A background in African countries speaking French or African dialects is an asset.
Understanding of the challenges confronting immigrant families, including settlement and school integration issues, immigration trends and policies, and community settlement programs and resources.
Knowledge of trauma and its effects on educational attainment and social competence.
Familiarity with acculturation strategies and assessment techniques for newcomer immigrants' well-being.
Knowledge of consulting and mediation techniques and principles.
General knowledge of the Division’s operations and business and general understanding of the Division’s mission and vision in a faith-based environment.
Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA).
Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Knowledge and alignment with the Division's administrative procedures.
2. Skills
Proficiency in data research, collection, and analysis techniques.
Proficiency in Microsoft programs including Excel, Outlook, Publisher, Adobe, imaging software, Office 365, PowerSchool, and translation software.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including competency in the first language of the client group served.
Strong written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within given timelines.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and needs assessment skills to facilitate proactive responses.
Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently.
Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical clients.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Attention to detail and the ability to work with numbers.
3. Competencies
Ability to adjust to new conditions and effectively manage change.
Understanding and respecting cultural differences to foster positive relationships.
Strong ability to advocate for students and families, ensuring their needs are met.
Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Proficiency in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
What We Offer:
Make a real difference: Your expertise directly impacts the success of the division’s administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
Be part of a dynamic team: Be part of a collaborative team that works with many diverse groups and builds meaningful connections.
Continuous learning: Embrace new technologies and challenges, growing your technical skillset through provided training opportunities.
100% employer-paid benefits, including: Health, Vision, and Dental.
A Health/Wellness Spending Account.
EFAP – Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Paid Time Off include vacation time, personal days, and Christmas break.
7-hour workdays, 35 hours per week for a 1.0 FTE.
Competitive salary and pension.
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.
As a Catholic School Division receiving public funding, our schools and departments are imbued with our Catholic Faith. Candidates are expected to exhibit respect and sensitivity towards our Catholic beliefs and practices embraced by both students and staff.
Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program based on contract status as part of its total compensation package.
Before employment, successful candidates will be required to submit a Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check dated within six months of hiring.
Due to the high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.