Position Title: Family Involvement and Support Worker
Reports to: Principal/Manager Haisla Community School
Job Overview
Reporting to the Principal/Manager, Haisla Community School, the Family Involvement and Support Worker works in partnership with parents/guardians/caregivers in supporting their involvement and cooperation with Haisla Community School and to organize a broad range of activities for families. The position ensures good relations between families and the school and a positive learning environment for children.
Organizational Status
The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 2023+ people, with approximately 700 living in Kitamaat Village. We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Work with parents/guardians/caregivers to support their engagement in their child’s care learning in a school context.
- Identify with parents/guardians/caregivers the reasons for their child’s non-attendance and/or lateness, and work with them through positive phone calls and/or contact to achieve regular attendance and reduce exclusion.
- To support and assist the development and implementation of systems of support for times known to put additional strain on parenting in order to meet the learning needs of the child, both at home and at school. Provide informal support for crisis and trauma, referring to specialized services when appropriate.
- Support and work with staff that are having problems dealing or making contact with parents/guardians/caregivers.
- Assist staff in creating an atmosphere which is welcoming to parents/guardians/caregivers. Collate and arrange appropriate displays; help parents/guardians/caregivers feel comfortable engaging with Haisla Community School; provide staff with research articles and handouts for parents/guardians/caregivers.
- Improve levels of communication between home and school, including written and verbal communication. Act as a trusted point of contact for parents/guardians/caregivers.
- Meet one-on-one with parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and social services (when necessary) to discuss issues at school or at home.
- Promote family learning widely by engaging parents/guardians/caregivers as co-educators of their own children, facilitating learning and helping families to understand that they can learn in many different ways.
- Assist in identifying and developing opportunities for parents/guardians/caregivers and families to become involved in Haisla Community School, including organizing workshops, social gatherings, events, or trips in order to develop parent groups and family activity.
- Encourage parents/guardians/caregivers to attend parents’ evenings, meetings, and events.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and work closely with the existing support available to parents/guardians/caregivers within the community to refer individuals to relevant agencies for advice and guidance.
- Keep accurate and appropriate records of activity to allow for monitoring and evaluation, including the collection of information about the effectiveness of Haisla Community School’s work with parents/guardians/caregivers, families, and the community (e.g., surveys, attendance reporting through DRUMS).
- Actively participate in and promote any family advisory groups.
- Purchase materials for related services as necessary and with any required approvals.
- Maintain professional and ethical communications and act as a liaison between staff, parents/guardians/caregivers, and community members.
- Liaison with Bus Driver and Bus Monitor, school staff, parents/guardians/caregivers to communicate any concerns or changes to the bus schedule
Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Responsible Adult with prior Education Assistant experience.
- Social Service Worker Certificate or Education Assistant Certification preferred.
- Some recent related experience working with children and families.
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care and community social services.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain respectful, cooperative and productive working relationships with a variety of individuals.
- Ability to problem-solve and use critical-thinking skills, with the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging situations.
- Ability to respond to a dynamic environment with flexibility, sensitivity, compassion and empathy.
- Ability to support an organized, productive, inclusive and safe learning environment.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
- Knowledge of Haisla culture and experience working in a First Nations community is an asset.
- Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening).
- Performs other duties as assigned/requested by the Principal/Manager.
Why Join Us?
We are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- RRSP matching up to 5.5%
- 10 days of standard vacation
- 5 days of paid self-care days
- 10 days of paid sick leave
- 10 paid days during the Christmas office closure
- 5 days of other leave for personal matters (e.g., medical appointments or household emergencies)
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Cultural leave and wellness initiatives
Position Type: Full-time
Number of Openings: 1
Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled.
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Experience
Preferred- Experience as an Education Assistant or similar role.
Education
Preferred- Technical/other training or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
Behaviors
Preferred- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Preferred- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
