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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.
Wellness Facilitator
Position Summary
The Wellness Facilitator supports and empowers Indigenous students on their journey toward personal, emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, and academic success. By fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and well-being, this role creates a supportive environment where students can thrive holistically. The Wellness Facilitator collaborates with school staff, families, and community partners to implement wellness programs, address barriers to school participation, and promote positive school engagement. This position is crucial in enhancing student resilience, social skills, and overall well-being, contributing to the organization's goal of equitable and inclusive education.
Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Support Indigenous Student Wellness (40%)
- Provide individualized and group support to Indigenous students on wellness strategies based on the Medicine Wheel.
- Monitor student attendance and academic progress, implementing strategies for improvement.
- Identify barriers to school participation and develop constructive solutions.
- Facilitate activities that support successful transitions between grades and schools.
Create opportunities for students to learn from Knowledge Keepers and Elders.
2. Develop and Implement Wellness Programs (25%)
- Facilitate social and cultural programs focused on wellness and leadership development.
- Coordinate and lead transition programs, social justice initiatives, leadership clubs, cultural activities, career exploration opportunities, tutoring services, and parent engagement efforts.
- Collaborate with teachers, counsellors, and advisors to ensure the ongoing implementation of transition processes.
Develop and deliver wellness strategies rooted in the teachings of the Medicine Wheel.
3. Engage and Support Families (15%)
- Build relationships with families, community organizations, and resources.
- Facilitate family engagement activities.
- Act as a resource for families, providing culturally relevant referrals and support.
Collaborate with the student services team and learning designate to address barriers to school engagement and resolve challenges.
4. Foster Community Connections (10%)
- Engage in community development efforts to establish partnerships with service providers.
- Assist schools in coordinating Indigenous Education opportunities for students.
Help students connect with community resources and establish experiential opportunities that promote wellness.
5. Collaborate with Multi-Disciplinary Teams (10%)
- Work with the student services team and families to address student challenges.
- Participate in staff and team meetings, providing input into strategic planning, goals, and objectives.
- Model and discuss strategies with classroom teams to enhance student learning.
- Assist in or facilitate the delivery of professional development to school staff
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:
Knowledge
Degree or diploma in child and youth care, social services, or a related discipline.
- Lived experience of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
- Four years of experience working with the Indigenous community.
- Considerable knowledge of wellness modalities and cultural programs, including Medicine Wheel teachings.
- Understanding of the history and experiences of Indigenous students, including barriers to participation in education, recreation, and social settings.
- Working knowledge of Indigenous values and principles in culture, program leadership, and recreational instruction.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles.
Skills
- Ability to facilitate wellness and cultural teachings to student groups and families.
- Proficiency in collaborating effectively with school personnel.
- Strong ability to establish rapport with Indigenous students, families, communities, and service agencies.
- Competence in maintaining caseload records and writing reports.
- Effective advocacy skills for youth in various situations and facilitating access to services and supports.
- Knowledge of standard casework techniques and their application to behavioral, social, and family issues related to Indigenous children
- Familiarity with youth service agencies, Indigenous organizations, and related community resources.
Competencies
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing circumstances and environments.
- Leadership: Capability to guide and mentor students, fostering their development.
- Problem-Solving: Skill in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
- Collaboration: Proficiency in working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively.
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.
