Indigenous Student Advocate

It is acknowledged that Central Okanagan Public Schools operates within the unceded, Traditional Territory of the Okanagan syilx peoples.  The School District enrolls over 25,000 students (including approximately 3,200 students who self-identify as having First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit ancestry from Canada).  Central Okanagan Public Schools is located in the Central Okanagan encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country.  There are a total of 50 school sites with 32 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle schools, 5 Secondary Schools, 3 Learning Centres, an Alternate Education School, and an Online Learning School (K-12).  Central Okanagan Public Schools has an excellent reputation of providing outstanding, student-centered programs in a diverse and inclusive environment as well as offering a wide range of educational opportunities for students and staff.  We believe equity empowers each learner to thrive, holistically.

We invite applications for the position of:

INDIGENOUS STUDENT ADVOCATE

This is an ongoing posting, allowing you to apply for future consideration. It is not indicative of an immediate vacancy. 

Under the direct supervision of the District Principal of Indigenous Education, and the general supervision of the site-based Principal: the Indigenous Student Advocate will work with classroom teachers and other support staff to provide cultural and/or academic support and service to Indigenous students in their efforts to succeed in school; and will assist with monitoring attendance of Indigenous students and facilitate the improved attendance for students who are not attending regularly. 

The successful applicant will:

• Provide emotional, social, academic, and/or behaviour support;
• Monitor attendance and facilitate improved attendance for students who are not attending;
• Help students with goal setting and career planning;
• Work closely with teachers and other personnel to plan effectively for the students;
• Provide links between home and school;
• Work with school administration and staff to improve Indigenous student academic achievement, increase awareness and knowledge of Indigenous culture, increase a sense of belonging, self-respect and pride of heritage amongst all Indigenous students.

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• successful completion of Grade 12 (Senior Secondary School Graduation);
• two (2) years community College or University program, with courses in
  Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Human Service Worker, or equivalent;
• demonstrated experience working with Indigenous students and their parents;
• demonstrated ability to work as a team member;
• good understanding of the Indigenous Culture and ability to model cultural teachings;
• interest in, and desire to work with, students and their academic, social and emotional needs;
• ability to relate to students in an empathetic, respectful, and consistent manner;
• complete the required Health & Safety training.

The successful incumbent must participate in Cultural Awareness Training.

Preference may be given to Indigenous applicants of Metis, First Nations and Inuit ancestral descent
who can demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, Indigenous culture and ancestry (as per Special Program with the BC Human Rights Tribunal).

Indigenous Student Advocates may be hired into temporary or permanent full-time vacancies. Casual work may also be available. 

The hourly wage rate for this role is $33.53, typically working 7 hours per day during the school months.

Casual or temporary advocates without seniority, will receive 5% of bi-weekly earnings in lieu of vacation.

Once a casual or temporary advocate reaches seniority, they will also get 5% of straight time earnings in each pay period in lieu of statutory holidays and 10% in lieu of benefits when working 20 hours or more per week.

Permanent full-time 10-month positions are offered with 35hrs/week and will include a comprehensive employee benefit package with extended health and dental coverage, short term and long-term disability insurance and participation in a defined benefit pension plan.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at www.makeafuture.ca with cover letter and a detailed resume, including three (3) professional references (names and phone numbers) and copies of certifications.

The Central Okanagan Public Schools thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interviews will be contacted.