Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

An Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker participates in a collaborative model to support children, youth and their families as they deal with life issues, which have created disruption in their lives.  Aboriginal Child and Youth-Care Workers focus on the enhancement of behavioural, emotional and social growth of children and youth.  In the collaborative model, the teacher has the responsibility for the student's educational progress.  Students requiring Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker support often have backgrounds, including abuse and poor home environments.

Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker's encounter student behaviours ranging from non-attendance, to withdrawal and non-communication with the school based staff.  An Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker's responsibilities may vary from school to school, but all have the ultimate objective of helping the Aboriginal students stay in school and experience success with their education.  This would be a collaborative approach involving teachers, counsellors and other professionals.  This is achieved by providing emotional and other support while building self-esteem and confidence, developing their social skills and building a 'sense of belonging' for Aboriginal students. 

The work involves duties such as working collaboratively with other staff members to develop Individual Education Plans for at-risk students who are experiencing difficulty with their behaviour and/or attendance issues.  Building relationships between the parents and families of the students will be crucial in this role as Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker. 

An Aboriginal Child/Youth Care Worker receives assignments and direction from the Aboriginal Education Department, but reports to a school administrative officer when working in a school or classroom.  

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Visits students in integrating classes and attends integrating classes with individual students to provide encouragement and support, escorts students, in consultation with teacher or as directed by the Aboriginal Department, from classrooms in the event of disruptive behaviour, and facilitates students' re-entry into classes. As required, spends time with disruptive students "one-to-one" until behaviour appears sufficiently approved.

Counsels in anger management, personal hygiene, problem-solving skills, life skills and conflict resolution.

Discusses and coordinates behaviour management techniques with teachers of integrating classes. Periodically reviews the effectiveness of such techniques with teachers, suggests modifications where necessary, and monitors student behaviour until the school based team, the teacher, appropriate district counsellor, etc. are satisfied that the results allow a withdrawal of further assistance.

Focuses on the enhancement of behavioural, emotional and social growth of Aboriginal children and youth.

Assists in the development of Individual Education Plans (IEP's) and Aboriginal Education Plans (AEP's) as required, and participates in School Based Team meetings.  Liases and encourages parent participation in the improvement plans and maintains positive relationships with parents.

Encourages parent participation with all aspects of their child's educational career to discuss students' progress, behavioural problems, absences, etc.

Assists and supports Aboriginal students and parents to liaise with the school system.

Collaborates with the Aboriginal Area Team in providing support and guidance to Aboriginal students.

In consultation with teachers and/or counsellors, acts as liaison between the school system and various Aboriginal support agencies and statutory/government agencies. Discusses issues such as home environment, abuse, and offences under the Young Offenders Act. Recommends interventions and strategies as circumstances warrant.

Assists in planning, organizing and supervision of social or cultural events.

Plans and develops in consultation with the teachers and delivers workshops, programs and activities that address Aboriginal issues.

Monitors student attendance and upon request makes home visits as necessary to encourage improved attendance.

Maintains files and records regarding services provided to students as requested by the Aboriginal Education Department.

Maintains daily logs on individual students and submits a monthly report to the Administrative Principal for Aboriginal Education.

Facilitates enthusiasm for working in a climate of change and growth.

Promotes cultural awareness for other members of the school culture and contribute actively to the building of Aboriginal cultural presence in the schools.

In consultation with a teacher, provides personal, career and educational guidance to Aboriginal students and families through a variety of individual, culturally relevant, family and group treatment models.

In consultation with the local community, Aboriginal communities and parents may assist and participate in the planning, organization, delivery and supervision of field trips, social events, sports and other activities including experiences in Aboriginal culture, heritage and spirituality.

Performs other related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of behavioural problems commonly encountered by Child/Youth Care Workers.

Knowledge of strategies to assist Aboriginal students to learn or increase pro-social behaviours and decrease anti-social, problematic behaviours.

Knowledge of cognitive-behavioural interventions.

Ability to teach students to build on their strengths while reinforcing desirable behavioural approximations.

Ability to assist and support students to explore their issues and cope with related feelings.

Knowledge of theories related to families, values and beliefs about families within an Aboriginal family-systems unit.

Knowledge of the Grief Cycle.

Ability to motivate students.

Ability to maintain a positive and supportive attitude while attending to undesirable situations.

Ability to develop and maintain rapport and effectively work with students and families.

Knowledge of the various acts, laws and legal obligations that protect children in the Province of British Columbia.

Excellent leadership interpersonal and communication skills.

Thorough knowledge and experience in supporting Aboriginal students and their families.

Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and history.

Experience in planning and implementing workshops for Aboriginal youth and families.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 12, plus a Certificate as a Child and Youth Care Counsellor from a community college or similar institution recognized by the district.

Two years practical experience in work related to the care of children or youth with behavioural problems or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence