ELL Welcome Centre

Multicultural Worker

(Formerly: Multicultural Support Worker)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

A Multicultural Worker facilitates communication between home and school environments and provides liaison services to students and parents/guardians of identified cultural groups, to school personnel and to cultural communities in the school district. The nature of this job requires variable scheduling and participation in evening school and district functions or meetings, as required.

The work includes providing orientation services to students from culturally diverse backgrounds in their first or spoken language with respect to educational, social, family, cultural, emotional and career needs. Multicultural Worker's support student learning by facilitating communication between the school and home, and may include facilitating cross cultural understanding, and involving community agencies, as requested by administration officers or teaching staff.

The itinerant Multicultural Worker reports to the Director of Instruction or designate, and, at the school site, takes direction from an administrative officer.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under direction, furthers two-way communication between home and school regarding academic and/or social development of students to clarify educational and cross-cultural matters.

Assists teachers, administrators and support staff by obtaining information from the home concerning the student's background and previous educational progress. As well, the Multicultural Worker facilitates communication between the school and home regarding the student's current progress.

May act as a resource to schools for furthering cross cultural understanding, including participating at parent information meetings, multicultural activities, and other school events, as required.

Maintains ongoing records and daily work log.

Assists with organization of cross-cultural field trips, workshops, community speakers, etc., as required.

Facilitates and assists with school integration, orientation, student settlement and related activities in collaboration with other school personnel.

Encourages parental involvement in school activities.

In Work Experience, assists the teacher to facilitate contact between students and groups providing training programs. Assists in maintaining contact with students and employers regarding agreements, records and reports, as required.

Acts as a role model within the context of their culture, school and community. Assists in building student self-esteem.

Provides communication, interpretation and liaison services to school and district staff. May provide translation services, as required.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Oral and written fluency in both English and another designated language.

Knowledge of the culture(s) being served and an understanding of problems, concerns and strengths in these traditions, and the ability to assist with the bridging of cultures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse cultures and communities.

Knowledge of the processes of acculturation.  Ability to adapt to changing situations and to develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, staff and community members.

Understanding of the immigrant experience/settlement.

Communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Ability to respond with sensitivity to emergent situations and to use sound judgement when dealing with cross-cultural issues and matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to assist educators with interpreting student needs where cultural differences are a factor.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12.

One year of experience in work related to assisting students integrate into a new culture,

or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence.