Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

2007-07-09

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) assist immigrants, refugees and other eligible clients with immediate needs for settling in Canada or with ongoing integration into Canadian society. The primary focus of settlement workers in schools is to facilitate integration and settlement of newcomer families through systematic outreach to newly arrived families, to provide them with the information about available services, needs assessment, cross-cultural education, and referral.

The Settlement Workers reports to the Manager, English Language Learner Reception/Welcome Centre.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts settlement needs assessment of newcomer clients.

Provides settlement consultation (family welfare, family and employment benefits, housing/renting).

Provides referrals to services, accompaniment, and short term emotional counseling.

Provides interpretation and translation, related to settlement issues/family needs.

Provides school enrolment support.

Aids parents with job searches.

Advocate on client’s behalf, when appropriate.

Develops and distributes culturally appropriate information/material.

Orients school staff about settlement related issues.

Assists schools with establishing and maintaining contact with “hard to reach” families.

Organizes and/or facilitates settlement-related events and workshops in the schools.

Conducts outreach activities.

Encourages parent participation in education.

Provides service linking support to other organizations.

Maintains up-to-date files and records regarding services provided to students and families, and ensures the confidentiality of client information.

Performs related duties as assigned. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Oral and written fluency in both English and another designated language

Knowledge of immigration policies and settlement issues.

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.

Knowledge and skills in negotiation, advocacy, conflict resolution and problem solving.

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.

Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

Ability to use computer equipment and software applications applicable to the position.

Experience liaising with other service organizations.

Understanding of child development and youth issues.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Grade 12 plus two years of post-secondary education in social sciences, social work or counseling or equivalent from a post-secondary institution recognized by the District.

A minimum two years experience working in a multicultural setting with different ethnic groups.  Experience working with refugees is an asset.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence.