Senior Aboriginal Support Worker

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Senior Aboriginal Support Worker supervises, directs and co-ordinates the day to day work of aboriginal support workers.  The primary responsibilities are administration and supervision, but may also include the regular duties of an Aboriginal Support Worker.

The Senior Aboriginal Support Worker assists in the communications between home/school environments, provides consultation and liaison services between Aboriginal Workers, schools, parents/guardians, and student services.  In addition the Senior Aboriginal Support Worker performs work of considerable variety and complexity in providing administrative support services to the Helping Teacher - Aboriginal Department and the Director of Instruction, Student Services .  

The work of the Senior Aboriginal Support Worker includes the day to day scheduling, supervision and co-ordination of the Aboriginal Support Workers and includes some degree of independent judgement in ensuring the provision of aboriginal support services to schools in a regular and timely fashion.

The Senior Aboriginal Support Worker reports Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

As Senior Aboriginal Support Worker in the Aboriginal Department, directs, supervises and participates in the daily work of Aboriginal Support Workers.  Participates in this work as required.

Trains aboriginal support workers in their daily routines and provides general supervision of same.  May provide input for the evaluation of these employees.

Performs routine daily tasks such as scheduling of support workers, organizing replacement workers, record keeping, and  liaising with the Director of Instruction, or designate, regarding  routine aboriginal support worker staffing issues.  

Assists the Aboriginal Support Workers and participates in activities that build cultural understanding including, assisting in the development and delivery of inservice workshops and seminars, promoting cross cultural understanding, organizing various activities such as cooking, dance, music and art.

Assists the Aboriginal Support Workers in organizing and preparing proper documentation to facilitate the presentation of cultural events and workshops.  The Senior Aboriginal Support Worker must have current knowledge of the School District Policy and Regulations in this regard.

Liaises with district and outside agencies to facilitate events for students.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES and SKILLS

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

Ability to respond with sensitivity to emergent situations with an understanding of group dynamics and counseling skills.

Ability to direct and supervise the aboriginal support workers.    Willingness to participate with the aboriginal support workers in their daily routines.

Ability to exercise sound judgement in matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to meet established deadlines and time constraints despite constant interruptions and the flexibility to adapt and respond to changing priorities.

Ability to work under minimal supervision and act with a high degree of independent judgement and action on a variety of matters.

Ability to train aboriginal support workers.

Knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and an understanding of problems, concerns and strengths in these traditions, together with the ability to assist with the bridging of cultures.

Knowledge of available community resources.

Written and spoken knowledge of English and, if possible some proficiency in an Aboriginal language.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with individuals from diverse cultures and communities, district staff, students, parents and the public.  Ability to explain school district rules, policies and procedures and supply information and assistance as required.

Ability to assist professional educators with interpreting needs where Aboriginal or other cultural differences are a factor in the school.

Well developed communication skills.

Knowledge and experience of school district systems relating to both Board and Ministry information requirements, including the use of PC and network computer systems.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 12, plus additional post-secondary courses in counseling, group dynamics and supervision.  

Two years' related experience as an aboriginal support worker, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence