Indigenous Student Advocate

Central Okanagan Public Schools (School District No. 23), Kelowna BC, provides education services to 22,000 students in the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country and the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

We invite applications for the position of : INDIGENOUS STUDENT ADVOCATE 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; 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. Preference may be given to Indigenous applicants of Metis, First Nations and Inuit ancestral descentwho can demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, Indigenous culture and ancestry (as per Special Program with the BC Human Rights Tribunal).

The successful incumbent must participate in Cultural Awareness Training.This is a full-time (35 hours per week) 10 month position, offering a wage rate of $31.

53 per hour, plus a comprehensive employee benefit package including 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 complete with cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and 3 references.

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

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