Temporary Homestay Facilitator

Position Title : Temporary Homestay Facilitator

Department : International Student Program (ISP)

Reports To : Director of the International Student Program

Union Status : CUPE 5121

Location : Administration Office

Hours : Regular Full-Time

Annual Salary Range : $31.90 - $35.78 depending on qualifications

Language Requirement : English (ability to speak an additional language would be an asset)

Job Description Reviewed : November 14, 2024

Start Date : February 3, 2025

End Date : January 30, 2026

This position is replacing an employee on maternity / parental leave so it is not eligible to become a regular position.

Purpose of Position

Under the direction of the Director of the International Student Program, the Homestay Facilitator is responsible for assessing and completing student Homestay placements and guiding and advising students and their host families as issues arise during their stay.

The Homestay Facilitator is responsible for locating, selecting and orienting host families before the students’ arrival, monitoring homestay placements during students’ stay and supporting students and families during the placement.

Key Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Markets and oversees the recruitment for homestay families, including screening, interviewing and selecting prospective homestay residences to host international students and assigns placements.
• Matches students with host families based on information gathered from student applications considering age, gender, cultural background, length of stay and anticipated Canadian experience.
• Determines the suitability of host families by reviewing applications, interviewing potential homestay families and conducting home visits both initially and regularly thereafter to ensure that circumstances do not change.
• Ensures the Homestay Program meets government requirements with a focus on reducing / mitigating risk. This includes the ongoing review of the homestay family application and selection process, handbooks and student placement process, and all matters associated with the homestay family’s profile; references; Police Information Check and Child Abuse Registry forms.
• Educates and informs homestay families to understand international students’ unique contexts and cultural backgrounds.
• Confirms placement of students with homestay families and assists in communicating with agents of international students with respect to homestay matters.
• Coordinates and assists with student airport arrivals and departures.
• Manages and resolves homestay and international student issues that arise.
• Provides ongoing support, conflict resolution and mediation between homestay families and students.
• Maintains the International Student Program Homestay Families database and responds to all general inquiries pertaining to the Homestay Program.
• Manages and reports monthly homestay payment adjustments.
• Assists in matters associated with the international students’ documents such as medical cards, study permits and passports.
• Supports students by delivering presentations on successful homestay environments and ensuring that they have proper documentation and permissions.
• Provides orientation for host families and international students.
• Attends and assists in supervising various ISP events throughout the year.
• Supervises the Homestay Aides.
• Relocates a student to a different homestay family in a case of incompatibility.
• Responds and assesses emergency and crisis situations as they occur and liaisons with required staff to resolve the issues.
• Responds to crisis and / or emergency situations outside of regular work hours, including being on-call for emergency situations evenings and weekends.
• Contributes to the social media platforms by collecting and taking creative photos and videos of students and homestay families.
• Assists with the preparation of student promotional materials for the homestay program.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned or requested to support the efficient operation of the Department.

Skills and Qualifications

Skill and Knowledge – Required :

Skill and Knowledge – Desired :

Conditions of Employment

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Pembina Trails School Division is committed to removing barriers to ensure employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact : [email protected]

Pembina Trails School Division is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of equity-deserving groups with diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, and identities.