SUMMARY:

With direction from the teacher or administrator, the IEW assists Indigenous students and their parents in understanding the school system and in participating effectively in the school community. The IEW also assists in developing and implementing individual education plans for Indigenous students with emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, SKILLS (INDIGENOUS EDUC. WORKER)

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent
• From any accredited college or university, 60 credits composed of a minimum of 12 credits First Nations courses with a minimum of 30 credits in youth related courses such as child and youth care and counselling, psychology and sociology.
• Two years of experience working with Indigenous children and/or youth.
• Valid British Columbia driver’s license.
• Knowledge of the culture of local Indigenous groups.
• Knowledge of the needs of Indigenous students and their families and the resources available to them.
• Ability to establish and maintain sound working relationships with school staff, Indigenous students and their families.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing in English.
• Ability to perform individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to follow directions with regard to individualized plans and the dispensing of medication.
• Ability to deal with very challenging behaviors on a daily basis within an emotionally and physically demanding environment.
• Requires mature judgment in ensuring that the IEW provides service only in those areas in which he/she possesses the required skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate school equipment (e.g. recorders, computers, etc.).

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient vision/hearing to perform assigned duties independently.
• Ability to lift, transfer and assist students as required.
• Manual dexterity.

• Maintains liaison with teachers, counselors, administrators, Indigenous students and their families, and community agencies as an advocate for Indigenous students.
• Supports classroom teachers in meeting the educational needs of Indigenous students.
• Conducts home and community visits.
• Encourages Indigenous parents to participate in the education of their children and to access community services and agencies as appropriate.
• Provides traditional Indigenous guidance to Indigenous students and their families.
• Assists in the development and implementation of specific academic/social interventions with Indigenous students who present unique and challenging behaviors.
• Provides transportation as needed.
• Works with the school staff to determine the school’s priorities and subsequently establish a work schedule.
• Assists the teacher in evaluating and reporting on individual Indigenous students.
• Promotes and develops Indigenous cultural events in School District No. 57 and encourages cross-cultural training.
• Regularly participates in screening/review meetings as required.
• Facilitates parental involvement in Indigenous Parent Advisory Committees.
• Performs related duties as requested by the Administrator.
• Assumes additional responsibilities that are site-specific.