Health Promotion and Prevention Worker

New Westminster Schools Career Opportunity

HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTION WORKER (TEMPORARY)

About New Westminster Schools

As one of the fastest growing districts in Metro-Vancouver, we are working hard to support a diverse and very connected community of students, staff and families throughout our schools. We currently have eight elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, three alternate programs, two Provincial Online Learning options (a teacher-guided Home Learners Program for K-8 and Online Learning options for 9-12), and continuing education options. For the younger learners we also offer a combination of StrongStart programs, childcare options and a pilot pre-school.

We are passionate about innovation, as we strive to create learning opportunities and environments that support and inspire all students, staff and families in our community. Through collaboration we are transforming learning experiences, to ensure that New Westminster Schools is a place where everyone loves to learn.

Our district is deeply commitment to building meaningful relationships, as we work to address the barriers that some people in our school communities face. This includes actively working to address issues around diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-racism, mental health and wellbeing, and food security for students and families.

About the position

The Health Promotion and Prevention Worker is responsible for developing and implementing a variety of wellness programs, training and workshops to support staff and students in the areas of mental health literacy, physical health, sexual health, social and emotional learning and trauma informed practice. The role will entail promoting all aspects of wellness with a specific focus on substance abuse prevention, healthy decision making, harm reduction, reducing stigma and where to get help. The responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:
Reports directly to the District Vice-Principal, Safe and Caring Schools

Work in partnership with SD40 and Fraser Health to develop and implement health promotion and prevention programming and submit a yearly plan and progress reports to the School District and Fraser Health.

Work with Principals, School-Based Teams, Counsellors, Child and Youth Care Workers and Indigenous Support Workers as an active member of the Wellness Team at the Middle Schools, NWSS and the Alternate Programs.

Follow the Response to Intervention (RTI) structure of support: Provide universal supports for all students—e.g., classroom presentations, targeted supports for groups of students, and intensive supports for students who may be struggling with wellness and specifically substance use.

Embeds the First Peoples Principles and Aboriginal World Views and Perspectives and all aspects of wellness work.

Using a trauma informed lens, provides prevention and intervention supports and strategies for children and youth who are vulnerable or struggling with substance use.

Work with community agencies (e.g., Fraser Health, Fraserside, MCFD, CYMH) to enhance support for students and refer students to outside agencies as necessary.

Ensures community service partners, youth and families are kept informed of local and regional substance use, mental health, public health and other relevant services that can support children, youth and their families.

Work with the New Westminster Community Schools Program to support wellness activities for students and support parent/caregiver education events (e.g., Parents Night Out).

Develop and deliver after school and evening wellness sessions for staff, parents/caregivers and students through the Wellness Centre at NWSS.

Use Ministry of Education student wellness data (Student Learning Survey) to define areas of need.

Attend Child and Youth Care Worker meetings and Counsellor meetings as required.

Monitor program expenditures.

Support Middle schools, Senior Secondary School and Alternate Programs.

Other related duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:
Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care, Health, Social Work, or a related field.

A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children and youth in the area of wellness and substance use. Knowledge of the public school system is an asset.

Ability to model, motivate and participate in leading healthy school environments.

Ability to work with a diversity of students and staff and honour and support inclusion and advocacy.

Experience with evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs and health promotion.

Highly motivated with demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to plan and implement initiatives.

Ability to work to deadlines effectively and work both independently and in a team.

Flexibility to adjust hours to support evening or weekend work as required.

Proficient using MS Office and other relevant computer software is required.

BC drivers license and a reliable vehicle

Applic ation Process

Acknowledgeme