Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker - Indigenous Education (Term)

Leadership and Parent Engagement Department

C.U.P.E. 2357 (Term, 12 month, Level 5)

Why Work With The Ottawa Catholic School Board: The OCSB proudly serves over 50,000 students in 91 schools. We offer an education that respects all faiths' universal values and is grounded in Catholic principles. We foster innovation to inspire Deep Learning so that all can realize their full potential. We offer a collaborative work environment, fulfilling careers, and the opportunity to make a difference in our students' lives.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledges that the land on which our schools are located is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabek Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Reporting to the Indigenous Cultural Advisor and working in collaboration with the Indigenous Education Lead, the Family Support Worker will provide support, advocacy, and advisory services to Indigenous students and families at K-12 schools within the Ottawa Catholic School Board. This position will support indigenous students in achieving academic success and thereby increasing the number of Indigenous students obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and successfully transitioning into post-secondary education or labour market opportunities. This role will also be responsible for creating and facilitating opportunities for students to come together in a supportive community during triggering times such as Truth and Reconciliation Week. They will also be a caring adult who can support them through triggering experiences within the classroom or whole school events and interactions. The position will allow for Indigenous culture, knowledge and ways of knowing, as well as two-eyed seeing, to be supported and implemented system-wide, in all schools. As the OCSB is committed to reconciliation, these roles provide an entry point for deeper knowledge and understanding of the truth and will allow the OCSB to intentionally move toward the path of reconciliation in collaboration with partners.

POSITION DETAILS:
- Collaborate with school board staff, including school administrators, guidance counsellors and others in using data to identify and provide support to Indigenous students to increase engagement and achievement by considering factors such as academic records, behaviour, attendance and family status
- Develop needs assessments and intervention strategies for students, including plans for transition support, graduation and career attainment
- When needed, assemble a graduation team for select students, including teachers, family and other resources from both inside and outside of the school(s)
- Collaborate with administrators, teachers and parents/guardians to respond to all barriers that affect the engagement, well-being and learning of students
- Conduct in-person and virtual meetings with students and their families to provide support when needed
- Act as a mentor and an advisor to students and play an essential role as an advocate for them with teachers, other school staff, parents/guardians and community members
- Explore career possibilities with students and support their pursuit of career interests
- Support students academic progress through arranging tutoring, supporting course planning, facilitating peer mentoring and providing role modelling
- Create additional opportunities for students to be engaged in cultural activities that may not be offered by the school or school board (i.e. long weekends, extended breaks, etc.)
- Establish relationships with various service agencies serving the Indigenous community
- Prepare reports and statistics on program progression and outcomes

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree, diploma or post-secondary education in relevant field and/or equivalent (applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications)
- Three years of directly related experience working with Indigenous students and families
- Life experience deeply rooted in local Indigenous communities (applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate this)
- Understanding the diversity and composition of local Indigenous communities
- Awareness of local community resources and the ability to support students/families in accessing and navigating the resources
- Knowledge/awareness of Jordans Principle/Child First Initiative
- Understanding of restorative practices
- Demonstrated ability to be a mentor, advisor and advocate for students
- Lived experience
- Ability to deliver presentations, and engage staff and students
- Ability to plan events for large groups of people
- Excellent organizational, collaboration and communication skills
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet program needs
- A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle, as school sites are across Ottawa
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