Cultural Support Worker

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) is seeking a skilled and dedicated Cultural Support Worker to join its International Student Education Department. Under the general direction of the Director of Instruction, or designate, and in consultation with school-based administrators, the Cultural Support Worker facilitates communications in home/school environments and provides consultation and liaison services to students and parents/guardians of the identified cultural group, to school personnel and cultural communities in the school district.

Join Our Team

NLPS resides within the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as and Stz'uminus First Nations and is a proud community partner with the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre and the Mid Island Metis Nation.

Employing more than 2,200 professionals all committed to the education of more than 15,000 students, all NLPS staff are integral to the excellent education system and the positive workplaces within the district; supporting the Strategic Plan Goals of Student Success, Student and Employee Wellness, and Truth and Reconciliation.

Learn more about who we are and what we offer on our website at .

About the Role

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists professional staff to provide orientation services to students from culturally diverse backgrounds in their first or spoken language with respect to educational, social family, cultural, emotional and career needs.
• Communicates with families and school personnel, resolving cross cultural conflict, involving community agencies, facilitating cross cultural understanding and, under the direction of the teacher, provides educational assistance to students when required.
• Communicates between home and school regarding educational and/or social development of students as directed, and visits homes to clarify educational and cross-cultural concerns.
• Assists teachers, administrators, psychologists and counsellors, with the placement of English Language Learner and newcomer students by obtaining information about students from members of their families concerning levels of education the students have achieved; by translating and interpreting assessment results provided by other schools; by translating relevant information from other schools; and by participating in the initial school orientation.
• Participates in activities that build cross cultural understanding including helping to develop and deliver appropriate workshops; promoting cross cultural understanding; organizing various activities such as cooking, dance, music and art.
• Facilitates academic assistance in collaboration with other school personnel and assists with school integration and orientation activities. Encourages parental involvement in school activities.
• May be required to provide services at more than one location with the district.
• Assists students to build self esteem and to become role models within the framework (context) of their culture, school and community.
• May on occasion be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Specialized training in acculturation, childcare work or social work, and a minimum of two years related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain respect for and from students.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Sound written and spoken knowledge of English and proficiency in the language of students in the identified cultural group. This position will be required to have sound written and spoken knowledge of Mandarin.
• Knowledge of culture and an understanding of the problems, concerns, strengths and traditions of the identified cultural group, together with the ability to assist with the bridging of cultures.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer.

Assignment : This is a Continuing Full-Time (1.0 FTE) 10-Month CUPE Local 606 position due to commence as soon as possible.

Wage : The rate of pay for this position is $31.12 per hour based on a 35-hour work week.

Location: Based on operational needs, across the District.

How to Apply

To submit your application, please click on the apply button next to the job details on the job posting itself (located via: ).   Applications should include a cover letter, resume, along with applicable certificates and/or diplomas etc. Please provide a minimum two professional references from supervisors or managers in a workplace or volunteer setting and please note, all successful candidates of the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are required to complete a criminal record check.

Shortlisting and interviewing will be conducted on an ongoing basis while the posting is open; with the posting remaining open until the position is filled.

To all applicants: thank you for your interest, please be advised that only those applicants being considered for shortlisting and/or shortlisted will be contacted.

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to merit-based hiring and equitable employment practices.