Mi'kmaq/L'nu Student Support Worker

Reports to: The Mi’kmaw Services Coordinator (and applicable School Principal)

Location: Barrington / Shelburne County Schools

The Mi’kmaq/L’nu Student Support Worker will be available to students who are indigenous, and culturally or socially at risk. Their primary role will be to monitor and provide support to these students and their families, as well as being a liaison between the school and the Mi’kmaw Community. The overall objective is to strengthen self-esteem, improve academic success and attendance by fostering a positive environment of good will, respect and dignity among students, parent/guardians, school administration, teachers, and all community members. The SSW requires a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. The SSW works 7.5 hours per day, however is often required to work outside of regular school hours.

Qualifications

• Must be a person of Mi’kmaw descent;
• Completion of a post-secondary diploma or certificate in Human Services, Social Services or related field; or
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus 2 years working with Mi’kmaq youth;
• A valid driver's license and a vehicle, or access to a vehicle;
• Experience in Mi’kmaq Community-based work;
• Proven ability to communicate and work alongside diverse cultural and racial backgrounds;

Characteristics

• Knowledge of Mi’kmaq Community, Ways of knowing and Being, Netukulimk, Etuaptmumk, and Mi’kmaq language;
• Knowledge of issues facing Mi’kmaq students within the context of education and schooling;
• Knowledge of how race, class, and gender and other forms of discrimination impact Mi’kmaq youth;
• Demonstrated ability in working collaboratively as part of a team involving youth, teachers, parents, agencies, and surrounding communities;
• Committed to removing barriers, establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship with Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq peoples;
• Familiarity with the term “Reconciliation” and the 94 calls to action;
• Awareness of Residential Schools and the impact it has on the Mi’kmaq;
• Above average interpersonal skills, with written and verbal communication skills;
• Willingness to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Mi’kmaq community served by the schools and to attend related community meetings;
• Knowledge of, experience in, and commitment to the principles of race relations, cross cultural understanding, and human rights;
• Knowledge and experience in mediation and conflict resolution

Accountabilities

• Support and arrange activities and presentations in Treaty Education;
• Ability to follow through with assigned tasks independently;
• Promote/engage students and staff in relevant community celebrations/activities;
• Participate in regional orientation process;
• Establish a method for tracking and monitoring students progress and relaying appropriate information home;
• Monitor student attendance and complete regular check-ins with caseload students, teachers, and home;
• Maintain daily notes and submit a written monthly report;
• Promote increased contact between students, parents and teachers. In cooperation with guidance counselor(s), MCEA, students, and parents discuss options of educational goals and appropriate course selection;
• Promote healthy relationships and community partnership based on individual needs;
• Participate in Parent Teacher meetings, TST, CLT’s, staff meetings and other arranged meetings for caseload students or assigned school;
• Attend Monthly MCEA meetings arranged by the Regional Coordinator of Mi’kmaq Services;
• Have the ability to monitor, assess, evaluate and report on the progress of Mi’kmaw youth;
• Attend the annual MCEA conference.

Along with the above, Mi’kmaq/L’nu Student Support Worker's perform other assigned duties which are within the scope of the mandate of the Mi’kmaq Services Program as assigned by the Principal, and/or the Regional Coordinator of Mi’kmaq Services.