Cultural Immersion School Parent Engagement Coordinator Okanagan Indian Band

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits

• Employer Matched Pension Plan

• 15 Statutory Holidays

• Paid Winter Holiday Break

• Cultural Leave

• Discounted Silver Star lift passes

• Retention Bonuses after years of service

• 15 Paid Sick Days

• Paid Personal Leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**: Minimum 25 hours per week**

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications**: December 15, 2025**

JOB SUMMARY
This position will improve and facilitate communication between the school and students’ families, ensuring clear and consistent communication regarding school policies, events, student progress, etc. This position will promote parent engagement in their children’s education and encourage greater involvement in their children’s education. The goal is to assist parents in playing an active role with their children’s education and promoting a sense of community.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the School Administrator (Vice Principal/Principal).

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with all school staff including school administrators, classroom teachers, support staff, bus drivers, counsellors, speech & language pathologists, and occupational therapists

• Meet with families and attend community events which are sometimes outside of regular school hours (weekends or evenings)

• Supporting parents to articulate their needs and rights to School Administration

• Identify and provide families with access to resources, support services, and information that can help them better support their child’s learning and development

• Encourage and support parents to take on leadership roles within the school, specifically with participating in the Parent Advisory Committee and during school events

• Develop and lead programs and activities designed to engage families with improving student achievement/attendance in collaboration

• Develop and implement effective family involvement strategies and activities to empower students and families

• Work with OKIB departments and other organizations and agencies to provide additional support and resources for families

• Develop and maintain positive and respectful relationships with students, families, and school staff

• Support Language and Culture programming, encouraging parental involvement such as participating in land-based learning and sharing their cultural knowledge

• Supervise students during outside play times such as before school, recess play, lunch time play, and after school

• Support the school administration and administrative assistant as required and directed

• All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties

ADMINITRATIVE DUTIES

• Data collection as required including student attendance

• Prepare and maintain a variety of confidential and non-confidential documents, reports, and written materials for the purpose of communicating information to parents and staff (ex. Flyers, social media posts, parent logs, notes)

• Schedule with PAC president and secretary monthly PAC meetings and attend all PAC meetings

• Attend regular staff meetings and team-based meetings

• Communicate to educators any pertinent information regarding students, parents, staff, programs, etc.

• Basic word processing and filing

• Must attend nsyilxcen language classes for school staff with a willingness to learn

• Attend all school-based Professional Development Days as directed

• Ensure attendance is taken daily and document daily notes

• Follow all guidelines as outlined in the Cultural Immersion School Handbooks

• Be ready, willing, and able to physically attend work during school closures (regular school day)

• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies and procedures

• Perform other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in education, social work, child development, or a related area preferred

• Human Services Diploma or related diploma

• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain

• Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector

• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle

Experience

• Experience working directly with First Nations families and children

• Minimum 2 years of experience in education, social work, government, community outreach, or family support

• Project coordination experience an asset

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community

• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy

• Punctual

• Ability to collaborate as a part of a team, maintaining positive working relationships

• Adaptability and flexibility

• Technological knowledge and skill, specifically with MS Word and Excel

• Respects confidentiality

• Patience, creativity and resourcefulness

• Energetic and enthusiastic

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$26.00 - $32.00 per hour dependant on education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years