Responsibilities and Relationships
“Research shows that students who feel safe, accepted, and connected to their school are more likely to stay in school, develop social skills, and do well academically. Students, teachers, and other adults benefit from caring relationships, opportunities for participation, and an atmosphere of high expectations. Strong relationships are prerequisites of growth and learning, and the relationship between students and teachers must be supported by strong relationships among adults. Significantly, the world of the African Nova Scotian student is often radically different from the world of the teacher. Economic, social, racial, and other differences are part of the fabric of most schools in the province. It is crucial that students know that the adults in each of those worlds have a shared mission” African Nova Scotian Students Support Worker Guidelines, Standards and Evaluation, Nova Scotia Department of Education, 2011.
The student support worker will
● Monitor student attendance (punctuality, unexcused absences, illness) and relay relevant information to the office for discussion. Keep records of students supported.
● Support students by being a positive role model with respect to professionalism and involvement with students in school and community activities, with parents/guardians by sharing applicable information and by fostering student cultural identity.
● Meet with administration(i.e., weekly) to provide advice, recommendations and updates (formal/informal) on the students assigned to their workload and other information as deemed necessary.
● Follow approved schedule assigned by administration and school team.
● Adhere to the needs and goals as identified in the student profile by administration and school team.
● Work closely with students to develop strategies to enhance self-esteem and success in school.
● Support students through the guidance counsellor by assisting with course selection, career information and sharing student(s) plans for secondary trades, college and/or university.
● In consultation with the principal and guidance, establish links with feeder/receiving schools to provide a smooth transition for students.
● Maintain on-going communication with the classroom teacher through regular meetings and ongoing discussion on the progress of the student(s).
● Support students individually, in/out of class, during re-entry into school, following suspension or long term absence and provide transportation needs as required; administered by principal and the classroom teacher.
● Have access to student data/reports of assessment, attendance and behavior, to fully understand the complexities of learning needs in underserved students and communities.
● Support the program planning team and their recommendations for students.
● Support the school staff and students in their understanding of the cultural protocols of the African Nova Scotian traditions and cultures through participation cultural awareness and sensitivity sessions and informing school staff of events and celebrations occurring in the students’ communities.
● Supporting parents/guardians at school events, meetings and activities.
● Submit an end of day summary report to the Regional Coordinator of African Canadian Education/Services and to the school principal (circuit staff will submit to the applicable principal).
● Maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality and adhere to all Strait Regional Centre for Education policies, procedures and guidelines.
● Be supervised, appraised yearly and participate in provided professional development by the Regional Coordinator of African Canadian Education/Services and Regional Equity Team.
● Any additional duties as deemed necessary.
Special Assets:
● Knowledgeable of culturally responsive support(s) for African traditional, spiritual and cultural teachings, protocols and resources.
● Knowledge of or experience working with African Canadian communities and understand the political, governance and community structure.
Essential Qualifications:
*Grade 12 Academic, plus appropriate post secondary education;
*Knowledge of educational issues as they relate to student learners;
*Excellent time management, organizational and interpersonal skills;
*Ability to work with students to support their learning in various curriculum settings;
*African Canadian Descent.
Desirable Qualifications:
*Experience in the use of technology (i.e. - word processing, internet, email, etc.)
*Current certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Your application must include at least three (3) work-related references; one must be your most recent supervisor. The Strait Regional Centre for Education appreciates your expression of interest for employment. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. All candidates short listed for interviews will have references check prior to being interviewed. Candidates can check on the status of their applications in Successfactors under My Applications.
All employees of the Strait Regional Centre for Education must provide a current (within the last 6 months), and clear Criminal Record Check-Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry prior to employment with the Strait Regional Centre for Education
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