Description
It is acknowledged that Central Okanagan Public Schools operates within the unceded, Traditional Territory of the Okanagan syilx peoples. The School District enrolls approximately 25,500 students (including over 3,200 students who self-identify as having Indigenous ancestry). Central Okanagan Public Schools is located in the Central Okanagan encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country. There are a total of 50 school sites with 32 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle schools, 5 Secondary Schools, 3 Learning Centres, an Alternate Education School, and an Online Learning School (6-12). Central Okanagan Public Schools has an excellent reputation of providing outstanding, student-centered programs in a diverse and inclusive environment as well as offering a wide range of educational opportunities for its students and staff. We believe equity empowers each learner to thrive, holistically.
We invite applications for the temporary full-time position of:
Family Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS)
Under the supervision of the Director of Instruction - Settlement Services and English Language Learning, Family SWIS work with the district and community partners to provide services in schools and community to all newcomers. Family SWIS deliver a variety of evidence and intervention strategies to enhance the student's cultural competencies, social emotional learning and wellbeing, encourage regular attendance and grade transition, plan and implement relevant prevention programs in conjunction with teachers and school staff, create the settlement assessment plans with goals and timelines, provide information about schools, organize and facilitate a variety of school and school settlement related events and workshops, make referrals to community agencies and support programs. Family SWIS maintain files and records regarding services provided to students including information required for regular reporting.
While the typical working hours are from 9:00am to 4:30pm or 8:00am to 3:30pm, Family Settlement Worker's start and stop times may vary from time to time within the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, given the unique nature of this position.
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- Post-secondary degree or equivalent in human relations, social sciences, teaching, counselling or social work, plus a minimum of one-year related work experience in a multicultural setting;
- Must be fluent (oral and written) in one of the following languages: Swahili, Korean, Vietnamese or Juba;
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team under minimum supervision;
- Excellent knowledge and experience with all Microsoft modules including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams;
- Valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5).
The successful applicant will be expected to:
- complete the district's Health and Safety training;
- attend various software training such as: MyEd Level 1 and Level 2; TrueNorth and WEST; iCare and other programs as required.
The following would be considered an asset:
- Demonstrated experience with students and families in a K-12 educational setting in B.C., and cross-cultural competency and understanding of child development and Family issues;
- Thorough knowledge of immigration policies and settlement issues;
- Thorough knowledge of community and agency resources.
This is a temporary full-time position starting as soon as possible and confirmed until March 31, 2026 with the possibility of being extended, working 35 hours per week at a wage rate of $33.97 per hour.
Temporary employees receive an additional 5% in lieu of vacation pay and 5% in lieu of statutory holiday pay. Once seniority has been established, temporary employees also receive an additional 10% in lieu of benefits and paid leave.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at with cover letter and a detailed resume, including three (3) professional references (names and phone numbers) and copies of certifications.
The position will remain open until filled. However, to ensure full consideration, individuals are encouraged to submit a complete application by 8:00am January 5, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
