Description
Settlement Workers in Schools
Recognized for its diversity, dedication to inclusion, and strong partnerships with the community, the Richmond School District is among one of the largest districts in British Columbia with some of the highest graduation rates in the province. With a long history of providing high quality experiences for students, the Richmond School District strives to be “The Best Place to Learn and Lead.”
Richmond School District operates 38 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools, alternate programs, continuing education and a number of additional facilities. The district enrolls approximately 21,000 students (K-12) and employs over 3000 dedicated staff.
This position is intended to provide settlement support to new immigrants, refugees and other eligible clients with immediate needs as they transition to life in Canada. The primary focus of SWIS is to facilitate the integration and settlement of newcomer families through systematic outreach processes, provide information about available services and resources, conduct needs assessments and connect families to the community. Such support will sometimes require Settlement Workers to be available to families outside of typical school hours, including weekends and evenings. This position is under the supervision of the District Vice-Principal, Welcome Centre, but duties are performed with minimal direction.
This position is 10-month and 35 hours/week. The position is temporary and will end March 31, 2027.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain performance standards as required in fulfillment of our Citizenship Immigration Canada Contract.
- Conduct systemic outreach to newcomer families and needs assessments while providing initial social, emotional and cultural support.
- Develop and write Settlement Action Plans for clients with specific goals and timelines and conduct follow-up as needed.
- Provide information, orientation and service/resource linking with government, community programs and initiatives.
- Provide information and refer newcomers to appropriate school/community programs, workshops or support groups.
- Collaborate and liaise with district staff and community resources to organize and conduct workshops on settlement-related issues.
- Respond to emergent and sometimes critical situations newcomer families face and advise per supervisor’s direction.
- Guide families through application processes.
- Facilitate constructive and culturally sensitive communication between district staff and newcomers.
- Assist in establishing and maintaining contact between newcomer families and schools.
- Provide information, orientation and cultural interpretation about related needs and issues.
- Participate in program monitoring and evaluation by maintaining narrative and statistical reports, client surveys, evaluations and accurate input of client data in database to provide accurate reporting - to ICARE (Immigration Contribution Agreement Reporting Environment).
- Use discretion and maintain the confidentiality of shared information.
- Perform other job related and clerical duties of comparable importance and responsibility as required.
Required Qualifications
- Grade 12 or equivalent plus 2-year post-secondary diploma in social sciences, teaching, counselling or social work or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Three (3) years’ related experience working in a multicultural setting.
- Demonstrated oral and written fluency in English and another designated language.
- Experience in an educational setting is essential.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to speak to groups and work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents and district staff and outside agencies.
- Ability to develop and maintain client files, Settlement Action Plans and provide adequate follow- up and documentation.
- Sound knowledge of immigrant/refugee issues as well as cultural awareness and integration issues to facilitate cultural bridging of new Canadian students.
- Thorough knowledge of current Canadian immigration policies and guidelines.
- Sound knowledge of community agencies and resources, and ability to form partnerships for ongoing referrals and shared support of families.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and present material in a clear manner, appropriate to the target audience.
- Demonstrated ability to work at the level of independence and with degree of initiative appropriate to the position in addition to working collaboratively as a team member.
- Proficient use of technology (eg computers and projectors) and proficient technology skills such as - MS Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Zoom and Teams.
- Valid BC Driver’s License (Class 5) and use of a vehicle.
This position is in the bargaining unit, with an hourly rate of pay of 34.60 with an additional 4% in lieu of vacation.
For more information about Richmond School District 38, please visit www.makeafuture.ca/richmond or our website at www.sd38.bc.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however ONLY those being considered for interviews will be contacted.
Richmond School District is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Our ability to provide the best education for our student population relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds and experiences. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The Richmond School District is the best place to learn and lead.
