Description
District School Board of Niagara
Invites applications for the following position:
Indigenous Supports Advisor (K-12)
Temporary Contract - May 20, 2025, to June 26, 2026 (approx.)
Land Acknowledgement
The land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples acknowledging this reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.
Working at the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) means being part of a supportive, innovative community that works towards doing what is best for students, and helping every individual achieve success. We proudly serve over 42,000 students across almost 100 elementary and secondary schools in Niagara, located between Lake Erie in the South and Lake Ontario to the North.
As part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through education, the District School Board of Niagara is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students within our system. Understanding that to do this effectively we must hire individuals who are also committed to this ideal, carry knowledge and lived experience that will impact, strengthen, and lead them in their work with Indigenous students and families, within our schools.
Reporting to the Student Achievement Leader of Indigenous Well-being K-12, and Superintendent, Curriculum K-8 the Indigenous Supports Advisor (ISA) will ensure the emotional well-being of Indigenous students and their families within our Board. This includes providing support for students throughout the year, and at key times including transition periods to grade 9, and post-secondary opportunities. The ISA will also support the Indigenous Summer HEAT programs, including program development, support of staff and communication and promotion in schools. As a member of our Indigenous Education Team, the ISA also supports system and school-wide student events and provides advice to Board staff on culture and perspective to ensure the Board is positioned to deliver an exceptional education service.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post Secondary Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Worker, Social Service Worker or a related field with a focus on Indigenous communities or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture and Indigenous ways of knowing is a requirement.
- Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of community resources that assist at-risk youth.
- Preference will be given to members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity including First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples.
- Experience working with children, youth, families and community agencies with knowledge of Historical and Intergenerational trauma of Indigenous Peoples.
- Experience in supporting school engagement and student success.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous culture, specifically localized territories and communities.
- Evidence of experience working with local Indigenous community agencies.
- Evidence of working well with others in a collaborative team approach.
- Assist self-identified students in the acquisition, reinforcement and maintenance of academics, communications, social and personal management skills, including student attendance.
- Provide support and information to students and families regarding community resources such as healing and wellness, housing, employment, social assistance, and Jordan's Principle.
- Support the wellness journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective.
- Work collaboratively with the Indigenous Education Wellness team to develop pro-active strategies and programs aimed at enhancing Indigenous student success.
- Provide in-school support (groups and sharing circles).
- Work with community partners to ensure students and families are able to navigate any barriers and ensure all are connected to appropriate resources and communities.
- Promote approaches to Indigenous student success that centre Indigenous student well-being.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Student Achievement Leader, K-12 and Superintendent, Curriculum K-8.
Salary: $42.36 per hour, inclusive of Vacation and Statutory Holiday pay.
Applications including cover letter, resume, and three professional references should be submitted via Apply to Education, Job Code 3934731 no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 12, 2025.
The District School Board of Niagara is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment and hiring of its employees, who reflect the diversity of our community and students we serve. We encourage and welcome submissions from candidates from diverse backgrounds to build a supportive and inclusive workplace. DSBN welcomes applications from: Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, women, persons with visible and non-visible disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. The DSBN is committed to “Redefining Excellence” and recognizes that increasing the diversity of its workforce supports this objective.
DSBN will provide interview and employment accommodations during the selection process, based on any of the human rights protected grounds. Please notify us in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs. Applicants are thanked for making known their interest in working for the District School Board of Niagara. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
Personal information on this form is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.2, as amended and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. R.S.O 1990, c.M. 56, as amended and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility of the above-noted position and any similar or related purpose(s). Questions about this collection, use and disclosure should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, District School Board of Niagara, 191 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7P4 905-641-1550.
