Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to providing support to all students. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking an Education Assistant to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the learning environment and overall wellbeing of the students.

Under the direction of the Principal the Education Assistant provides culturally informed academic support and assistance to Teacher's to help make the students learning more rewarding. This role involves working with students in a classroom setting to them thrive in an education setting. The Education assistant will also engage in community relations activities to supporting clients and the community.

Work that Matters

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code
  

What you'll do

• Assist classroom teacher with the supervision of students to provide academic, social and/or essential life skills.
  
• Support learning and skill development activities in classroom.
  
• Assist in the development and implementation of Individual Educational Plans, as this term is defined in Educational Standards Order M41191 issued by the Minister of Education, in conjunction with the school administrators and/or professional resource personnel engaged by the school.
  
• Review and reinforce learning activities using learning strategies developed by the teacher.
  
• Assist students with learning activities and/or independent study projects developed by teacher/team.
  
• Facilitate student learning individually and in small groups. Is actively involved with “the students” during most activities.
  
• Observe and document learner strengths, achievements, and needs through daily learning activities.
• Carries out functional (informal) assessment activities to assist the teacher in developing learner profiles.
  
• Assist in the collection of data for the purpose of evaluating student progress. Maintain appropriate records as requested by administration.
  
• Develop and prepare appropriate materials for learning as needed.
  
• Work with parents, health care professionals and other support staff under the direction of the teacher.
  
• Assist teacher in communicating academic and social progress to parents during teacher/parent conferences.
  
• Assist in the inside/outside supervision of the students as requested by the teacher.
• Provide such assistance as the principal considers necessary for the supervision of students at the school and at School functions whenever and wherever held, which shall include, but not limited to, attendance at and participation in all evening School activities and the Seabird Island Annual Festival.
  
• Maintain and acquire special training specific to the needs of the students as approved by Principal.
  
• Make an effort to learn the Halq'eméylem language and consistently promote the spoken language in the classroom.
  
• Attend and participate in all school staff meetings and cultural events.
• Assist in ensuring the classroom environment is one that supports traditional values.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by your Manager, Director, Chief Administrative Officer, or Chief & Council.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Education assistant Certificate required. Other forms of post-secondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.
  
• Experience working within a first nations community in an education environment is considered an asset.
  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  
• Willingness to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and administration.
  
• Willingness to contribute to a positive school culture by volunteering in extracurricular activities.
  
• Ability to maintain positive, supportive, and professional relationships with students

Cultural Competency:

• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island's culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate willingness to work as part of a planning team.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

Reports to:

Principal

Pre-employment screening

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Education. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.