Indigenous Child and Youth Care Worker (On-Call) - September 2026 School Year
The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q̓ ícə̓ y̓ - Katzie, the qʼwa:n̓ƛʼən̓ - Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.
THE ROLE
Indigenous Child/Youth Care Workers participate within a collaborative, strength-based model that assists and supports Indigenous children, youth and their families increasing their level of school success. Indigenous Child and Youth-Care Workers provide enhanced services that support behavioral, emotional and social growth of children and youth. Indigenous Child/Youth Care Workers work collaboratively with teachers who have the responsibility for the educational progress of all students. Students requiring Indigenous Child/Youth Care Worker support are sometimes "at risk" and require extensive support to make better educational and personal choices.
Indigenous Child/Youth Care Worker responsibilities have the ultimate objective of providing enhanced services that help all Indigenous students stay in school and experience success with their education. This requires a collaborative approach with shared responsibility. Indigenous Child/Youth Care Workers work together with teachers, counselors, Administrators and outside professionals to build positive relationships, provide social and emotional support, and develop social skills that foster an increased sense of belonging.
Indigenous Child/Youth Care Workers collaborate with school and district staff to assist in developing and supporting Individual Education Plans and deliver enhanced services to all Indigenous students. Building strong relationships with parents and families of the students is essential in the role as an Indigenous Child/Youth Care Worker.
The Indigenous Services District Principal or designate supervises, provides direction and assigns all Indigenous Child/Youth Care Workers to schools. Site-based administrators provide direct supervision at the school.
TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide enhanced service for individual students that encourage and support classroom participation.
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Help prepare students for partial or full integration back into the classroom. This may include one-to-one monitoring on a temporary basis.
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Collaborate with school staff on behavior management techniques and review the effectiveness of such techniques with teachers at SBT and suggest modifications where necessary.
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Provide enhance services that further develop behavioral, emotional and social growth of Indigenous children and youth.
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Assist in the development of (IEP's) and participate in School Based Team (SBT) meetings.
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Liaise and encourage parent participation in school plans to maintain positive relationships with parents.
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Is available to staff for emergency and crises situations that involve Indigenous students and/or their families.
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Encourages parent participation with all aspects of their child's educational career including progress, absences, challenges and strengths.
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In consultation with teachers and/or counselors, act as liaison between the school system and various Indigenous support agencies and statutory/government agencies.
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In consultation with teachers, assist with planning social and cultural events, workshops, programs and activities that address Indigenous issues.
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Monitor student attendance and upon request make home visits to encourage improved attendance and recommend intervention strategies to staff.
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Maintain daily logs and records regarding services provided to students and file in student folders
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Facilitate enthusiasm for working in a climate of positive change and growth
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Promote cultural awareness for other members of the school culture and contribute actively to the building of an Indigenous cultural presence in schools.
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In consultation with school staff, provide personal career and educational guidance to Indigenous students and families through a variety of individual, culturally relevant family and group models that support student success.
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Perform other duties as required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
- Knowledge of behavioral issues commonly encountered by Child/Youth Care Workers
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Knowledge of strategies to assist Indigenous students to further develop social and emotional behaviors
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Knowledge of cognitive-behavioral interventions
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Ability to teach students to build on their strengths while reinforcing desirable behavioral approximations.
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Ability to assist and support students to explore their strengths and barriers to better cope with feelings
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Knowledge of theories related to families, values and beliefs about families within an Indigenous family-systems unit
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Knowledge of the Grief/Trauma Cycle
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Ability to motivate students
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Ability to maintain a positive and supportive attitude
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Knowledge of the various acts, laws and legal obligations that protect children in the Province of British Columbia
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Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
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Thorough knowledge, experience and ability in developing and maintaining rapport with Indigenous students and their families
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Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Indigenous history, traditions, and culture
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Experience that would assist schools to plan and implement initiatives for Indigenous students and their families
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
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Completion of Grade 12
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Two-year diploma in Child and Youth Care training from a Community College or similar institution recognized by the district
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Two years practical experience in work related to the care of Indigenous children and/or youth with behavioral problems or an equivalent combination of training and experience
Note: Due to a high volume of application we will only be contacting those shortlisted for the position. To all others, thank you for your interest.
