Relief Student Development Worker

DATE:

January 27, 2020

POSITION:

Relief Student Development Worker

Casual (1 year)

Non-Bargaining Unit Position

LOCATION:

1 – 3545 Kingston Road, Scarborough

REPORTS TO:

Manager, Student Advocacy and Academic Support OR Manager, Student Advocacy and Mentoring Support

DESCRIPTION:

Relief Student Development Worker:

The Relief Student Development Worker is responsible for building relationships and facilitating communication with students, parents/guardians and secondary school teachers/administration with the objective of supporting students’ academic success. This includes identifying students’ strengths and challenges and working collaboratively with the Pathways team and secondary school partners to ensure that students are appropriately supported both within school and within the Pathways Program. 

The Relief Student Development Worker works closely with the Managers, Program Facilitators, and volunteers to deliver the tutoring and mentoring components of the Pathways to Education Program. Relief Student Development Workers promote resources to support the development of academic and life skills, employment and training, volunteerism, as well as recreational, career, post-secondary and internship opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

1.    Relationships with Students, Parents, Schools and Community Partners         55%

·          Establish and maintain positive and supportive relationships with Pathways students, parents/guardians and secondary school staff to ensure that students fully participate in the program and in school. 

·          Become familiar with the strengths and capacities, as well as the barriers and challenges, faced by Pathways students and, refer students to appropriate resources including academic, social and emotional supports within the school system and broader community. 

·          Act as a liaison for school staff, students, and parents and support strong communication between and among these parties.  This will include ensuring that Pathways students and their parents are aware of student graduation requirements and of their rights and responsibilities within the education system.  

·          Provide advocacy on academic, post-secondary and/or employment readiness, and other matters relevant to program participants (e.g., participation in programming and school, progress towards academic and future goals, and issues related to the social/emotional wellbeing of students).

·          Engage and communicate with students regarding course learning levels, course selections and participate in Individual Education Plans (IEP) as necessary.

·          Ensure that Pathways students participate in Pathways tutoring and mentoring activities as required or in alternative programming, where appropriate.

2.    Academic and Mentoring Support Program Planning and Facilitation                     25% 

·          Develop and maintain tutoring and mentoring programming routines and expectations within the Pathways to Education program.

·          Provide support and ensure clear communication with volunteer tutors and mentors during programming.

·          Investigate opportunities that may benefit youth and plan activities that are catered to these goals (ex. Study skills, life skills/recreational/career/employment development, etc.).   

·          Work with other members of the program team, including site support and volunteer tutors/mentors, to ensure a safe and secure environment for students during tutoring/mentoring sessions (e.g., behavior management, space and student safety, etc.)

·          Ensure that volunteer tutors/mentors and site support are briefed and prepared for sessions, provided materials and opportunities for feedback and debriefing.

·          Organize needed resources and handouts for volunteer tutors/mentors and students.

·          Maintain focus on equity and inclusive resources and practices at tutoring/mentoring sessions.

3.   Administration & Team Work       20%

·          Completes and inputs student case notes, financial supports, attendance, credit counselling summaries, referrals, and progress reporting data into the Pathways to Education database (PASS) in a timely manner.

·          Documents interactions with students, parents and school staff in accordance with program policies in the database. 

·          Participates in regular team meetings.

·          Supports students’ applications for volunteer and employment opportunities, internships, and post-secondary education.

·          Actively contributes to the Agency’s Strategic Plan and Service Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plans.

·          Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his or her own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying with and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink.

·          Maintains accurate and up to date student documentation and reporting as required by the organization and Pathways to Education Canada.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

·         Undergraduate Degree in Social Work, Education, Community Development or Degree / Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or a combination of directly related education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

·         One (1) year experience working with youth in a variety of different contexts.

·         Experience working with youth from culturally diverse, low income communities, as well as demonstrated knowledge of youth engagement practices is an asset.

·         Experience working with special needs students in the areas of numeracy, literacy, new language learners &/or special education is an asset.

·         Experience working with volunteers and developing partnerships is an asset.

·         Experience working with or for a post-secondary institution is an asset.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

REQUIRED SKILLS:

·         Informal counselling techniques and case management skills.

·         Knowledge of the Ontario secondary school curriculum.

·         Strong interpersonal, communication and written skills.

·         Proficient in computer usage skills and social media.

·         Ability to speak a second language spoken within the community (Tamil, Urdu, Farsi, Creole, French, Spanish) is an asset.

·         Knowledge of Scarborough and/or the Scarborough Village community is an asset.

·         A valid G Level license and regular access to a vehicle is an asset.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

·         Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check.

·         Proficiency in French is an asset.

·         The position requires some evening hours. Some local travelling required.

·         This position requires the ability to lift tables and program materials when setting up community space on a regular basis.

 COMPENSATION:

·         $19 per hour

APPLY IN WRITING TO:

pathwaysposting@youthlink.ca  -  please quote File #1128 in subject line

CLOSING DATE:

Open Until Filled