WHITECAP DAKOTA FIRST NATION
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - STUDENT ADVISORY COUNSELOR - ELEMENTARY GRADES
The Whitecap Dakota First Nation (WDFN), located 26 Km south of Saskatoon, requires an enthusiastic and resourceful Student Advisory Counselor for Whitecap’s Education program. This position will require the incumbent to work collaboratively with both the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and the Saskatoon Public School Division (SPS).
POSITION SUMMARY
WDN is seeking a talented and motivated Student Advisory Counselor – Elementary Grades to join our dynamic team. This role offers an opportunity to support the Director of Governance Affairs. Reporting to Whitecap Dakota Nation’s (WDN) Director of Education and taking direction from Saskatoon Public School’s (SPS) coordinator for the Education Partnership, the Student Advisory Counselor will be responsible for facilitating and monitoring transitions, as well as supporting the student attendance, success and achievement for Whitecap Students attending Chief Whitecap School (Grades 5-8) in Saskatoon.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The employee may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. In accordance with standards of WDN and reporting to the WDN Director of Governance Affairs, the Employee will:
· Act as the liaison person on behalf of the Nation with the school division and its administrators and staff
· Enhance existing partnerships between the school division and the Community
· Provide student tracking information (enrollment, attendance, achievement) to the SPS and WDFN, working with SPS information systems (EDSBY)
· Communicate and work with the students and families of the Whitecap Dakota Nation who attend the Chief Whitecap School to ensure student success. This includes:
o Identifying WDN students entering into Chief Whitecap School in Saskatoon
o Regularly connecting with students’ parents/caregivers/families
o Advocating for WDN students with Saskatoon Public School staff and administration (e.g. second level supports, etc.)
o Coordinating various student supports (e.g. supplies, student fee payments) and student incentives
o Supporting any disciplinary actions relating to WDN students
· Coordinate Chief Whitecap School student bussing, including working with the bussing provider and families on schedules, bussing cancellations due to weather, and supporting student behaviour and discipline as required.
· Coordinate special transportation needs to support students attending special programs in Saskatoon.
· Enhance and promote educational partnerships on behalf of WDFN
· Work with secondary students in planning for post-secondary education, including support for applications and orientation.
· Provide monthly reports to Whitecap Dakota Council and to SPS Administration as required.
· Attend Education Advisory Committee meetings for both WDFN and Saskatoon School Division.
· Prepare reports and provide information as required for funders (e.g. Jordan’s Principle, High Costs Special Education Funding, Year End Reporting).
· Perform other duties within scope as assigned.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree in Education or Social Work is preferred, with additional graduate-level courses in Native Studies.
· Preference will be given to candidates with a vocational background in education, social work, community development or other related fields.
· Excellent leadership, organizational, and administrative skills (including budgeting)
· Interpersonal skills including building relationships with staff, students, parents/caregivers, and community
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Knowledge of computer software applications would be an asset
· Possess qualities such as creativity, flexibility, team player and ability to work independently.
· Previous experience working with First Nation communities would be an asset
· Knowledge of Dakota culture, values and Elders protocols would be an asset
· Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver's license and a reliable vehicle.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULLTIME/TERM
SALARY AND BENEFITS
✓ Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
✓ Comprehensive health benefits and pension plan. (Dependent upon job type, and classification)
✓ Eligibility for a subsidy off regular rates at the Whitecap Early Learning Centre in Whitecap.
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Whitecap, SK: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Student Counselling: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (required)
Work Location: In person
