Homestay Coordinator - Casual

Homestay Coordinator

Casual-On-Call

School District No. 42 (SD42) meets the learning needs of approximately 17,000 students of all ages in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and is defined by its determination to keep student learning and growth at the heart of all its decisions. With an annual budget of over $200M and over 2,000 staff, the school district provides K-12 educational services in 22 elementary schools, six secondary schools, and two alternate schools. It also provides a variety of certificate programs and relevant quality life-long learning opportunities through Ridge Meadows College and Continuing Education.

SD42 is looking for a qualified candidates interested in working as a casual Homestay Coordinator. The Homestay Coordinator acts as an advocate for school aged international students. This position works to secure effective placements for international students, liaises with homestay parents, students, ELL and other teachers and school staff, as well as outside agencies as required and completes home studies to assess potential homestay families and their home environment.

Responsibilities:

• Communicates with students, homestay parents, natural parents, schools, agents, teachers, counsellors, and outside agencies to provide information and ensure any changes, concerns, or issues are addressed. Acts as an interpreter as required.
• Arranges placements for new students and for students requiring changes. Endeavours to match student and homestay family needs as closely as possible. Arranges placements for occasional short-term homestay arrangements for groups of visiting students. Consults with the supervisor regarding placements as necessary.
• Conducts home visits and completes home studies to assess potential homestay families and their home environment. Monitors the success of placements through home visits, meetings with homestay parents, discussions with students, and other relevant parties. Addresses conflict situations as they arise.
• May assist with communication regarding student arrivals and departures and arranges for homestay families to meet students at airports. May be required to personally transport students to and from destinations.
• Assists with orientations for prospective homestay parents, new students, and natural parents, ensuring they understand the homestay process. Provides assistance and guidance to help them adjust to living in homestay placements. Provides information to agents on district homestay processes and procedures as needed.
• Responds to crisis situations or concerns and intervenes or follows up as necessary while ensuring district and department protocols are followed. Informs the supervisor of any homestay changes and/or concerns.
• Provides advice on student access to medical supports, services, and related insurance matters. May assist students in accessing medical attention.
• Compiles, assesses, organizes, and maintains documentation for prospective and current homestay families, including applications, home study reports, criminal record checks, contracts, and follow-up home assessments.
• Compiles and maintains a list of host families who can provide homestay placements for elementary-aged students. Maintains current homestay contact lists and waitlists of potential homestay families.
• Attends and participates in international program staff meetings. Attends out-of-district meetings for homestay coordinators, provincial homestay associations, workshops, and conferences. Communicates with homestay coordinators in other jurisdictions.
• Keeps informed of homestay issues and policy decisions within and outside the district and keeps the Manager and other program staff informed.
• May be required to accompany students on field trips.
• Performs other assigned comparable duties within the scope of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by the position.

Qualification:

• High school graduation plus a course or program in International Education Services and a course in Conflict Resolution.
• Three years of relevant experience in homestay placement for international students.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, in both English and a language other than English with people of different cultural backgrounds and levels of comprehension.
• Current knowledge of relevant agencies and applicable federal/provincial regulations on immigration and homestay placement.
• Proficient with computers (Macintosh and PC) and a variety of software such as Access.
• Proven judgement as it relates to assessing the safety and security of a potential homestay environment.
• Proven ability to provide guidance and resolve conflict situations.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to work as a team member as well as independently.
• Valid BC Driver’s license and use of personal vehicle for business use.

To apply, please submit the following documentation:

• Resume and Cover Letter,
• All Supporting Documentation.

This is a casual position, based at our International Education Office. Shifts can be dispatched 12 months per year, 7 days per week and the work schedule will vary. The rate of pay is $34.00 per hour plus 12% in lieu of benefits.

The district appreciates the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information about our School District, please visit:

Our staff members are the foundation of our system. When you join our school district, you become part of a talented community of educators and support staff dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and helping them achieve success.