Education Support Advocate – Education and Training Branch – Contract (2) Positions

Internal/External
Full-time/Contract (1-Year)
Location: Anywhere in Ontario
Remote Work: Remote (no regular in-office work required)
Closes: April 25, 2023
Starting Salary: $46,610 – $53,130, per year based on experience. Salary Range Max $60,600 [2023 Rates]

All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

What We Offer

As an employer, the Métis Nation of Ontario offers a collaborative work environment with competitive salary.

Further, contract employees benefit from:

• Optional pension plan,
• 4% vacation pay,
• Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December-January,
• 16 paid public and employer holidays,
• Early closures on long weekends,
• 15 paid health & wellness days (sick leave),
• Employee Assistance Plan, and
• Telemedicine plan.
• Preferred membership pricing at Goodlife gyms.

The Role

The prime objective of the Education Support Advocate (ESA) is to support Ontario Métis youth and Métis community families by providing advocacy and navigation services for families seeking supports within the education system. The incumbents must be strong empathetic advocates to facilitate planning and help coordinate resource support for children and youth so they may reach their full potential and overcome barriers.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

The Education Support Advocate reports to the Labour Market Manager or Designated Approving Authority. In carrying out the following duties, it is expected that the ESA will:

• Fully understand the significance and fundamental importance of MNO’s Statement of Prime Purpose (SPP) to all MNO’s work, and to the requirements of the position specifically
• Adhere to MNO Policies and Procedures and MNO’s Financial Policies and Procedures at all times
• Uphold MNO’s Standards of Professional Conduct at all times
• Adhere to Privacy Laws and respect confidential information at all times
• The employee must be cognizant of the Ontario Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers’ Safety and Insurance Board, Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian Human Rights Act, and other legislative provisions governing the employment relationship between MNO and the employee
• Ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with established Métis Nation of Ontario Policies and Procedures and Contribution Agreements (CA)
• Work in collaboration within the Branch, other MNO branches, MNO leadership, MNO citizens, MNO contractors and consultants on related projects
• Attend the Annual General Assembly (MNO Policy 2.120)

The incumbent is responsible for the following duties, as well as other duties as may be assigned by the Designated Approving Authority:

Advocacy and Outreach:

1. Advocate on behalf of Métis families in order to ensure access to the appropriate services for children and youth so they may reach their full potential
2. Assist Métis families with navigating the Kindergarten to Grade 12 school board system within the service area
3. Assist with the promotion, outreach, networking and marketing of newly established services within the service area
4. Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers as required
5. Engage with local tutors and other community resources to provide supports as needed
6. Travel to communities to deliver presentations or workshops, or attend meetings and events when directed. This may require overnight stays in the community and a varied work schedule

Operational Duties:

1. Collaboratively work with MNO staff, MNO leadership, MNO Citizens, potential industry and government partners, School Boards and their education staff, community partners and MNO contractors on project initiatives
2. Coordinate with the MNO Healing and Wellness staff, including MNO’s “fee for service” child and youth clinical team to provide optimum services
3. Coordinate and ensure services are delivered
4. Foster team work and co-operation among the ESA team and Healing and Wellness staff

Administrative Duties:

1. Active case management utilizing the MNO Health Access Tracking System (O.H.A.T.S.)
2. Assist in the coordination of the processing of financial administrative and operational procedures (i.e. prepare purchase orders, expense claims, bill back submissions and purchase card reconciliation)
3. Assist Manager with preparation of project reports and submissions to funders as required
4. Plan and coordinate logistics for meetings, training, and events (location, travel arrangements, etc.)
5. Prepare briefing notes to report on meetings and events attended
6. Maintain spreadsheets in order to provide statistics when needed
7. Use office software and hardware to communicate and collaborate with Métis Citizens, MNO staff, and other services as needed
8. Maintain an effective, confidential and accountable filing system

Fulfill all other responsibilities as determined by the Labour Market Manager or DAA

Qualifications

• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Knowledge of the Métis Nation of Ontario organization and programs
• Knowledge and ability to network and liaise with other Indigenous programs and services
• Relevant experience in an advocacy role
• Passionate about child and youth advocacy in an education setting within an Indigenous lens
• Demonstrated knowledge of program administration, budgeting/financial management, program planning, and coordinating
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and situations and take appropriate action
• Strong case management skills
• Proficiency in keyboarding and computer programs (Outlook, Excel, Work and PowerPoint) and various databases
• Experience with standard office equipment
• Available to work flexible hours or weekends to coordinate with program requirements
• Bilingualism is required for the Timmins location only

Requirements:

• Knowledge of community and youth-driven initiatives
• Demonstrated results-oriented skills and practices
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of tact and discretion
• Cognizant of Employment Standards Act, School Board Policy and Procedures, Occupational Health and Safety Act, WSIB, and other legislative requirements
• Work effectively both independently as well as in a team environment
• Well-developed administrative, analytical and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills which will be essential to facilitate key meetings
• Willingness and ability to travel which may require extended periods away from the employee’s place of residence.

Who We Are

In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific governance structure and vision, encapsulated in the Statement of Prime Purpose. Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario represents over 25,000 Métis citizens.

The MNO delivers programs and services to its citizens through these branches: Healing and Wellness; Community Wellbeing; Education and Training; Housing; Lands, Resources and Consultation; Intergovernmental and Community Relations; Self-Government and Registry. Through these various branches, the MNO maintains 30+ offices and community spaces across the province, administers over $50 million annually, and employs about 350 staff across the province.

AODA Statement

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.

Please email humanresources@metisnation.org if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption.  This condition of employment is effective for all employees, full or part-time, permanent or contract, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021.