Student Support Assistant - Sistema Kingston

The Sistema Kingston Program at Queen's University is seeking a Student Support Assistant (one position, part time)

There are few opportunities as meaningful and rewarding as teaching, mentoring and supporting children from under-served areas who otherwise would never have an opportunity to participate in music learning. Administratively housed at Queen's Faculty of Education, Sistema Kingston is an intensive after school outreach program in Kingston ON that focuses on positive social development through the pursuit of musical excellence. Using the Venezuelan El Sistema as its model, Sistema Kingston emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, builds personal persistence, and fosters creativity and personal responsibility in all its activities. Sistema Kingston runs Monday-Thursday after school at two Kingston elementary schools from October-May.

We are seeking an energetic and nurturing individual to join the team at the Molly Brant School site in the role of Student Support Assistant. This site serves students in grades 2-8. Program is already in progress, and we welcome the right candidate to start as soon as possible.

View job description here.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Summary: The Student Support Assistant will provide support for children and music Teaching Artists during all Sistema Kingston program hours. Activities will include (but are not limited to):

• Ensure each day starts on time and with good spirit
• Take attendance; follow up with the school office and parents/guardians as needed
• Serve as first point of contact for SK families
• Classroom and behavior management support
• Nutrition program support
• Assist with student supervision in all contexts during Sistema Kingston program hours and performances
•  Ensure safe student check out daily, engage positively with families and distribute/collect/track paperwork as needed
• Participation in regular Sistema Kingston events and team meetings
• Model the principles and philosophy of Sistema Kingston in all activities

REQUIRED

• One of Bachelor of Education/Behavior Science Diploma/Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent training to work with children.
• Work experience with groups of children; experience with special needs or behavior exceptionalities is an asset.
• Police check with vulnerable sector (or willingness to obtain before start of program)
• Physically able to carry up to 20 pounds

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Loves working with children
• Takes initiative and can work independently
• Excellent team player
• Excellent communicator, both oral and written, to communicate effectively with diverse populations in a professional manner and to provide clear and accurate information.
• Can prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment
• Responds diplomatically and sensitively using good judgment in difficult/controversial situations
• Resourceful and creative, with strong attention to detail and consistency
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Trauma Informed Care Training is an asset
• First Aid certification is an asset

DECISION MAKING

• Make daily operation decisions and resolve problems within guidelines.
• Assess which inquiries/problems to refer to other team members or director, and which to handle to completion.

COMPENSATION

$25-30/hour. Approximately 14 hours/week on site from October – May according to the Sistema Kingston schedule (2:00-5:30 M-Th). Additional hours for meetings and events. The Student Support Assistant will be engaged as an Independent Contractor. Professional liability insurance is required.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit electronically:

• Cover letter which addresses why are you interested in working at Sistema Kingston, and your earliest possible start date
• Resume which includes work and volunteer experience

To: Karma Tomm, Director, Sistema Kingston

Email: tommk@queensu.ca

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates invited for an interview will be asked to provide contact information (telephone and email) for 2 references.

https://educ.queensu.ca/community/sistema-kingston