Resource Educator (Indigenous) (Day Communications / City of Toronto)

Job ID: 26852
Job Category: Children's Services & South District, Every Child Belongs Unit
Division & Section: Children's Services & South District, Every Child Belongs Unit
Work Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $35.84 - $39.26, TF0099, Wage Grade 10
Shift Information: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: Local 79 Full-time
Qualified List: Candidate List will be established. For applicability and duration, see below.
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 13-Sept-2022 to 30-Sept-2022

Reporting to the Resource Supervisor, Every Child Belongs Unit, the Resource Educator (Indigenous) will demonstrate an understanding of the educational issues facing various priority communities in Toronto, and work to plan and adapt programs and services to meet the needs of children and families who identify as Indigenous attending early learning and child care programs.

Please note that Toronto Children's Services has set up two Information Sessions for this job posting. Full details are available at the bottom of this posting.

Major Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities as a Resource Educator (Indigenous) will be varied, but you'll be expected to:
  • Process referrals for placement of children with extra support needs (special needs); set up appointments with applicants prior to admission, arrange in-person and virtual (i.e. internet video or telephone) visits, and meet with agencies and consultants involved with the child and/or family to set up support services.
  • Provide information re: licensed early learning and child care programs to family, explain procedures/policies and other related issues within the community, complete all necessary forms, support placement into licensed programs and maintain waitlist when required.
  • Provide service support to more than one location.
  • Arrange training for staff in licensed early learning and child care programs, families and early learning communities.
  • Plan and develop individual programs for children in consultation with specialists, parents and early learning and child care staff to promote inclusion in the early learning and child care programs.
  • Work with early learning and child care staff and parents to implement individual in-centre and at-home programs, make referrals to specific agencies, obtain/maintain required consultation services for children and set up workshops and meetings.
  • Observe and monitor children; work with early learning and child care staff, and families to develop Service Plans; carry out assessments; provide ongoing consultation recommendations; prepare assessments/progress reports, etc.; set up specific goals and objectives for children. 
  • Evaluate programs and recommend new activities and/or modified programming to improve effectiveness in meeting developmental needs of children.
  • Provide models through verbal instruction on various intervention strategies to early learning and child care staff and parents.
  • Review progress and discuss concerns/achievements through regular contact with parents and early learning and child care staff.
  • Provide support to children and families, early learning and child care staff and the community.
  • Assist early learning and child care staff in identifying children with support needs and in programming for them. Observe and assess children's behaviours to ensure programs meet identified individual and group needs.
  • Recommend referral of children to external support agencies, as necessary.
  • Perform specialized teaching of a specific skill in regards to the care of the child. Make special adaptations to equipment, if necessary, and develop augmentative communication systems and/or order same.
  • Discuss children's progress/strengths/needs/health with parents/designated family members/early learning and child care staff, answering questions regarding children, programs and the program.
  • Prepare progress reports for children with extra support needs.
  • Provide recommendations and consultation for licensed early learning and child care centres to meet the needs of children in such programs to promote inclusion.
  • Provide ongoing training re: support needs of children, to staff, parents, volunteers and students in licensed early learning and child care programs; conduct workshops.
  • Assist in training and evaluating Resource Consultant students on academic placements.
  • Participate in educational assessment, inter-agency and family case conferences.
  • Facilitate the child's transition from the early learning and child care programs to the school system and advocate for families and children by liaising and working collaboratively with external agencies, the school system and families.
  • Maintain a current knowledge of early intervention techniques for children and their families.
  • Attend, and report on, workshops, courses, and conferences and review books and literature.
  • Represent the Children's Services Division in the promotion of inclusion, on community and professional committees, and update the supervisor and other staff.

Key Qualifications:
Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:
  • Indigenous to Canada, or individuals with significant experience with Indigenous knowledge (ways of knowing and being) may also be considered.
  • Post-secondary education in the human services field such as Early Childhood Education, Social Services, or Child & Youth.
  • Graduation from a Resource Teacher Certificate Program or equivalent (See Notice below).
  • Considerable experience in an early learning and child care environment, including working with children with extra support needs (special needs) and their families.

You must also have:
  • Subject matter expertise, skills and confidence working with Indigenous families and/or community organizations.
  • Understanding of the educational issues facing the urban Indigenous community in Toronto.
  • Ability to incorporate Indigenous history, culture and traditional values into service delivery.
  • Ability to develop and maintain program plans, prepare reports and maintain records.
  • Ability to provide related training and guidance to early learning and child care staff, parents and volunteers.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with early learning and child care staff, children, parents, school officials, teachers, external agencies and the public.
  • Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Child Care & Early Years Act, and the Child and Family Services Act, and the ability to meet the specifications of these acts and any other regulations that may apply to this work.
  • Familiarity with virtual platforms for communicating and meeting (Webex, Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting, as an example).

Notice:
  • Resource Teacher Certificate equivalency is defined as graduation from a specialized post-secondary program that includes education as well as practical/field placement experience in working with children with extra support needs (special needs).
  • If you have completed a program other than a Resource Teacher Certificate program, you are required to submit the course outline/s with your resume and cover letter.

Note: All City of Toronto employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with the City's Mandatory Vaccination Policy.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information, visit jobs.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/CityTOjobs, on LinkedIn at Linkedin.com/company/city-of-toronto or on Facebook at Facebook.com/CityTOjobs.

How to Apply:
For more information on this and other opportunities with the City of Toronto, visit us online at https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/. To apply online, submit your resume, quoting Job ID 26852, by Friday, September 30, 2022.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.
 
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Audio conference information
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To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the meeting, or call the number below and enter the access code.
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Canada Toll (Ottawa): +1-613-714-9906
 
Having trouble dialing in? Try these backup numbers:
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