Literacy Program Assistant Job Description

ANISHNAWBE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

LITERACY PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Job Description

SUPERVISION:

Under the direction of the Executive / Director of Operations, the Literacy Program Assistant is responsible for assisting the Anishnawbe Skills Development Coordinator in the effective and efficient development and administration of the Anishnawbe Skills Development Program.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Literacy Program Assistant is responsible for assisting the Anishnawbe Skills Development Coordinator by participating in program administrative tasks and by delivering the Literacy and Basic Skills Program to adult learners by helping them with the literacy skills needed to find or keep employment, go on to further education, or increase their independence.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Ontario Teaching Certificate...Intermediate / Senior Division Certification.
Related work experience in the area of adult education including literacy and skills development.
Experience in tutoring learners.
Knowledge of Aboriginal culture and experience working with Aboriginal persons; understanding of the northern cultural environment; knowledge of an Aboriginal language(s) will be considered an asset.

Self-motivated individual with the ability to work with minimal supervision in a team oriented setting.
Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal and listening communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office including database applications.
Excellent case and file management skills, stress management and time management skills.
Group facilitation, team building and decision making skills; ability to problem solve.
Effective crisis intervention skills.
Ability to work flexible hours, possibly evenings and/or weekends.
Current First Aid / CPR Certificate.
A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.

Essential Duties:

Tutor Aboriginal adults age 19 and over and youth age 16 - 18 up to a grade ten level by providing one- on-one or group sessions.
Learner assessment and training plan development.
Lesson / assignment marking.
Case management...monitors, assesses and documents learner progress.
Database entry...statistics / generating reports.
Carries out administrative tasks...photocopying, file management, writing correspondence, etc.
Curriculum / program development.

DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Learner Training / Services:

Client Services:

Provides instruction appropriate to adult and youth learners and their goals, as identified in their training plans.
Tutors learners in Math and English up to a grade ten level by providing one-on-one or group sessions.
Mark learner demonstrations; monitor and document learner progress.
Teaches basic computer and internet skills in a class setting.

Assessment;

Confirms an individual’s eligibility for LBS services.
Assists new learners in identifying their short and long-term goals and determining a learning style or model best suited to them and their existing literacy and basic skills.
Uses assessment tools that are appropriate, meaningful, and understandable to the learner, and are suitable for their training plan and goals.
Assesses learner’s achievements as they progress through and complete their training.
Delivers quality instruction using materials appropriate to adults.
Ensures that training aids and materials support the diversity of learning approaches.
Teaches and / or facilitates the delivery of computer based literacy programming.

Knowledge of levels to describe learner’s literacy skills in all assessments (initial, ongoing, and exit).
Maintains up to date learner files.

Training Plan Development:

Assists learners in developing a training plan that is based on their goals.

Ensures that learners develop a training plan that:

uses the information gathered in the learner profile;
identifies necessary referrals;
is written in LBS learning outcomes language and uses OALCF levels as skill reference points;
relates the learners’ entry skills to the tasks they need in order to be able to demonstrate achievement of short-term goals;
details the training to be provided, stated in LBS learning outcomes language, to enable learners to achieve their short-term goals;
identifies demonstration activities that show the learner and the instructor that the learner can apply their learning to achieving their goals;
indicates dates and establishes time lines for learner plan activities as per program funding requirements;
connects learners to the next steps toward their goals.

Establishes a process for ongoing assessment of learners’ activity and goal

revisions.

Provides a copy of the training plan(s) to the learner, keeps a copy in the learner file for seven years, and ensures that training plans are available for review by project stakeholders.

Training for Learners:

Provides learners with training in the literacy and basic skills necessary for transition to their state goal.
Provides instruction appropriate to adult learners and their goals, as identified in their training plans, and using materials appropriate to adults.
Ensures that training aids and materials support the diversity of learning approaches.
Teaches and/or facilitates the delivery of computer based literacy programming.
Adjusts training as needed.
Supports learners’ transition to other training or employment opportunities.
Records learners’ status on completion of training.

Evaluation and Follow-up:

Ensures that information collection and recording makes follow-up convenient and effective.
Evaluates the effectiveness of the training activities as learners achieve their literacy goals and move on to the next step in their training plans, either within or beyond the Friendship Centre.
Follows up with learners three months, six months, and twelve months after they leave the program to document their current status.

Program Administration

Participates actively and productively in the local planning and co-ordination process in the development of the literacy services plan.
Develops working relationships with Ontario Works, Job Connect, and other community services.
Collaborates with other LBS partners in the implementation of the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework( OALCF) ( referral protocols, portability of training plans, common assessment, and outreach strategy).
Prepares a comprehensive business plan annually that reflects the Anishnawbe Skills Development Program`s projected and previously achieved levels of LBS activity and funding, and ensures it is consistent with the funder’s guidelines.
Administers training support funds to eligible learners and maintains supporting documentation for all training support disbursements, including learners’ applications for training support and attendance records.
Maintains documentation, records and systems that are essential components of good service delivery and sound case management practices that demonstrate that services are being delivered according to the program guidelines.
Maintains up-to-date learner files for each participant that tracks and evaluates learner participation and progress in the program.
Ensures that all funding reporting requirements and deadlines are met.
Ensures that all public relations and advertising materials are up-to-date to effectively promote the program.
Attends various meeting, career fairs, etc. as a representative of the Friendship Centre.

Public Relations/Community Development & Outreach Activities:

Attend, participate, and/or facilitate relevant meetings, conferences or workshops as a representative of TBIFC.
Promote the program and services of the Anishinawbe Skills Development Program and/or other programs provided by the TBIFC.
Respond to general enquiries the Anishinawbe Skills Development Program’s purpose, processes and procedures and/or any other information being requested.
Research appropriate agencies for relevant referrals, resources and available community programs.
Network and liaise with other TBIFC programs, community agencies, funding sources, etc.

Training and Professional Development:

Participate in relevant conferences, training workshops and related courses and meetings for professional development as required or directed.

Attend workshops, staff meetings, etc. as directed.
Keep apprised of relevant legislation or policy changes in relation to the social services fields.
Identify professional development / training needs and brings to the attention of the Executive Director / Director of Operations for approval.

Health and Safety:

Observe health, fire and safety regulations; uphold health and safety standards.
Ensure that the Health and Safety policies incorporated into daily working practices are adhered to.
Maintain Standard First Aid Level C with AED certification.

General Duties:

Perform other duties relevant to the program as assigned by the Executive Director / Director of Operations.
Observe and uphold the policies, procedures, and practices of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.
Actively recruit, train and provide supervision to student placements, volunteers, etc.
Ensure client files are secured in a locked filing cabinet on a daily basis.
Actively promote and participate in community and TBIFC annual activities in keeping with the mandate and philosophy of the Friendship Centre.
Work with other member of the team to ensure a wholistic program of care is maintained addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of the service users.
Ensure premises and program resources are safe and secure.
Work within an Aboriginal culturally competent framework.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Executive Director / Director of Operations:

The Literacy Program Assistant will keep the Executive / Director of Operations apprised of all important matters related to the Anishnawbe Skills Development Program by providing written reports for review and oral reports on an ad hoc basis.

Anishnawbe Skills Development Coordinator:

The Literacy Program Assistant will keep the Anishnawbe Skills Development Coordinator apprised of all important matters related to the delivery of the Anishnawbe Skills Development Program by providing written reports for review and oral reports on an ad hoc basis.

TBIFC Program Staff:

The Literacy Program Assistantwill work with other TBIFC program staff by maintaining communication lines to allow opportunity to share information relevant to the program, to maintain appropriate referrals to programs and services, and to participate in joint programming.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Literacy Program Assistant is accountable to the Executive Director/Director of Operations for the efficient performance of his / her function.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Upon commencement of employment, the Literacy Program Assistant will be placed on a nine month probationary period. An extended period of probation may be instituted at the discretion of the Executive Director. A performance appraisal will be completed at the end of the probationary period and will occur once annually thereafter.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1.Hours may vary but shall not exceed 35 hours per week unless prior approval has been authorized to exceed terms and conditions.

2.Adheres to policies and procedures according to the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’s Personnel Policy Manual.

3.Abides by the Code of Ethics as adopted by the Thunder Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre.

4. Adheres and applies the following:

a) A Policy Dealing with Allegations of Abuse Against Individuals.

b) A Protocol for the Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Between Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Indian Youth Friendship Society.

5. Adheres to Confidentiality Policy & Signs Oath of Confidentiality.

6.Adheres to Internet Policy.

CAUSES FOR DISMISSAL:

Please refer to the Thunder Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre’s Personnel Policy Manual.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands

The Literacy Program Assistant will spend long hours sitting, standing, and using office equipment and computers which can cause muscle strain. The Literacy Program Assistantmay be lifting equipment and materials up to 30 lbs. The worker may have to lift and carry using appropriate lifting techniques, bend, push, pull, grip, reach, kneel, crouch using good body mechanics and includes walking, sitting, standing and climbing stairs.

Environmental Conditions

The Literacy Program Assistantis faced with constant interruptions and must meet with others on a regular basis. The Literacy Program Assistant may come in contact with community members who are ill and/or contagious and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all individuals including self.

Sensory Demands

Traditional Medicines and healing practices are utilized in ceremonies and circles; these may affect senses and respiratory system. The Literacy Program Assistantwill be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. The Literacy Program Assistant must be very adept at listening to others and spending long hours on the computer preparing detailed reports which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

Mental Demands

There are regular deadlines associated with this position which may cause stress. The Literacy Program Assistant must deal with a wide variety of people and will have to manage a number of requests and situations at one time.

There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once and Literacy Program Assistantmust be prepared to prioritize and multitask.

The Literacy Program Assistantmust deal with a wide variety of people with challenging personal issues. Caring for people in crisis can be stressful.

The Literacy Program Assistantmust ensure that clients are supervised at all times and that clients are involved in safe and appropriate activities.

CERTIFICATION:

I certify that I have read and understand the responsibilities to this position.
Employee Signature
Printed Name Date / Supervisor has reviewed with employee the job responsibilities as described in this document and has discussed expected standards of performance.
Supervisor’s Title
Supervisor’s Signature Date

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

April 2017