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New Westminster Schools Career Opportunity
Homestay Manager and Student Support
International Education Department
About New Westminster Schools
New Westminster is in the center of Metro Vancouver between the larger communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Richmond. Our learners are approximately 7000 K-12 students in 12 schools (8 elementary, 3 middle and 1 secondary). In addition to the 12 schools in the district, New Westminster Schools is proud to have three Youth Alternate Programs, two Adult Learning Centres, and a Home Learners’ Program. District schools are, in general, fully subscribed, and a modest increase in student enrolment is expected in each of the next few years. New Westminster School District has a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and needs. Together, we are a caring, inclusive, and committed learning community dedicated to supporting each of our unique learners and a culture of inclusiveness.
Scope of Position
The Manager – Homestay and Student Support, under the direction of the Manger or designate of the International Education Program, is responsible for managing the operations of the homestay program for long and short-term stays; providing support and advice to students, homestay families and overseas parents on issues related to being an international student and living with a host family, as well as providing day to day short and long-term program support including student activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage all aspects of the District Homestay Program for short and long-term international students.
Recruit, interview and select suitable host families for SD40 international students. This includes promoting the homestay program in the community, reviewing applications, verifying criminal record checks, background checks, home visits, reference checks and the collection of other relevant information.
Maintain compliance with District and government requirements including the Ministry of Education Homestay Guidelines. This includes the ongoing review and revision of the application and selection processing, contacts, agreements, handbook and student placement processes.
Maintain and manage student and family data, contact information, records and other required information.
Manage the 24-7 emergency phone line.
Liaise with international and local agents, parents and host families regarding homestay placements.
Problem solve family and student concerns as they arise.
Ensure timely payment of homestay fees when required.
Provide cultural counseling and program expectations to students, homestay families, parents, and international representatives. This may include in-person or online presentations.
Provide and clarify policy and practice regarding travel arrangements including permission forms for travel while in homestay.
Support international students with their transition into schools.
Facilitate trips and activities outside of school time (e.g., day trip to Victoria, BC).
Candidate Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with homestay families and students in an international environment.
Knowledge of the K-12 public school system
Ability to work on-call in emergency situations
Excellent computer skills (specifically Microsoft 365 applications Excel and Access).
Excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English.
Valid BC Driver’s License and reliable personal vehicle
Knowledge of a second language would be an asset.
Application process
Qualified applicants can apply on Make a Future. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found, however, applications received prior to 4:00pm on Friday, November 18, 2022, will be assured of full consideration.
Interested applicants please submit a cover letter, resume, supporting documents and references to:
Jane Boutilier, Manager of Human Resources via the ‘apply for this job’ button below.
Please note:
References will not be contacted without candidate permission
Only those applicants legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered
Faxed applications will not be accepted
The successful applicant will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Search prior to employment.
New Westminster Schools values the time taken to submit an application; however, only those applicants selected to move forward will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.
The New Westminster School District recognizes and acknowledges the Qayqayt First Nation, as well as all Coast Salish peoples, on whose traditional and unceded territories we live, we learn, we play, and we do our work.
New Westminster Schools welcomes and encourages applications from women, visible minorities, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, any gender identity or gender expression. If you require an accommodation through our hiring process, please include your request in the application email to equity@sd40.bc.ca.
Learn more about New Westminster Schools at www.makeafuture.ca/new-westminster or newwestschools.ca.
