Student Support Assistant

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sociocultural and academic programs at the University of British Columbia, English Language Institute (ELI) have long been a significant component of the institution’s inclusive learning approach to teach English as an additional language to an international student body. They immerse students in extracurricular activities and a Canadian experience aligned to their classroom experiences, and UBC’s vision of advancing a sustainable and just society, through facilitating meaningful language and intercultural exchanges which help them gain insights into local and global cultures. Central to the program are Student Support Assistants (SSAs) who act as local ambassadors; foster community and belonging; and promote cultural exchange through planning, organizing, and executing various activities and workshops for ELI students both on and off campus. SSAs play a central role at the ELI by offering diverse perspectives and supporting cultural knowledge building throughout their interactions with students, assisting with tasks related to the administration of programming, and taking a lead role in the development of ELI's new social media vision.

Requirements

Be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of their summer job
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the job
Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of their summer job
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Team-focused mindset
Self-awareness
Cultural sensitivity
Willingness to connect with others

Responsibilities

Contributing to student and institutional wellness and English language development through facilitating cross-cultural interactions and English language experiences outside of the classroom
Exercises good judgement, works sensitively with individual circumstances and communicates accurately and empathetically with a highly diverse population.
Works effectively and respectfully with non-native speakers of English
Lead the development of social media content assets by identifying and capturing engaging student and instructor stories, profiles, and experiences within the ELI community
Build relationships with students, instructors, and staff to gather content and create a diverse bank of assets for future marketing and communications initiatives
Work independently to plan, coordinate, and execute content-gathering activities, ensuring the creation of authentic and engaging materials that showcase the ELI student experience
Adhere to UBC's social media, privacy, communications, and brand guidelines while developing, managing, and organizing digital content assets
Updates program, administrative and instructional resources and displays
Assists staff with supporting program delivery
Planning, supporting and delivering activities (examples include: forest exploration, engaging with community charity runs or walks), thematic workshops (examples include: Environmental Awareness, AI: Tools and Applications), and events (examples include: language exchanges) for English language learners
Providing orientations and information sessions for incoming students to facilitate the creation of a psychologically and emotionally safe, growth-oriented space
Other duties as required