Head Socio-Cultural Assistant Jobs

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 2950

Job Profile

CUPE 2950 Hourly - Program Assistant 2 (Gr6)

Job Title

Head Socio-Cultural Assistant

Department

Student Leadership Support | Socio-Cultural Program | English Language Institute | Faculty of Education

Compensation Range

$28.41 - $29.87 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date

July 12, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, however, may be subject to change due to operational requirements.

Job Summary

The Head Socio-Cultural Assistants (HSCA) assists in ensuring that the goals of the Socio-Cultural program, part of the English Language Institute (ELI), are fully met in the implementation of in-person and online extracurricular activities. This position creates the ELI’s extracurricular calendar, organizes the logistics of these activities, and guides a team of up to 20 student staff (Cultural Assistants) in planning and coordinating activities.

The Socio-Cultural Program approach helps to distinguish the ELI from other online and in-person language learning schools by creating an ‘Only at UBC’ experience. The HCAs are primarily responsible for supporting Cultural Assistants (CAs) and students in developing a safe environment at the ELI that is conducive for learning, and are expected to independently provide complex information to internal and external stakeholders, particularly students, staff and faculty.

Organizational Status

The UBC ELI is a unit within the Faculty of Education (FoE) and is supported by the Professional Development & Community Engagement (PDCE) unit with the FoE.

The position will be primarily based at the Continuing Studies Building at the UBC Point Grey Campus in Vancouver.

This position reports to the Socio-Cultural Manager and works closely with the Socio-Cultural Program Assistant. Work hours may vary depending on event schedules. This will include some evenings and the occasional weekend events.

Work Performed

Activity Planning and Organization:

• With the guidance of ELI Instructors and/or Socio-Cultural Program Manager, assists in the creation of educational materials, including workshops and videos oriented for ELI programs.
• Coordinates ELI student events and weekly activities, such as orientations, farewells and field trips for ELI students that take place year to year, working within a defined framework. Works closely with the Senior Program Assistant for scheduling and bookings.
• Prepares and coordinates monthly event calendars that correspond to ELI programs and balancing their different logistical needs together.
• Under the direction of the Socio-Cultural Manager, specifically:
• Assists with evaluating the effectiveness of programming through student engagement and uses this information to suggest future program offerings.
• Promotes extracurricular activities and creates promotional materials through maintaining the ELI Instagram account in accordance with ELI policies, and chairing of the ELI Social Media CA Committee.
• Arranges and coordinates bookings with internal and external vendors for ELI student events, while working within established event budgets parameters and delegating priority tasks to Cultural Assistants.
• Prepares and creates Socio-Cultural online activities through Canvas, Instagram, and other mediums as required. Collaborates with Cultural Assistants on content creation where necessary.

Program Leadership:

• Coordinates planning committees responsible for day-to-day tasks, Socio-Cultural student events & trips, and marketing. Schedules meetings and follow up to ensure deadlines are met.
• Guides a team of up to 20 CAs, and delegates Social-Cultural tasks. Ensures that activity and event goals are met.
• Participates in the hiring, interviewing, and performance evaluation of all CAs.

Administration:

• Identifies and communicates high-priority requests, and makes procedure recommendations for policy and program improvements as they relate to the ELI and the Socio-Cultural Program.
• Coordinates with CAs and their scheduling, ensuring availability for events and activities. Works with Socio-Cultural Program Manager and Senior Program Assistant in monthly staff scheduling.
• Supports the Socio-Cultural Program Manager in day-to-day tasks as needed.
• Logs and maintains documentation of administrative processes associated with the HSCA and the CA roles.
• Responds to inquiries from instructors and students as needed.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Decision-making is based on a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures of the University and the English Language Institute. The incumbent is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion in a timely manner. The individual plays an important role in programming and should maintain a high level of attention to detail. Errors in programming may cause disruption of the office's administrative operations; loss of time and resources; creation of negative feelings among faculty, students, and staff members; jeopardizing relationships established between partners and other contacts (both internal and external); and resulting in a loss of credibility for the Socio-Cultural program at the ELI.

Supervision Received

Works under direct supervision of the Socio-Cultural Manager, but independently under broad direction. May also receive instructions from the Socio-Cultural Senior Program Assistant.

Supervision Given

Acts as the first point of contact for CAs, and helps to resolve personal challenges, scheduling issues, and escalates matters to the Socio-Cultural Program Manager when appropriate. Ensures that activity and event goals are met. Assigns and delegates tasks to CAs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduation, plus one year of post-secondary education, plus three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Personal attributes of an ideal ExL team member: high level of honesty and integrity, robust work ethic and accountability, demonstrated initiative, adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape, a motivated team leader, a creative and curious problem-solver, commitment to engendering a harmonious work environment and strong emotional intelligence.
• Experience with Social Media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Proficient with MS Word, Excel, Zoom, PowerPoint, Canvas, and Outlook. Video/Photo editing is a plus.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and able to follow up on outstanding issues without being reminded
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy multicultural environment