Temporary Homestay Facilitator

Position Title:  Temporary Homestay Facilitator 

Department:  International Student Program (ISP)  

Reports To:  Director of the International Student Program 

Union Status:  CUPE 5121 

Location:  Administration Office 

Hours:  Regular Full-Time

Annual Salary Range:  $31.90 - $35.78 depending on qualifications 

Language Requirement:  English (ability to speak an additional language would be an asset)  

Job Description Reviewed:  November 14, 2024 

Start Date:  February 3, 2025 

End Date:  January 30, 2026 

This position is replacing an employee on maternity/parental leave so it is not eligible to become a regular position.

Purpose of Position 

Under the direction of the Director of the International Student Program, the Homestay Facilitator is responsible for assessing and completing student Homestay placements and guiding and advising students and their host families as issues arise during their stay.   

The Homestay Facilitator is responsible for locating, selecting and orienting host families before the students’ arrival, monitoring homestay placements during students’ stay and supporting students and families during the placement.    

Key Responsibilities 

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Markets and oversees the recruitment for homestay families, including screening, interviewing and selecting prospective homestay residences to host international students and assigns placements. 

• Matches students with host families based on information gathered from student applications considering age, gender, cultural background, length of stay and anticipated Canadian experience. 

• Determines the suitability of host families by reviewing applications, interviewing potential homestay families and conducting home visits both initially and regularly thereafter to ensure that circumstances do not change. 

• Ensures the Homestay Program meets government requirements with a focus on reducing/mitigating risk. This includes the ongoing review of the homestay family application and selection process, handbooks and student placement process, and all matters associated with the homestay family’s profile; references; Police Information Check and Child Abuse Registry forms. 

• Educates and informs homestay families to understand international students’ unique contexts and cultural backgrounds. 

• Confirms placement of students with homestay families and assists in communicating with agents of international students with respect to homestay matters. 

• Coordinates and assists with student airport arrivals and departures. 

• Manages and resolves homestay and international student issues that arise. 

• Provides ongoing support, conflict resolution and mediation between homestay families and students. 

• Maintains the International Student Program Homestay Families database and responds to all general inquiries pertaining to the Homestay Program. 

• Manages and reports monthly homestay payment adjustments. 

• Assists in matters associated with the international students’ documents such as medical cards, study permits and passports. 

• Supports students by delivering presentations on successful homestay environments and ensuring that they have proper documentation and permissions. 

• Provides orientation for host families and international students. 

• Attends and assists in supervising various ISP events throughout the year. 

• Supervises the Homestay Aides.  

• Relocates a student to a different homestay family in a case of incompatibility. 

• Responds and assesses emergency and crisis situations as they occur and liaisons with required staff to resolve the issues. 

• Responds to crisis and/or emergency situations outside of regular work hours, including being on-call for emergency situations evenings and weekends. 

• Contributes to the social media platforms by collecting and taking creative photos and videos of students and homestay families. 

• Assists with the preparation of student promotional materials for the homestay program.  

• Performs other duties as may be assigned or requested to support the efficient operation of the Department. 

Skills and Qualifications 

Skill and Knowledge – Required: 

• Post-secondary degree in counselling, conflict resolution or interculturalism and one year or more of direct experience working with youth in a cross-cultural setting or equivalent combination of skills and experience. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook). 

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with ability to work under pressure, multi-task and prioritize.   

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent customer service skills with the proven ability to defuse conflict and deal with complaints and concerns effectively and professionally. 

• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with confidential information. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  

• Ability to make oral presentations. 

• Ability to create posts and posts on social media platforms. 

• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. 

• Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment and act resourcefully in varying situations. 

Skill and Knowledge – Desired: 

• Experience working in the field of International Education with a special emphasis on Homestay Programs. 

Conditions of Employment 

• Police Information Check 

• Child Abuse Registry Check  

• Completion of Commit to Kids or Respect in Schools training 

• New Employee Safety Orientation 

• Accessible Customer Service and Accessible Employment 

• Code of Conduct  

Working Conditions & Physical Demands 

• Requires the ability to work a variable schedule (irregular work days, evenings and weekends, as well as the ability to respond to urgent situations on short notice). 

• Must hold a valid Manitoba driver’s license, a clear driving record and access to a personal vehicle.   

Pembina Trails School Division is committed to removing barriers to ensure employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants.  If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact:  ao-humanresources-email@pembinatrails.ca

Pembina Trails School Division is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.  We encourage applications from members of equity-deserving groups with diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, and identities.