Homestay Coordinator & Community Relations

Homestay Coordinator & Community Relations

The Homestay Coordinator and Community Relations ensures safe, legal, and enriching homestay placements and student support while leading community outreach across Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

POSITION VACANCY:
Homestay Coordinator & Community Relations (0.8 FTE)

• Recruiting new host families through ongoing local marketing campaigns, school and community networks, and informational events.
• Conducting regular, mandatory home inspections and interviews to assess the physical safety, suitability, and emotional environment of host homes.
• Managing screening processes, including collecting Criminal Record Checks (CRCs), personal references, and host family agreements.
• Matching international students with vetted host families based on shared interests, dietary needs, medical considerations, and cultural backgrounds.
• Maintaining detailed digital records of host profiles and student placements in the district's International Education database.
• Managing and delivering retention plans for the homestay with regular communication and opportunities for active engagement in the International Student Program.
• Assisting with recruiting and managing homestays for Summer and Short-Term Programs.

• Coordinating and helping to deliver orientations for both new international students and all host families.
• Conducting regular check‑ins and monitoring sessions with students at their respective schools to evaluate satisfaction and well‑being.
• Providing proactive mediation and conflict resolution when cross‑cultural misunderstandings or communication gaps occur between students and homestays. Mediate and be proactive, supporting students and Homestay families through conflict, creating plans for moving forward, with scheduled check‑ins at the homes and follow‑up communication with agents.
• Participating in a rotating 24/7 on‑call schedule to promptly address emergencies, student medical crises, or required immediate respite relocations.
• Attending field trips and assisting with activities as a chaperone when needed, including overnight camping or ski trips.
• Coordinating and providing hands‑on emergency and routine support for students and host families during medical crises, doctor's appointments, hospital visits, and urgent homestay relocations.

• Serving as a public ambassador for the Qualicum School District International Student Program at schools, PACS, DPAC, local community groups, businesses, and municipal events.
• Developing promotional materials, digital content, and community newsletters to celebrate the program and attract long‑term host families.
• Building collaborative partnerships with regional community resources, recreational organizations, clubs, and local service providers to enhance the student experience and raise community awareness of the program.
• Helping to supervise program excursions, cultural activities, and volunteer initiatives that connect international students with the local community.

• Deep understanding of adolescent development, homesickness, and the unique challenges newcomers to Canada face.
• High cultural fluency and demonstrated sensitivity when working in highly diverse, multicultural contexts.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in a second language commonly spoken among the student demographic is an asset.
• Proven ability to make sound, autonomous decisions under pressure in sensitive or emergency situations.
• Strong proficiency with modern office software, database management (e.g., TRUE North), and digital communication tools.

• Education:
  
  A minimum of a 2‑year postsecondary diploma or degree in International Education, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  2–3 years of progressively responsible professional experience managing youth programs, ideally in an international education, homestay coordination, or community‑facing environment, or in cross‑cultural community services.
• Certifications:
  
  Formal coursework or professional training in conflict resolution or intercultural communication is considered a strong asset.
• Licenses: A valid BC Class 5 Driver's License and reliable access to a personal vehicle with appropriate business insurance coverage (regular travel between Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and surrounding areas is required).
• Clearances:
  Successful completion of a Ministry of Public Safety Criminal Record Check for work with vulnerable youth.

This is a 0.8 FTE exempt position with a salary range of $58,698 - $73,373 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate's placement within the range will be based on qualifications and experience.