Workman Arts invites artist members to apply for our Class Assistant roster for the upcoming Education Program season.

As part of a refresh of the Active Listener/Class Assistant program, we have updated the role description, responsibilities, and training expectations to better support participants, instructors, and the evolving needs of our Education programming. We are aiming to build a roster of Class Assistants who share Workman Arts' commitment to accessibility, inclusion, peer support, and community care.

We welcome applications from both current Active Listeners and new applicants. All interested individuals are asked to apply through this process so that we can establish a roster based on the updated role requirements and the needs of our upcoming programming.

The Class Assistant is a contract position that supports WA’s Arts Education and Professional Development programs by helping to create safe, inclusive, respectful, and accessible learning environments for artist members. Working alongside the instructor, the Class Assistant provides logistical/technical support during classes, accessibility support, and active listening while upholding the Workman Arts Code of Conduct and the class Community Agreement. 

We strongly encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, Deaf, disabled, Neurodivergent, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Successful applicants will participate in an orientation/training session before being assigned to classes. Please review the full position description for qualifications, responsibilities, and contract details before applying.

Please note that follow-up interviews may be conducted (as required) in early September.

Please submit your application by September 1st at 11:59PM if you want to be considered for the Fall term.  Applications received after this date will be considered for Winter/Spring terms only. If you would like to submit in another format (phone, video, audio recording, in-person), please contact the Education Manager at Hanan_Hazime@workmanarts.com or the Education Coordinator at Susana_Meza@workmanarts.com. If you need any additional accessibility support (e.g. an extension to submit), please let us know. 

 

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING  BEFORE FILLING OUT THE JOT FORM

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title:                             Class Assistant (contract)

Reports To:                Education Manager, Education Coordinator

Casual/part-time contract with hours varying by course schedule; in-person, or online. 

Fees:  $35/hour - in person   |  $25/hour - online 

 

Position Purpose and Objectives

The Class Assistant is a contract position that supports WA’s Arts Education and Professional Development programs by helping to create safe, inclusive, respectful, and accessible learning environments for artist members. Working alongside the instructor, the Class Assistant provides logistical/technical support during classes, accessibility support, and active listening while upholding the Workman Arts Code of Conduct and the class Community Agreement. 

This is a peer support role. Class Assistants are not teaching assistants, or mental health clinicians. Class Assistants do not deliver counselling, therapy, crisis intervention, or mental health treatment. Their role is to provide non-clinical support during class and help ensure classes remain focused, productive, and accessible for all participants.

Contract Responsibilities

Classroom Support, Accessibility & Active Listening 

• Attend all assigned classes (online or in-person) and arrive prepared to support participants and instructors.
• Introduce yourself at the beginning of each class, including your role, availability during class, boundaries, and methods of contact.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while offering compassionate, trauma-informed, and anti-sanist support to the instructor and class participants. 
• Support instructors in maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and accessible classroom environment by honouring the Workman Arts Code of Conduct and course Community Agreement.
• Provide brief, non-clinical active listening to participants during class when requested or appropriate.
• Refer participants who require additional support to appropriate Workman Arts staff or approved community resources.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies.
  Provide de-escalation support and conflict resolution support as needed during class.
• Document or communicate incidents and concerns according to Workman Arts policies and procedures.
• Participate in required orientation sessions, trainings, and meetings.

 
Online Class Responsibilities

Provide technical support during Zoom classes, including:

• Admitting participants from the waiting room
• Monitoring the chat for questions, requests, and accessibility needs
• Bringing participant questions to the instructor's attention when appropriate
• Creating breakout rooms or setting up a phone call for private active listening conversations when needed
• Communicating by microphone and/or Zoom chat throughout the class.
• Remaining on camera throughout the class (when possible)

In-Person Class Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom setup before class, including arranging tables and chairs, preparing art materials, refreshments, and accessibility supports where applicable.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom throughout the session.
• Assist with classroom cleanup, including organizing materials, disposing of waste, and restoring the space after class.
• When appropriate, accompany participants outside the classroom for a brief private active listening session while remaining available to return to class promptly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working directly with individuals with mental health and/or addictions. 
• At least 2 years of experience working in an educational / community setting.
• Demonstrated active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with conflict resolution, de-escalation, mediation and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive during emotionally challenging situations.
• Sound judgment regarding confidentiality, boundaries, and resource referrals.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with instructors and the Education team.
• Proficiency with Zoom and other online communication tools (if assisting online).
• Commitment to accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-sanist, anti-ableist, anti-oppressive practices and care.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with providing peer support and/or accessibility assistance.
• Training in peer support, active listening, mental health, social services, community work, or a related field.
• Experience working in community arts, education, accessibility, or social service settings.
• Experience supporting art programs with a diverse range of learners.
• Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, WRAP, or similar training is considered an asset.

Core Competencies

• Integrity – Demonstrates responsible behaviour at all times and maintains high ethical standards.  Fulfills contractual responsibilities, arrives prepared, and communicates promptly regarding scheduling, participant concerns, and incidents.
• Diversity – Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring vitality to Workman Arts and values diverse lived experiences, identities, communication styles, and access needs.
• Self-Management – Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Empathy –  Demonstrates curiosity, compassion, and presence while supporting artists.
• Trauma-Informed Practice  –  Respect for the expertise and agency in each artist’s lived experience.  
• Community values – Prioritizing community building and ability to work from anti-sanist, anti-oppressive frameworks.

 

Please Note : Workman Arts is not a clinical environment. The Class Assistant is a peer support contract position and is not a therapist, counsellor, crisis worker, or healthcare provider. Contractors in this role do not provide mental health treatment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, or clinical advice.