Temporary Graduation Coach for Black Students

About Us The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), in partnership with home and Church, is an inclusive and equitable learning community dedicated to providing excellence in Catholic education by developing Christ-centered individuals enabled to transform society. A provincial leader in student achievement, Halton Catholic District School Board provides exceptional educational experiences and services to over 37,000 students of all ages across our 48 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools, and 3 continuing education facilities, serving the wider Catholic communities of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville. We encourage all applicants to view our Careers website for more information about our Board. Job SummaryThe purpose of the Graduation Coach Program is to provide comprehensive, culturally responsive support to students who identify as Black in order to improve their well-being, academic achievements, and help affect systems change. The Graduation Coach will support Black students by acting as a mentor and advisor, collaborating with school based and other staff and the broader community in responding to individual and systemic barriers (e.g. academic, mental health, justice); identifying and addressing individual barriers to engagement, learning and well-being; and facilitating access and referrals to academic supports and community resources to provide an integrated support system for the students and support students to be able to thrive in the framework of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE: � Post-secondary degree or diploma in Humanities or Social Sciences with two years of experience in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the Board� Life experience deeply rooted in Black communities � Deep understanding of systemic barriers and challenges that Black students face in the education system and in the wider community� Demonstrated deep understanding of youth culture and the principles of youth engagement� Understanding of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations� Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills� Demonstrates sound judgment and sensitivity, and ability to build rapport with various stakeholders� Experience in handling contentious issues with sensitivity, confidentiality, tact and discretion� Demonstrated respect and understanding of the diversity and composition of local Black communities paired with an understanding of the intersections of race, gender, faith, socio-economic dynamics and sexual orientation� Ability to identify systemic barriers such as anti-Black racism, Islamophobia and other forms of oppression and propose appropriate intervention points� Awareness of local community resources and the ability to support students and their families in accessing and navigating these resources� Broad understanding of and an inclusive approach to relationship building with diverse stakeholders in the community and in schools� Ability to be a mentor and advisor and demonstrated commitment to working with and supporting Black youth� Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a large caseload, prioritize and organize work effectively, and maintain detailed recordsRESPONSIBILITIES:� Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, families, system staff, and community resources to identify systemic barriers and develop meaningful solutions to support the engagement, well-being and academic achievement of Black students � Maintain open communication with participating students and their caregivers/families, as well as relevant community members about the progress and needs of the students� Establish the protective factors necessary for participating students to thrive, including integrating and linking new programs and supports to existing ones� Create a welcoming environment in the school for all Black students, including allocating a welcoming and culturally responsive dedicated room/space� Facilitate access and referral to academic supports and community resources to provide integrated support systems for Black students � Build positive and trusting relationships with Black students through a strength-based approach� Act as mentor, trusted advisor, and advocate for participating Black students� Engage Black students and their families by affirming their identity and culture through culturally responsive and relevant practices � Establish space for participating students to be supported throughout extended school breaks� Assist students with the successful transition from secondary school into post-secondary education, training or labour market opportunities� Establish and collaborate with a core team and school staff to create a long-term vision/plan for identified Black students� Build/establish and maintain relationships with various service agencies serving the communityPlease be advised as a condition of employment with the Board, candidates will be required to provide the following documentation upon hire: an original Criminal Reference Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening, dated within the last six (6) months Equity and Inclusion The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) is committed to supporting the development of a strong and equitable workforce, that will foster the success and well-being of our students, staff, and wider-Catholic school communities. We strive to uphold the values of equity and inclusion in the recruitment and hiring of qualified staff who reflect the diversity of our region. Although qualifications and experience will be determining factors in the hiring process, the HCDSB shall promote the hiring of qualified candidates from under-represented groups. To that end, we actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equitable outcomes including, but not limited to: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples; members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, or place of origin; persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities. Special Considerations Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Halton Catholic District School Board will provide accommodations to applicants who are selected to participate in our recruitment process. Such requests, outlining the nature of any accommodation(s) required, are to be submitted to Human Resources Services by phone at 905-632-6300 or 1-800-741-8382. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. Questions If you require assistance with ApplyToEducation, please contact 1-877-900-5627 or email info@applytoeducation.com. If you require additional information regarding this position, do not hesitate to contact our support recruitment staff (Christine Milanczak or Edea Santini) at905-632-6300or1-800-741-8382. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview process will be contacted.