Description
Location: Kenora Area Schools
(Non-Union Support Staff, 12 month position - Full Time - Temporary)
(1 year contract with possibility of extension)
Purpose of the Position
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and dedicated individual to work under the direction of the Board/school administrative team, to support FNMI at Beaver Brae Secondary School, as well as other Kenora area schools and programs, up to August 2025 with a possibility of extension. The Four Directions First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Graduation Coach works alongside the school’s FNMI Navigator in assisting the school community in improving graduation success for FNMI students. This position will be a part of the Indigenous Student Success Team.
The objectives of the Four Directions FNMI Graduation Coach Approach are to:
Identify and remove barriers to better enable Indigenous students to engage in school and to facilitate their learning, well-being and achievement.
Further establish trusting relationships with Indigenous students, their families and communities, so they have a greater level of confidence in the efficacy of the student’s education.
Transform school culture and enhance the collective knowledge of the educators to strengthen their skills and knowledge related to identifying and removing barriers to facilitate the engagement, well-being and learning of Indigenous students.
Identify strategies, milestones, and indicators to support Indigenous students to achieve credits, graduate nd transition successfully into their chosen post-secondary pathway.
Additional Duties for this specific Assignment Include:
Monitor and support the Bail Residency program hosted in partnership with NeChee Friendship Centre as well as youth attending the Ga Naa Na Ga Da Waa Ba Dang Kenora Youth Justice Centre
Provides programs and services to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people and youth with a focus on social, educational and cultural development
Supervise eligible individuals to be released from custody while awaiting trial
Provides supervision of released individuals and provides referrals to relevant programming and treatment
Partners with local agencies to ensure services are provided including travel arrangements, shelter/accommodations, connections with culture and family, and mental health and addictions assistance
Individual will also attend the Kenora Situation Table (RISK) with collaborating agencies and supporting individuals who are deemed in acute elevated risk situations.
Four Directions FNMI Graduation Coaches provide intensive supports to Indigenous learners and their families with the goal of seeing each learner through to graduation towards their own chosen pathways. A Four Directions Indigenous Graduation Coach is an individual whose life experience is deeply rooted in the Indigenous communities and holds deep experiential connections to the culture. Different than a teacher, an education assistant or counselor, the coach is a mentor and an advisor. The coach is a professional member of the school, is integral to the student success team, and as such plays an essential role as advocate for each learner with teachers, other school staff, families, and communities.
Education and Qualifications
Ontario High School Diploma or equivalent
Degree or diploma in Youth Worker, Social Work, First Nations Family Support, Education, Health Care or related field as determined by the Human Resources Manager, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, working with and supporting youth is preferred but not required
Trauma, Restorative Practices, and/or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)training, or willingness to attend this training
A valid driver’s license and the willingness and ability to travel for school board related business is required
Cultural competency experience or training
Knowledge and Attributes
Deep understanding of FNMI culture, youth culture, and the principles of youth engagement
Firsthand experience working with FNMI youth and in FNMI communities
Empathy and a strong commitment to young people and an understanding of the factors affecting their lives
Personal resilience and optimism
Ability to provide reliable support to young people in times of stress; treat young people's concerns with respect, tact and sensitivity; and maintain awareness of the limits required by confidentiality and the boundaries that govern the youth/youth worker relationship
Strong interpersonal communication skills with diverse audiences
Ability to stay organized and maintain documentation
Initiative, accountability, patience, integrity and flexibility
Regular and predictable attendance
Responsibilities:
The FNMI Four Directions Graduation Coach demonstrates the following:
Student-centred focus - builds trusting relationships with Grade 9 and 10 cohorts of Indigenous youth and their families/communities and advocates to improve achievement and graduation rates for FNMI students attending Beaver Brae Secondary School
Program implementation and monitoring - leads and implements programs, services and other supports to meet the unique needs of FNMI students and their families, with a focus on student success and graduation; actively participates in monthly case management to FNMI student attendance, achievement, and well-being data.
Collaboration - collaborates with school administration, student success team, staff, parents, FNMI officials, other Graduation Coaches and outside agencies to build networks and supports to foster success for students. Works alongside the school’s FNMI Navigator to provide seamless pathways to supports inside and outside the school.
Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development - the FNMI Graduation Coach is supervised by the school Principal/Vice-Principal and supported by the centrally-assigned Four Directions FNMI Graduation Coach Approach Administrator. Coaches share insights and actively participate in weekly check-ins with school administration, monthly Secondary School Late Start Day meetings and face-to-face meetings four-six times per year with other graduation coaches
Tutoring support for students
This position will remain open until filled. Applicants must include the name of three professional references with authorization for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board to contact the references under the terms of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Madison White, Human Resources Officer
The Board thanks all applicants for indicating their interest in this position, however, only those selected for a personal interview will be contacted.
Confidential Information provided by applicants will be used for the purpose of this competition only and will be protected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
This Board is an equal opportunity employer.
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
C. Radbourne, Director of Education R. Griffiths, Board Chair
