GRADUATION COACH FOR BLACK STUDENTS

Durham District School Board; Whitby; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A school district in Ontario is looking for a Graduation Coach for Black Students to provide mentorship, develop community partnerships, and support students' academic achievement and well-being. The role involves collaborating with school teams and families to enhance Black students' transitions to post-secondary pathways. Candidates should have strong advocacy skills and experience in supporting youth from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting Black youth.
• Knowledge of systemic barriers faced by Black students.
• Experience in creating resources to engage students.

Responsibilities

• Develop community partnerships to support Black students.
• Mentor and advise Black students through their educational journey.
• Organize family engagement events to support student pathways.

Skills

Mentoring ability

Strong advocacy skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Organizational problem-solving skills

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Undergraduate degree (Social Work, Child and Youth Work, etc.)

Job description

Job Details

Graduation Coach for Black Students

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

With the goal of seeing each student achieve credits, graduate, and successfully transition into their chosen post-secondary pathway, the Graduation Coach for Black Student Program will provide intensive, culturally responsive support for Black students and their families to improve their achievement and well-being. The Graduation Coach for Black Students is responsible for developing strong community partnerships with agencies, organizations, and educational partners.

The incumbent will act 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); 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. This position will also compile data and prepare reports on the progress of the program.

The school locations will be determined with the successful candidates.

Key Responsibilities :

Integrated Transition Planning

• 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.
• Work with the program's core team and school staff to create a long-term vision / plan for identified Black students who will benefit from targeted supports.
• Utilize educational software to track and monitor student progress throughout the school year to identify trends and insights used to inform both individual coaching and program design in addition to reporting on program progress.
• Partner with the school team to review and plan a broad, holistic, person-centered approach to identify the student's goals for work, further education, and life in the community.
• Ensure that together with the school team, actions are identified to help students achieve these goals, as well as jointly determining the roles and responsibilities of team members in carrying out these actions.

Liaising with wider community

Develop and maintains school and community-based resources to support the success of Black students.

Continually establish and strengthen community partnerships with a focus on Black local employers and post-secondary institutions.

Work to ensure School-community partnerships play an essential role in the transition planning of Black students, often providing supports and resources to student and family needs that goes beyond what is typically available through school.

Initiate and support partnerships with community agencies and groups, working with agencies to share best practices and better ways to improve their services and programs available to students.

Collaborate with several community agencies to do presentations on transitioning planning for high school students where they share tools and activities that would support Black students, develop and enhance leadership skills as needed in today's employment market, employment readiness and long-term career success.

Participate in several community-based committees to support DDSB Students and build strong partnerships with these organizations.

Family Engagement

Collaborate with community partners to organize information nights / engagement events that aim to support Black students who are beginning to prepare for the various pathways after high school. Provide opportunities to learn more about their community services, ask questions and build networks.

Communicate regularly with school teams, community partners and families to ensure families are supported, engaged, and informed on decisions affecting them.

Promote family-community partnerships through integrated transition meetings to encourage active community involvement and deliver flexible and responsive service based on student and family priorities, strengths and needs.

Provide resources to families such as checklists and assessment tools that include important steps to offer support and ensure smooth transition.

Direct Student / Family Support

Build positive and trusting relationships with Black students through a strength-based approach.

Act as a trusted mentor and advisor to Black students.

Act as a Black student advocate with educators, administrators, school staff and families.

Engage Black students and their families by affirming their identity and culture through culturally responsive and relevant practices.

Create a welcoming and culturally responsive space to build a sense of community and belonging for Black students that will enable them to voice their experiences.

Establish resiliency and safety plans for participating students during extended breaks in the regular school program.

Provide culturally responsive direct individualized supports to Black students and families based on their needs in accessing supports which include assisting with accessing postsecondary pathways including applying to colleges, universities, apprenticeship, funding programs, etc. and navigating support resources where required.

Support families in filling out applications to ministry services / funding programs.

Support exploration of various supports offered at the post-secondary level based on student's needs, interest and strengths as well as clubs / committees that may support the student's transition and interest.

Support students considering post-secondary experiences in another geographical area with exploring community supports / organizations in those areas.

Hold ongoing discussions and maintain open communication with students and their families about their overall development, progress and next steps.

Assist students in applying for jobs, exploring volunteer opportunities and preparing for interviews.

Navigate services that provide resources and specific support to families to help them learn about concrete ways to encourage student's growth, goals and wellness at home, school and in their community via community programs.

Support families that need extra support to follow through with a contact, for example, a phone and quiet place to call the resource or organization.

Ensure students and their families understand their pathways based on academic accomplishments i.e. Certified of Accomplishment, Ontario Secondary School Certificate, and Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Preparation for Work / College

Facilitate access and referral to academic supports and community resources to provide integrated support systems for Black students.

Make referrals to programs that support students' goals, interest and needs.

Develop lasting relationships with employers in the community to increase the success and sustainability of the program.

Develop lending library of pre-vocational tasks / activities to assist students in developing academic and work skills.

Support to School Teams

Promote and raise awareness of the Graduation Coach for Black Students services within DDSB to assist school teams to understand the role and build capacity to identify and address barriers encountered by Black students.

Present training / professional development for school staff with resources / tools and supports development of transition goals.

Support teams in evaluating employability assessments / rubrics and career interest inventories to help Black students determine career areas for exploration.

Work with teachers to create individual goals, objectives and transition planning.

Qualifications and Skills :

Demonstrated ability to act as a trusted mentor and advisor to Black students.

Strong advocacy skills to support individual and collective student voices.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization including external partners.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in strategy development, coordination, and implementation, in the area of transition planning, educational pathways and vocational / transitional education programs.

Knowledge of the Human Rights Act

Strong organizational problem-solving skills

Ability to effectively communicate and work with

Ability to lead team members to brainstorm and access services for complex needs.

Ability to work collaboratively with all multidisciplinary teams, including Black students, community agencies, families, post-secondary education institutions, and school staff, to develop effective service delivery plans that ensure that students have access to programs, services and opportunities that focus on developing and achieving student goals for the future.

Experience in translating assessment of student needs into recommendations to the school team for supports

Strong Organizational skills

Ability to work independently and as a positive team member.

Ability to create effective in-person and electronic resources (social media, videos, etc.) to inform and engage students, families, parents, and others.

Valid driver's license required for travel.

Education and Experience :

Related undergraduate degree (Social Work, Child and Youth Work, Counselling, etc.)

Minimum of 5 years of recent, related experience supporting Black youth and a deep understanding of systemic barriers and challenges for Black students face in the public education system, post-secondary education system, communities and the broader society, combined with understanding of systemic barriers and challenge comprehensive first-hand life experience deeply rooted in Black communities.

1-3 years recent, related experience supporting Black youth.

1-2 years experience with the knowledge of vocational / transitional education programs & community agencies supporting the Black community.

6-12 months experience with the ability to effectively communicate and work with Black students, community agencies, families, post-secondary education institutions, and staff.

Additional Information :

This is a contract position commencing September 2, 2025 - August 31, 2026 with the possibility of renewal.

Provide a current Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening upon hire.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.