Indigenous Graduation Coach

Simplication; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

OMERS pension

Job summary

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board seeks an Indigenous Graduation Coach to support well-being and achievement of Indigenous students toward an Ontario Secondary Diploma. The role focuses on transition to post-secondary options and culturally relevant leadership development.

This temporary, unionized position (CUPE Local 5555) offers a 35-hour workweek and starts with a pending start date. Salary ranges align with Pay Band 10B. Closing date is October 8, 2026.

Qualifications

• Completed three-year diploma or higher in a relevant field with Indigenous community experience.
• Minimum of four years of extensive experience deeply rooted in local Indigenous communities.
• Valid G-level driver’s license and use of own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with Indigenous students to identify barriers and solutions.
• Respond to issues affecting student well-being (social, emotional, cultural, and physical).
• Facilitate access to community and school resources for student achievement.
• Organize leadership development that is culturally relevant.
• Maintain profiles of each student to track achievement and well-being.
• Advocate and mentor students in graduation and post-secondary pathways
• Connect students with their cultural identity and leadership opportunities
• Collaborate with Indigenous Education Liaison to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students
• Establish safety plans for at-risk students during breaks
• Engage families and communities to build trust and dialogue
• Work with teachers and staff to advocate for learners
• Participate in Student Success Team meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Indigenous knowledge

Community connection

Student mentoring

Counseling

Resource connection

Student mentorship

Education

Relevant degree (CYC, DSW, Indigenous Education, or Social Work)

Job description

Job Type:This is a TEMPORARY full-time, 35 hours per week, up to 10 -months + 5 days per year. This temporary position is available due to an employee leave.

Department: Indigenous Education
Location: Education Centre (1994 Fisher Dr, Peterborough, ON)

Reports to: Principal of Program, Indigenous Education

Salary:$30.98 to $34.42 per hour (Pay Band 10B)
Start Date: TBD
End Date:TBD
Closing Date: October 8, 2026, at 4:00PM

This is a unionized position within the CUPE Local 5555 bargaining unit and is subject to the
terms and conditions of the applicable Collective Agreement.

We offer eligible employees a comprehensive employee pension (OMERS) upon start date.

Who We Are

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) offers a world-class education for approximately 35,000 students in 87 schools. Spanning over 7,000 square kilometers, across diverse rural and urban communities in southeastern Ontario, KPR serves the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, and City of Quinte West/Murray Ward.

The Board is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg people, serving three vibrant Indigenous communities which include Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.

Today, the Kawartha Pine Ridge school district is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and we acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of all Indigenous people across Turtle Island, current and throughout history.

All positions in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board support the schools priority of student achievement and the Boards mission to educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life and to enrich our communities.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Indigenous Graduation Coach is to support the well-being and achievement of Indigenous students with the ultimate goal of obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In addition, the incumbent provides supports to Indigenous students as they transition into post-secondary education, training or labour market opportunities.

Main Responsibilities:

• Build positive relationships with Indigenous students by identifying barriers and solutions to student learning, engagement, and well-being.
• Respond to issues affecting the social, emotional, intellectual, cultural, and physical well-being of Indigenous students.
• Facilitate access and referrals to community and school resources to provide integrated support for student achievement and well-being.
• Organize and facilitate leadership development for students that is culturally relevant.
• Build and maintain profiles for each individual student, utilizing the secondary school’s educational software resources throughout the year to track and monitor student achievement and well-being.
• Act as an advocate and role model for students in pathways planning related to graduation and post-secondary destinations
• Connect students with their cultural identity, organizes and facilitates student leadership development.
• Collaborate with the Indigenous Education Liaison in efforts to build capacity in understanding and serving the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students.
• Establish a safety plan during breaks in regular programming (i.e. long weekends, extended breaks, etc.) for at‑risk students.
• Engage with parents, guardians, families and communities to build trust, relationships and facilitate communication and dialogue.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, school staff, families and communities, using existing school structures, to advocate for the needs of each learner.
• Participate as a member of the host school Student Success Team as it pertains to self‑identified Indigenous students.
• Other duties as assigned

Mandatory Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed three (3) year diploma in Child and Youth Care, Developmental Services Worker, or Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Education, or Social Work with a specialization in Indigenous Studies or equivalent.
  (In lieu of completed education, equivalent is defined as three (3) years of experience extensive experience deeply rooted in local Indigenous communities).
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive experience deeply rooted in local Indigenous communities.
• Native Counsellor Training Certificate an asset.
• Identification as First Nation, Métis or Inuit is an asset.
• Valid G-level driver’s license and use of own vehicle.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of Indigenous traditional teachings, cultures, perspectives, values and history.
• Deep connection with the local Indigenous Communities.
• Proven skill in building trust, respectful and safe relationships with Indigenous Youth.
• Proven skill in providing both group and one‑on‑one support.
• Awareness of local Indigenous community resources and ability to connect students and families to these resources.
• Ability to be a mentor and an advisor to Indigenous students.

Supervision:

This position does not supervise

Working Conditions:

• Office building and school environments.
• Moderate amounts of walking, standing, concentration, attention to details, visual exertion, keyboarding, dealing with difficult people, lifting/handling materials and bending.
• Frequent noise, inclement weather, and after‑duty calls.

Our Commitment:

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to a qualified workforce that is representative of the diversity of the people of Ontario and across the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse background and lived experiences as a member of a marginalized group, 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, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
• Persons who identify as women; and
• Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to providing barrier‑free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information about what this means in our organization, please refer to our website at: www.kprschools.ca (see "Careers" section).