Indigenous Graduation Coach (Temporary)

Simplication; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 79,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board is seeking an Indigenous Graduation Coach at St. Patrick High School in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This temporary full-time role supports Indigenous learners aiming for the OSSD and post-secondary transition, serving as mentor and advocate across staff and families.

The position emphasizes community engagement, attendance improvement, well-being, and academic success, with strong ties to First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in social sciences, Indigenous studies, or related field.
• Experience supporting youth and families in educational settings.
• Ability to advocate for learners and coordinate with partners.

Responsibilities

• Establish Circle of Caring Adults with staff and community partners.
• Sit as a member of the Student Success/Core Team.
• Advocate for learners with families, teachers and communities.
• Complete needs assessments to identify barriers to success.
• Be first contact for families including Indigenous authorities.
• Communicate with the Core Team for timely interventions.
• Encourage belonging within the school community.
• Build welcoming spaces and strong relationships with students.
• Advocate for Indigenous students within the circle.
• Liaise between families and schools.
• Focus on relationships, mentoring, transitions, culture and career planning.

Skills

Indigenous community ties

Student engagement

Advocacy

Education

Social Sciences / Indigenous Studies degree

Job description

The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board

Invites applications for the position of

Indigenous Graduation Coach

(Temporary Full-Time - ending August 31, 2027)

The Indigenous Graduation Coach will provide intensive support to Indigenous learners attending St. Patrick High School whose goals are obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and successfully transitioning into post-secondary education, training or the labour market. The Indigenous Graduation Coach acts as a mentor and an advisor to students, facilitating access and referrals to academic supports and community resources. The coach has an essential role as an advocate for each learner with teachers, other school staff, and families. Providing students support to improve attendance, well-being and academic success. The Indigenous Graduation Coach identifies barriers and works on strategies to remove them, putting in place the protective factors necessary for students to thrive.

Qualifications:

• Degree/ Diploma in Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies/Services, First Nations Family Support/Community Worker or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience working with and supporting youth

Attributes:

• Deeply rooted experiential ties to Indigenous communities and their cultures
• Superior ability to motivate students to stay engaged in learning by getting to know students and facilitating engagement.
• The Graduation Coaches in the Four Directions Program support First Nation, Metis and Inuit learners at the secondary level.

Responsibilities:

• Establish a Circle of Caring Adults comprising school staff and community partners
• Sit as a member of the Student Success/Core Team
• Work with teachers, school staff, families and communities, using existing school structures to advocate for the needs of each learner,
• Undertake to complete a needs assessment to identify barriers to student success,
• Be the first point of contact for families and communities, including Chief, Council, Education Authorities, as well as governing structures of Metis and Inuit peoples,
• Communicate in real-time with the Student Success/Core Team for timely interventions to remove barriers to student well-being engagement and learning
• encourages a sense of belonging in the school community
• Enhance a welcoming, supportive space building close, supportive relationships with students, families and communities
• Act as an advocate for First Nation, Metis and Inuit students within the Circle of Caring Adults
• Act as a liaison between families and schools
• The Graduation Coach approach: Focuses on relationships and mentoring, transitions, culture, career planning, academics and parent engagement

Salary Range=$79,309 - $100,466

Applicants are required to submit a completed application form for non-educational positions, cover letter, résumé and post secondary degree/diploma no later than 3:30 p.m on October 07, 2026 through the Apply to Education website.