Indigenous Student Engagement Facilitator

Durham Catholic District School Board; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 93,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications for an Indigenous Student Engagement Facilitator (full-time, permanent) in Oshawa, Ontario. You will support Indigenous students with guidance, advocacy and culture-informed supports to promote belonging and achievement.

You will collaborate with families, educators and community partners to implement the Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education, offer land-based learning and cultural teachings, and create inclusive spaces for

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Indigenous Studies, Humanities, Social Science, Social Services, Psychology, or related field.
• Five years’ experience in local Indigenous communities.
• Identification as First Nation, Métis or Inuit is an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience with Indigenous youth in schools and the community.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and promote educational and cultural programs for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students and board-wide initiatives.
• Nurture relationships with Indigenous students and families, addressing learning barriers and affirming identities.
• Connect students to school and Indigenous-centered community resources; monitor achievement and well-being.
• Provide Indigenous knowledge and cultural support for system-wide implementation of Indigenous Education.
• Facilitate in-class learning on treaties, local history, plant teachings and language.
• Support educator learning through co-planning and co-facilitating professional development.
• Collaborate with students, families and staff to create culturally safe spaces; facilitate land-based learning and community events.
• Build relationships with Indigenous communities and partners to support culturally responsive education.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Skills

Indigenous knowledge

Community engagement

Relationship building

Cultural sensitivity

Communication skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Time management

Driver's license

Advocacy

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Indigenous studies or related field

Job description

The Durham Catholic District School Board is located just east of Toronto and is renowned for providing comprehensive Catholic education to over 25,000 students in 38 elementary schools, 7 secondary schools, and 7 continuing and alternative education centers throughout Durham Region.

The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications from qualified candidates interested in the following position:

POSITION: Indigenous Student Engagement Facilitator - Full-time - Permanent

LOCATION:

Catholic Education Centre
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SALARY: S3 ($93,492 - $108,230 annually)

START DATE: TBD

POSITION SUMMARY

The Indigenous Student Engagement Facilitator supports Indigenous students across DCDSB by providing guidance and advocacy, promoting understanding of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures and histories, and working to improve student well-being, student engagement and student achievement. Reporting to the Superintendent of Education responsible for Indigenous Education, the Indigenous Student Engagement Facilitator will work to provide Indigenous knowledge and cultural support for system-wide implementation of the Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education that aligns with the Vision and Mission of the DCDSB.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and promote educational and cultural programs for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, including board-wide initiatives like the Indigenous Student Circle family celebrations, and other initiatives for the engagement of Indigenous students;
• Nurture relationships with Indigenous students and families, addressing learning barriers, affirming distinct First Nation, Métis, and Inuit identities through providing cultural support;
• Connect students to school and Indigenous-centered community resources, monitoring student achievement and well-being for assigned students;
• Provide Indigenous knowledge and cultural support for system-wide implementation of the Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education that aligns with the Vision and Mission of the DCDSB as a Catholic school board;
• Facilitate in-class learning regarding Indigenous Education on topics such as treaties, local history, plant teachings and language that promote belonging and pride;
• Support educator learning to strengthen the implementation of curriculum documents through co-planning and co-facilitating professional learning opportunities;
• Collaborate with students, families, and school staff to create culturally safe spaces that affirm Indigenous identities and support holistic student well-being and engagement. Facilitate activities such as land-based learning, cultural teachings, and community engagement events that promote belonging and pride;
• Build and nurture ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities and community partners to support Indigenous education to ensure student needs are met in culturally responsive ways. Serve as a bridge between students and school personnel, advocating for supports and practices that reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and being; and
• Perform other assigned duties.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Indigenous Studies, Humanities, Social Science, Social Services, Psychology, or other related field; or a combination of education, training, certification and experience deemed to be equivalent by the Board.
• Five (5) years’ experience in local Indigenous communities;
• Identification as First Nation, Métis or Inuit is an asset;
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in working with Indigenous youth in schools and in the community;

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Deep knowledge of Indigenous cultures, values, and history;
• Strong connections within local Indigenous communities;
• Experience building trusting relationships and providing group/individual support;
• Skilled in navigating sensitive conversations and nurturing inclusive environments;
• Familiarity with local resources and mentoring youth;
• Decision-making abilities that center the student(s);
• Ability to work with Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, as well as educators and school leaders;
• Previous leadership experience preferably in an Education environment;
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and time management skills;
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
• Ability to work flexible hours, visit communities, and travel as needed; and
• A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

At DCDSB, fostering a culture of inclusion is a fundamental imperative. Acknowledging the diversity of our students, staff and community and ensuring every member of our inclusive community is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar to our mission. The DCDSB invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, and candidates who self-identify as a member of a racialized/marginalized community, who may enhance equity and representation in our workforce.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), if you require accommodation at any time throughout the application process, please contact Human Resource Services at [e-mail] prior to the posting closing date so that accommodations can be made.