Graduation Coach for Black Students – Term

Reporting to the OCSB’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, the Graduation Coach will provide support, advocacy and advisory services for Black students, with the goal of increasing the number of Black students obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and successfully transitioning into post-secondary education or labour market opportunities.

This position is a pilot project sponsored by the Ministry of Education. The position is a temporary assignment that will begin on September 1, 2022, and end on August 31, 2023, with the possibility of renewal.

POSITION DETAILS:

• Collaborate with school board staff, including school administrators, guidance counsellors and others in using data to identify and provide support to Black students to increase engagement and achievement by considering factors such as academic records, behaviour, attendance and family status
• Develop needs assessments and intervention strategies for each student, including plans for transition support, graduation and career attainment
• Assemble a graduation team for each student, including teachers, family and other resources from both inside and outside of the school(s)
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers and parents/guardians to respond to all barriers that affect the engagement, well-being and learning of students
• Conduct individual in-person as well as virtual sessions via video conferencing on an as-needed basis with students and monitor progress and performance
• Act as a mentor and an advisor to students and play an essential role as an advocate for them with teachers, other school staff, parents/guardians and community members
• Explore career possibilities with students and support their pursuit of career interests
• Support students’ academic progress through tutoring, course planning, peer mentoring and role modeling
• Create additional opportunities for students to be engaged during breaks in regular programming (i.e. long weekends, extended breaks, etc.)
• Establish relationships with various service agencies serving the Black community
• Prepare reports and statistics on program progression and outcomes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree or College diploma in counselling, psychology or social work, along with three years of directly related experience working with Black students. The equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Life experience deeply rooted in local Black communities
• Understanding the diversity and composition of local Black communities.
• Awareness of local community resources and the ability to support students/families in accessing and navigating the resources
• Demonstrated ability to be a mentor, advisor and advocate for students
• Excellent organizational, collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet program needs

The following would be considered an asset:

• Ability to speak French or other languages

Status: This is a term assignment with full-time (1.0 FTE) hours

Salary: $55,000 – $74,000 per year (under review)

Location: Supporting 2 OCSB high schools – locations to be confirmed.

How to Apply:
Applicants are required to complete the application form using the link provided beside the competition number and attach a cover letter and resume in PDF format by 12:00 pm EST on August 12th, 2022.

Interviews:
Interviews are anticipated to be held the week of August 15th, 2022. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If selected for an interview, you will receive an email including the interview date/time, location and process details. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

About the Ottawa Catholic School Board

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is located in Ottawa, Ontario. As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa ranks among the world’s most desirable cities to call home. We have a small-town feel with a big-city presence and a population of just over a million people.
Our OCSB Strategic Commitments are: Be Community, Be Well, Be Innovative. Our Communications Team embraces these commitments and fosters an environment of innovation rooted in kindness, compassion and acceptance.

The OCSB proudly serves over 45,000 students in 87 schools. We offer an education that respects all faiths’ universal values and is grounded in Catholic principles. We foster innovation to inspire Deep Learning so that all can realize their full potential. We offer a collaborative work environment, fulfilling careers, and the opportunity to make a difference in our students’ lives.

The OCSB adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, people from gender diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities, as well as others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas

The Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledges that the land on which our schools are located is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (AODA), if you require accommodations at any time throughout the application process, please contact Tessa Shewen in the Human Resources Department via email at tessa.shewen@ocsb.ca prior to the posting closing date so that appropriate arrangements can be made.