Temporary - Graduation Coach for Black Students - 1.0 Fte

The London District Catholic School Board has a reputation for excellence, with more than 4,500 employees working together to educate approximately 27,500 students at 44 elementary schools, 9 secondary schools and St. Patrick Adult & Continuing Education within Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties, including the cities of London, St. Thomas, Strathroy and Woodstock.
**Applications are invited for the position of**:
GRADUATION COACH FOR BLACK STUDENTS
Association of Business Professionals (Non-Union Employee Group)
Temporary Contract - Full Time Position
Effective Immediately until February 27, 2026
**Salary**: G roup 4, $ 67,288
The Graduation Coach Program for Black Students is a targeted pilot program that will provide intensive supports to Black students and their families with the goal of seeing each student achieve credits, graduate, and successfully transition into their chosen post-secondary pathway. Under the direction of the Board and school administration, the Graduation Coach will provide targeted, culturally responsive supports and address service delivery gaps to facilitate the engagement, well-being, and academic achievement of Black students.
**Areas of Responsibility**:
Working directly within school communities serving Black students to support and mentor them and help direct their ongoing development and pathway to graduation. The Graduation Coach’s responsibilities will include:
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 pilot program’s core team and school staff to create a long-term vision/plan for identified Black students who will benefit from targeted supports
Facilitate access and referral to academic supports and community resources to provide integrated support systems for Black students
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
Utilize educational software to track and monitor student progress throughout the school year
**Qualifications and Experience**:
Post-secondary degree or diploma in Humanities or Social Sciences with two years of experience in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the Board
Comprehensive first-hand life experience deeply rooted in local Black communities combined with a deep understanding of systemic barriers and challenges that Black students face in the education system and in the wider community
Demonstrated respect and understanding of the diversity and composition of Black communities
Demonstrated expertise and experience to identify barriers and design appropriate interventions to increase the well-being and academic achievement of Black students
Deep understanding of youth culture and the principles of youth engagement
Knowledge of local community resources and the ability to support students and their families to access and navigate these resources
Demonstrated ability to act as a trusted mentor and advisor to Black students
Strong advocacy skills to support individual and collective student voice
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization including external partners
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build consensus in an interdisciplinary team environment
Ability to speak French and/or other languages considered an asset
The London District Catholic schools exist to provide an educational atmosphere which fosters and directs the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth of all our students to enable them to live and contribute as responsible Catholics in any society. Hiring a diverse workforce will best serve our students and promote an inclusive environment. The London District Catholic School Board is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment of qualified staff who reflect and support the diverse perspective and experiences and needs of our students and school communities. All hiring decisions will be fair, consistent, transparent, and made in accordance with applicable laws, including the Ontario Human Rights Code and the school board collective agreements.
The London District Catholic School Board is committed to providing accommodations. If you require accommodation