Position Title: Student Success Coach – Ujima Initiative
Reports to: Program Director, On Track to Success
Date: May 2023 | Contract, Full-Time
United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County has made a promise to the community – to change the odds for children and their families so they have equal opportunities for success in school and life. We have adopted the community problem-solving approach called collective impact and have committed to working alongside community partners to realize the vision of improving population-level outcomes for children and youth from cradle to career.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director, On Track to Success, the Student Success Coach, Ujima Initiative is responsible for facilitating program elements and wrap-around support services for black youth and their families who have enrolled in the Ujima Initiative, a supplemental programming initiative of the On Track to Success program. The Ujima Initiative enriches the On Track to Success program for black youth by providing relevant cultural support and programming, which includes community mentoring, wellness activities, exploring cultural themes, social events, and service-learning opportunities. The individual will work as part of the program team and will be responsible for the development of strategies to enhance the quality of the program, improve student retention and academic performance, and ensure the participants transition to a post-secondary program successfully. The individual will also have site-specific responsibilities which will include working with school board and community partners and supporting program volunteers under the direction of the Team Lead. The Student Success Coach provides wrap-around supports to students and their families on their caseload, which include systems navigation support, financial barrier removal, and encouraging participation in other program elements. This role will also be responsible for tracking outcomes and will work alongside the evaluation and continuous improvement team to provide the data necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
FUNCTIONS
- 60%: Direct Support to Students & Families
- 30%: Program Planning& Delivery
- 5%: Partnership Communication & Development
- 5%: Program Administration & Reporting
CORE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with black youth and their families to mitigate the effects of poverty by providing financial support and hosting regular support meetings as required
- Engage and mentor youth to ensure academic and personal success
- Support the creation of curriculum and co-facilitate the Ujima initiative programming, which will include community mentoring, wellness activities, exploring cultural themes, social events, and service-learning opportunities
- Facilitate all program elements that aid in achieving program outcomes
- Co-facilitate virtual and in person programming, ensuring it is culturally responsive, highly interactive and engaging for students
- Discuss student concerns with Director of OTTS and working alongside program team, customize approach to meet the unique needs of each individual
- Implement and promote program for parents to improve family engagement
- Maintain accurate student and volunteer records, ensuring that all required documentation is complete
- Ensure all program policies and procedures are being followed by participants, staff, and volunteers
- Evaluate the effectiveness of programming by recording appropriate data and program statistics
- Facilitate engagement opportunities for donors and funders in collaboration with United Way major giving team
- Act as a liaison between United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, community agencies, and stakeholders as required
- Establish and maintain a safe and effective environment for students, program partners, and volunteers
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge
- Understanding of educational theories and culturally responsive pedagogy
- Understanding of motivation theory and strategies to support behaviour change
- Understanding of systemic barriers and challenges that Black students face
- Understanding of student development theory – how to best prepare students for success in post-secondary studies
- Microsoft Office Suite and other educational applications
Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Time management and prioritization of tasks
- Problem-solving
- Leadership and supervision
- Interpersonal and collaboration
- Group facilitation
- Fluency in another language is considered an asset.
Abilities
- Able to think creatively and strategically, have excellent judgment, and be able to work in a changing environment
- Able to motivate and influence others
Education: University degree in education, social sciences, social work, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience: A minimum of two years working with youth or other social service sector programming experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This is a full-time contract salaried position for 35 hours per week commencing June 1, 2023 – March 30, 2024, with the possibility of renewal.
- Medical/health benefits begin after successful completion of probationary period.
- Majority of working hours spent out in the community supporting students and connecting with community partners
- Must maintain a valid G driver’s licence and access to own transportation; will be responsible for transporting program participants from time-to-time.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends, when necessary
- A vulnerable sector police check is required
If you have the above-mentioned qualifications, please submit your resume and cover letter by June 9th, 2023, to careers@weareunited.com, or apply below.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that due to the volume of resumes, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County is committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those who may need accommodations, to apply to join our team. Members from underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A.) please contact us should you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process.
Last updated on June 8, 2023