Department: Education
Classification/Level: CS-4
Employment Status: Regular Full-Time
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Director of Education and works closely with school staff, MFN Departments, community partners, and service providers
Position Summary
The Education Secondary Navigator provides confidential, student-centered support and services that enhance access, engagement, and overall student success while improving the quality of learning experiences. This role focuses on outreach to students in Grades 8–12 and their families, with a strong emphasis on supporting successful transitions into, though, and beyond secondary education.
Working collaboratively with students, families, schools, and community partners, the Navigator develops strengths-based support plans that address academic, social, cultural, and well-being needs. Through proactive engagement, advocacy, and participation in meetings and case conferences, the Navigator supports students in navigating First Nation and provincial education systems while ensuring their voices and best interests are represented.
The position plays a key role in increasing student participation in programming, promoting well-being, and improving transitions to graduation, post-secondary education, alternative pathways, or workforce training. The Navigator works to identify and remove barriers to education including those related to access, mental health, and cultural support, while connecting students and families to appropriate services.
Essential Functions
Key Responsibilities
Student & Family Support
- Provide a range of supports and services that enhance student access, success, and quality of learning experiences.
- Develop individualized, strengths-based support plans in collaboration with students and families.
- Provide ongoing support to a caseload of students and families, including parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
- Engage students through outreach, events, and relationship-building activities.
- Attend in-person school meetings with families, where appropriate.
- Support transitions into, though, and out of secondary education, including alternative and mainstream programming.
Advocacy & System Navigation
- Assist students and families in navigating First Nation and provincial school systems.
- Advocate students in meetings, case conferences, and school-based discussions.
- Identify and address barriers to education, including academic, mental health, and cultural challenges.
- Serve as a resource by connecting students and families to appropriate supports and services.
Program Development & Delivery
- Plan and implement student success initiatives that support secondary school completion.
- Develop and deliver wellness, healthy living, and engagement programming.
- Organize and facilitate workshops, activities, and after-school programs.
- Promote student well-being through targeted strategies and initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and student outcomes.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with schools, community partners, and MFN staff.
- Act as a liaison between families, schools, and external service providers.
- Participate in outreach initiatives and community events.
- Network with regional service providers and wellness workers.
- Support public relations and school-community engagement activities.
Professional Practice & Administration
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all policies and procedures regarding student information.
- Ensure the privacy and dignity of students and families at all times.
- Provide regular reports and documentation as required.
- Participate in team meetings, case management discussions, and training opportunities.
- Contribute to internal training by sharing knowledge and expertise.
- Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for students.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Education, Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Indigenous Studies, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Experience working with youth, families, and/or Indigenous communities.
- Knowledge of First Nation and provincial education systems.
- Experience in case management, student support, or program development.
- Strong understanding of barriers impacting student success (e.g., mental health, socio-economic, cultural).
- Demonstrated ability to advocate effectively for students and families.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Organizational and time management abilities.
- Cultural competency and sensitivity, with a commitment to respectful engagement.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Working Conditions
- Regular travel to schools, community locations, and student homes may be required.
- Occasional evenings or weekend work to support events and programming.
- Work may involve supporting students in crisis or dealing with sensitive situations.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
- Clear vulnerable sector check.
VSS Rationale
CRC must be thirty (30) days current and be an original or certified copy. All individuals applying for employment with MFN Education programs are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Screen and Criminal Record Check as these individuals will be working directly/indirectly with students. All individuals employed under the education program must have a record clear of charges and convictions relating to child sexual harassment or abuse of any kind.
Interested applicants must submit a letter of interest, resume, three reference contacts (2 employment and 1-character reference to be contacted upon successful interview) to this posting or the address below:
Education Secondary Navigator
c/o Human Resources
M’Chigeeng First Nation Administration, P.O. Box 333
M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0
Or via Email: [email protected]
