Permanent School and Attendance Counsellor Lead (1.0 FTE)

Renfrew County Catholic District School Board; Eastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional school board is seeking a School and Attendance Counsellor Lead to provide attendance support services, collaborating with schools and community agencies. The ideal candidate will have a Social Services Worker Diploma and 3-5 years of experience in a community setting. This full-time permanent position offers a salary of $35-$39/hour depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of clinical experience working with children, youth, and families.
• Knowledge of the Education Act, Child Welfare Act, and related legal systems.
• Flexibility and a positive attitude as a team member.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement student success initiatives.
• Analyze system attendance data to identify trends.
• Conduct yearly reviews of enrollment register rules.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Counseling

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Social Services Worker Diploma

Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers

Job description

This full-time permanent position is with an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a wide range of assignments. The Board operates 2 administration buildings and 20 schools (18 elementary, 2 secondary) in 13 communities covering 7,851 square kilometers for the welfare of 4,580 pupils. For more information, visit our website at:

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Educational Services and in consultation with the Mental Health Lead, the School and Attendance Counsellor Lead plays a key role in providing attendance support services to address persistent absenteeism and school avoidance, ensuring compliance with Education Act legislation and regulations concerning compulsory school attendance. This position involves collaboration with school administrators, student services, school teams, and community agencies to foster attendance and academic success for all students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Act as a resource, plan, coordinate, and implement student success initiatives and board improvement planning.
2. Provide guidance to Vice-Principals and Principals on attendance procedures, home instruction, homeschooling, handling doctors notes, temporary excuses, and exclusions.
3. Prepare and maintain student documentation, including detailed notes and records for Ministry audits.
4. Explain enrollment register rules, including procedures for prolonged absences.
5. Analyze system attendance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
6. Deliver professional development related to supporting improved school attendance.
7. Offer guidance and mentorship to the School Attendance Counsellor (SAC) team and Campus Youth Workers.
8. Conduct yearly reviews of enrollment register rules to ensure compliance and provide training to administrators and school secretaries.
9. Coordinate Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) in consultation with school administrators and board staff, including compiling information, presenting to the SAL committee, liaising with out-of-school supervisors, and supervising student placements.
10. Develop and review individualized programs with stakeholders such as CHEO, Mental Health and Addictions Nurse, Probation Officers, Family and Children's Services, and Indigenous Teams.
11. Identify and engage homeschooling families within the community to foster connections and encourage reintegration into the school system.
12. Implement community events like the 'It Takes a Village' virtual event to foster family engagement and support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, critical thinker, team player with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, and will have:

• Completion of a Social Services Worker Diploma.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (or equivalent).
• Membership in the Ontario Association of Counselling and Attendance Services (OACAS).
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of clinical experience working with children, youth, and families in a community-based setting.
• Skills in crisis intervention, counseling, developing creative solutions, and problem-solving.
• Flexibility and a positive attitude as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of the Education Act, Child Welfare Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and related legal systems is an asset.
• Familiarity with a range of special education needs and services.
• Commitment to continuing education through Board-sponsored courses and seminars.
• Excellent command of oral and written English.
• A valid driver’s license in good standing and access to reliable transportation for travel among schools and offices.

CLOSING:

Interested applicants should submit an updated resume with qualifications, experience, and professional references.

NOTE:

• Applications sent directly to schools or Human Resources will not be considered.
• All new applicants must submit an original, current, satisfactory Vulnerable Screening Criminal Background Check before employment begins.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

The RCCDSB is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion in employment, reflecting and welcoming diverse identities, experiences, and needs of students and communities.

COMMITMENT TO FAIR AND ACCESSIBLE EMPLOYMENT:

We ensure non-discriminatory, barrier-free recruitment processes and provide accommodations for candidates with disabilities upon request, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and AODA.

For accommodation requests, please contact us in advance.

Bob Schreader - Chairperson

Mark Searson - Director of Education

Key Skills:

Experience working with students, organizational skills, classroom management, behavioral health, mediation, special education, conflict management, teaching, experience with children, public speaking, word processing.

Employment Details:

• Type: Full-Time
• Experience: 3-5 years
• Vacancy: 1
• Salary: $35-$39/hour