SOCIAL WORKER/ATTENDANCE COUNSELLOR

Durham District School Board; Canada; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durham District School Board is seeking a Social Worker/Attendance Counsellor to support students and families facing emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. This role involves coordinating mental health services, conducting assessments, and implementing interventions to enhance student achievement and well-being. Candidates should have a Master's in Social Work and a minimum of five years of experience. If you are passionate about making a difference in students' lives, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive community culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in assessment of children and families.
• Experience in individual and group counselling is required.
• Knowledge of mental health, child protection and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Support student mental health and well-being through targeted interventions.
• Assess the safety and risk of students and create safety plans.
• Implement attendance interventions to improve student achievement.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive approach

Clinical knowledge in assessment

Ability to work independently

Education

Master's Degree in Social Work

Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Job description

Job Details

SOCIAL WORKER/ATTENDANCE COUNSELLOR

Job Details

Reports to: Senior Manager and Clinical Lead - Social Work and Attendance Services

Provides service to and works collaboratively with students, families, school/Board personnel and community partners to address emotional, social and/or behavioral needs that are inhibiting student achievement and well-being. Focuses on communication, learning outcomes, building capacity, support, safety and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

MAXIMIZE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND WELL-BEING:

• Support student mental health and well-being through targeted interventions, counseling, and evidence-based practices.
• Coordinate and advocate for services to support learning.
• Provide ongoing psycho-social assessments to address changing needs.
• Provide traumatic events support for students and school communities.

ASSESS RISK AND COMPLETE SAFETY PLANNING:

• Assess the safety and risk of students in the DDSB and create safety plans as required.
• Report to and consult with the child welfare for student safety.
• Provide clinical expertise as part of the Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) process
• Offer consultation and direct intervention as per the DDSB Suicide Intervention and Prevention Protocol.

CONDUCT A SPECTRUM OF ATTENDANCE INTERVENTIONS:

• Implement attendance interventions in Durham District School Board to address persistent absenteeism and improve student achievement.
• Provide support to students, families, and school staff to create plans for better attendance and academic success.

BUILD CAPACITY:

• Help build capacity of DDSB staff and families through in-services.
• Provide school-wide programs to enhance learning and well-being for students and staff.
• Participate in committees and writing teams to develop DDSB and community policies, programs, and protocols.

COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS:

• Maintain Social Work and Attendance Service Records in line with legislation, professional standards, DDSB expectations.
• Track and analyze statistical data related to social work and attendance interventions.

Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive experience and competence in working from an Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive approach with demonstrated ability to work from an intersectional perspective.
• Experience and clinical knowledge in assessment of children and adolescents For the purpose of mental health and well being support and intervention
• Experience in the provision of individual and group counselling.
• Knowledge of mental health, child protection and community resources.
• Ability to work independently.
• Effective communication skills (e.g., oral and written)
• Knowledge of and ability to work under the parameters of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Workers, Guidelines and Standards of Practice.
• Ability to effectively interpret, understand and direct families, students, and school systems, identifying barriers to academic achievement, well-being, and safety.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures: Education Act, OCSWSSW, Enrollment Register Instructions, Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA), Child Youth and Family Services Act, health and safety, Mental Health Act, VTRA, ASIST/Suicide Intervention, Trauma Response Policy, Tragic Events, Equity, Transition Planning.

Education

• Completion of a Master's Degree in Social Work.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is required.
• A valid driver's license, access to a vehicle and insurance are required for this itinerant position, as it involves travel to various schools within the Durham Region.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in assessment of children, adolescents and families and in the provision of individual, family and group counselling is required.
• 5 years knowledge of mental health, child protection and community resources required.
• 5 years knowledge of school systems and programs is preferred.
• 5 years of experience working in a multi-disciplinary setting is preferred.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.
We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.