Supply Social Worker​/Attendance Counsellor

Position: SUPPLY SOCIAL WORKER/ATTENDANCE COUNSELLOR
Location: Whitby

Job Details
The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

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…