If Interested

The Ministry of Education is committed to supporting targeted projects, initiatives and programs to improve the outcomes of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and to build the knowledge of all students and educators regarding First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, perspectives and contributions. The SCCDSB Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education targets resources and supports to enhance the engagement, learning, performance, and well-being of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The SCCDSB Mental Health Strategic Plan identifies Indigenous student mental health and acknowledges these circumstances, and uses connections to culture, land, and language to build and strengthen purpose, hope, belonging, and meaning for Indigenous students and their families.

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Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Student Mental Health Services/Mental Health Lead, the individual will:

• Work closely under the guidance of the Board’s Indigenous Education Lead to assist in the leading and implementing of programs, services, and other supports to meet the needs of Indigenous youth and families, with a focus on student academic success and wholistic well-being.

• Effectively relate to and communicate with Indigenous students, families, communities, and professionals.

• Address the whole needs of the students through an evidence-based lens.

• Provide therapeutic counseling to students individually and in groups using evidence informed practices such as CBT, trauma care, DBT, talk therapy, play therapy, etc.

• Document the services provided to each student in a manner consistent with the policy requirements of the school board.

• Provide service in a manner consistent with professional social worker ethics.

• Maintain a schedule of school visits. Provide progress reports/summaries/caseloads to the supervisor when requested.

• Administer evidence-based screens and assessments and plans as identified by the school board for the purpose of improving health outcomes.

• Consult and collaborate with school personnel to support students facing challenges.

• Assist in development of appropriate Mental Health goals for the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEPs/Learning Assistance Plans).

• Provide support to school staff in understanding developmental levels/stages and needs of the students and their families.

• Attend intake meetings and prepare presentation forms for community consultations for the most vulnerable students.

• Adhere to the suicide prevention protocol via the administration of suicide assessments and create safety plans to support these students in schools.

• Provide support to divisional and school-based crisis management teams.

• Work in consultation with multi-disciplinary members such as child and youth workers, principals, resource teachers, speech-language pathologists, guidance counsellors and classroom teachers.

• Provide service for parents as an integral part of the task of helping students (increase parents’ understanding, their constructive participation in resolving problems, and their awareness and use of appropriate and available resources).

• Serve as liaison between home and school and make home visits when necessary.

• Assist in the referral of students to and serve as liaison with such outside agencies as Family Services, Child & Family Services, Justice, and Health Services, etc. following the school board’s pathway of care.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Social Work, BSW yet preferably a MSW, or Indigenous Social Work with a minimum of 3 years related work experience.

• Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

• Comprehensive first-hand life experience deeply rooted in local Indigenous communities combined with a deep understanding of systemic barriers and challenges that Indigenous students face in the education system and the wider community.

• Experience in clinical counseling, along with certifications in Indigenous counseling practices and providing trauma-informed healing practices.

• Extensive knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.

• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.

• Knowledge of an Indigenous language (e.g., Anishinaabemowin, etc.)

• Understanding of the diversity and composition of Indigenous communities and awareness of local community resources, including local Indigenous community organizations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (dealing in a courteous manner with the student, parents and teacher; maintain confidentiality (recognizing the sensitive nature of the information); ability to remain sensitive, responsive and objective to the needs of the students.

• Demonstrated clinical skills in standardized assessments and screens, planning and programming.

• Demonstrated documentation procedures as a social worker.

• Strong understanding of child and youth mental health issues and outcome-based strategies.

• Strong team player, punctual, reliable, organization, time-management and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated computer experience specific to Microsoft Office; Google; report writing.

• Valid Ontario Driver’s License (Class G).

• Possessing certificates in ASK (Assessing suicide in kids), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy and trauma care would be an asset.

• Strong knowledge of School Mental Health Ontario practices and the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.

Accommodation

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment. We will accommodate the needs of the applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process; see Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy ( ).

Please advise the Human Resource Services Department to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.