First Nations, Métis and Inuit Social Worker

We acknowledge and honour the land on which we reside and occupy as part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe people. These Indigenous Nations, agreed to mutual sharing obligations and responsibilities as stewards of the land and water. Today these responsibilities and obligations extend to all Peoples. These lands are steeped in rich Indigenous history, traditions and modern cultures that are proud and vibrant.

RATE OF PAY:

• $76,266 - $80,944

REASON FOR VACANCY:

• Existing vacancy

JOB OVERVIEW:

Reporting to School Principal and the Mental Health Lead, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Social Worker works as part of the multidisciplinary team to provide advocacy, mentorship, assessment, recommendations, and support implementation plans to provide service and support to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and their families. This position will liaise with, and refer First Nations, Métis and Inuit identifying students to appropriate community agencies and provide brief clinical crisis intervention services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess socio-emotional and mental health needs for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, providing brief crisis intervention and clinical support for mild-to-moderate mental health and addiction issues.

• Design and facilitate Tier 1, 2, and 3 mental health literacy and awareness programs in collaboration with the Mental Health Lead.

• Emergency Response: Provide trauma-informed support and staff debriefing following tragic events (e.g., death or suicide) under the direction of system leadership.

• Manage "check-ins" and discharge plans for students transitioning from external care, including Kingston Health Science hospitals and outpatient programs.

• Lead referrals to medical clinics and community agencies, maintaining rigorous case management follow-up and ongoing clinical documentation/statistics.

• Partner with system leaders and community stakeholders to develop specialized programs and service plans tailored to Indigenous student needs.

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and communication of the Board’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.

• Consult with administration and in-school teams to communicate assessment results and provide recommendations for individual and group support plans.

• Work as an integral member of a diverse team of staff, students, and system personnel to ensure holistic student wellness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum post-secondary completion of a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work, or Bachelor of Social Work, and registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers in good standing.
• Deep knowledge of Indigenous cultures, history, and contemporary realities, supported by strong local community connections.
• Minimum 1 year of professional social work experience (educational/community settings preferred); direct experience with Indigenous communities is a strong asset.
• Trained in ASIST (or similar suicide intervention) and familiar with a tiered service model and relevant legislation (e.g., Education Act, MFIPPA).
• Proven analytical, crisis intervention, and communication skills within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and access to a reliable vehicle for travel.

ACCOMODATIONS:

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is committed to a qualified workforce that is representative of the diversity of the people in Ontario and across the communities we serve.

We welcome applicants from candidates with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences as a member of a marginalized group, including but not limited to:

• First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples
• Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin
• Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical or mental) disabilities
• Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require an accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process please notify them when contacted, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This information is collected under the authority of the Education Act, and M.F.I.P.P.A and is used to determine eligibility for employment. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 521/01 Collection of Personal Information, criminal record checks and vulnerable sector screening will be required of all HPEDSB employees who have direct and regular contact with students.

ABOUT US:

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) serves approximately 15,185 students each day at 38 schools (31 elementary, two K-12; four 7-12, one secondary). Supporting student achievement is the goal of approximately 1,720 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning.

The district covers a geographic area of 7,220 square kilometers bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.

The region connects the outdoors with small cities, quaint villages and rolling rural landscapes. Here you will discover decades of tradition, mixed with new and emerging technology, creativity and innovation. Surround yourself with 1,200 km of shoreline in vibrant cities and towns accessible by highway and rail (1.5 hours to Toronto, 2 hours to Ottawa). Explore wilderness trails and sandy beaches, experience world-class fishing, enjoy exquisite culinary experiences and dozens of wineries. Perfect your golf swing at 23 golf courses, or take in Canadian arts and heritage attractions. Create your own story and picture yourself here!

Learn more about HPEDSB and Hastings and Prince Edward counties on the page.