OSSTF - PSSP

Comp. 26-333

Closing date: 2026-07-02 @ 4:00 pm EST

Regulated School Mental Health Professional - Indigenous Focus

Location: Timiskaming District Secondary School

Start date: August 31, 2026

Vacancy Details: 1.0 FTE (permanent position with an end date of June 25, 2027)

This posting is for a new position.

District School Board Ontario North East is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Regulated Mental Health Professional – Indigenous Focus. Reporting directly to the Mental Health Lead, Indigenous Education Lead, and the Superintendent of Special Education and Mental Health and Well-being, the successful candidate will assist children and families who identify as Indigenous, teachers, and school administrators to maximize a child’s educational experience. They respond to referrals by providing culturally appropriate consultative support to school teams, culturally sensitive intervention with students and families, and liaison with community agencies. Travel is required.

Job Requirements

All school board employees are required to submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Screening, comply with The Educational Act, its regulations and all board policies and procedures. Due to the requirements of this position, a Valid Ontario driver’s license and use of own vehicle is required.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments of students who identify as Indigenous in collaboration with families and school staff to determine appropriate supports. Develop, implement, monitor, and adjust culturally responsive, strengths-based intervention plans that reflect students' social, emotional, educational, and cultural needs. Provide individual and small-group counselling using trauma-informed, culturally safe, and evidence-informed practices. Collaborate with families, school staff, district personnel, and community agencies to coordinate supports and promote student well-being and success. Support students and families in accessing health, mental health, and social services, including system navigation and advocacy when appropriate. Provide consultation to school staff on student mental health, attendance, crisis response, child welfare, confidentiality, and culturally responsive practices as it relates to students who identify as Indigenous. Maintain accurate documentation and uphold professional, ethical, and legal standards, including confidentiality, board policies, and standards of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Engage in ongoing professional learning and maintain professional registration.

Skills And Qualifications

Experience supporting students who identify as Indigenous with diverse learning, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Experience supporting families who identify as Indigenous with diverse learning, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, family systems, trauma, cultural diversity, group dynamics, and evidence-informed intervention strategies. Demonstrated crisis intervention skills, including suicide prevention, risk assessment, and conflict resolution. Excellent collaboration, facilitation, communication, mediation, and relationship-building skills with students, families, school staff, and community partners. Knowledge of community resources, records management practices, relevant legislation (including the Education Act), and professional standards. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively in complex situations.

Indigenous Knowledge And Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous worldviews and culturally responsive, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and land-based social work practices. Understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, identities, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma. Ability to foster cultural safety, belonging, identity, and holistic well-being for Indigenous students in school settings. Experience building respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, organizations, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers. Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous.

Qualifications

Undergraduate or graduate degree in mental health or related field and is governed under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and Health Professions Acts (ie., Medicine Act, 1991) and/or is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Three to five years experience, preferably working with Indigenous youth and families; Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.

Compensation

Salary in accordance with the provisions outlined in the current OSSTF - PSSP Collective Agreement $61.28 per hour

Interested Candidates

Postings can be found on the DSB1 website at and on Apply to Education at Please apply using Apply to Education by clicking the Apply button. Applications received through any other method will not be considered.

DSB1 may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and assessing applicants, as defined under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). AI is not used to make final hiring decisions. In DSB1, final hiring decisions are made by DSB1 staff.

Additional Information

Internal applicants shall provide a covering letter indicating the position to which they are applying, a complete resume, a copy of their most recent performance appraisal (if applicable), a letter of support from their immediate supervisor, and a list of three references (one which must be the current supervisor).

External applicants shall provide a covering letter and a complete resume, including complete information about experience, training, employment history, dates, places and addresses of previous employers, a copy of their most recent performance appraisal (if applicable), and a list of three references (one which must be a current or recent supervisor). Must provide a Criminal Background Check with vulnerable Sector Screening prior to employment.

• AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-

It is the policy of District School Board Ontario North East to support fair, equitable and transparent hiring and promotion practices for all qualified employees and applicants for employment in order to attract and retain quality employees who facilitate the learning environment for our students. The procedures for the hiring and promotion of staff will be based on DSB1 Hiring Policy & Procedure 1.2.22.

Accommodation

Upon request, we will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates who have temporary or permanent disability, or who otherwise require accommodations based on the protected grounds highlighted in the Ontario Human Rights Code in respect to the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation please contact

The Board thanks all applicants for their interest; however, 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.

Jonathan Byer (Board Chair) - Lesleigh Dye (Chief Executive Officer)

2026-06-24