Indigenous Social Worker

Special Education and Student Services Department & Learning and Parent Engagement Department

OSSTF

*If you are a current OCSB employee, you must use your OCSB ATE account to apply to this vacancy.*

The OCSB is currently seeking Indigenous Social Worker . The possible work addresses for this position can be found in our .

Why Work With The Ottawa Catholic School Board:

The OCSB proudly serves over 50,000 students across 90+ work locations. We offer an education that respects all faiths' universal values and is grounded in Catholic principles. We foster innovation to inspire Deep Learning so that all can realize their full potential. We offer a collaborative work environment, fulfilling careers, and the opportunity to make a difference in our students' lives.

The OCSB is committed to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is dedicated to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students and our communities. The OCSB is actively seeking applications from Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized people, persons with disabilities, people from gender diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities, as well as individuals who can contribute to continuous diversification of ideas.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledges that the land on which our schools are located is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabek Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Under the direction of the Social Work Lead and in close collaboration with the Coordinator for Indigenous Education, the Indigenous Social Worker will be an integral member of the Special Education and Student Services (SESS) and the Learning and Parent Engagement Department multidisciplinary teams. This position is responsible for providing therapeutic support, including counselling and intervention strategies to address social emotional needs that adversely affect the academic and social development of all students, with a focus on Indigenous students. They provide individual and group therapy to Indigenous students, parenting and resource navigation support to parents, and consultation support and psychoeducation to parents and school staff. The priority of this role will be to support Indigenous students and their families however, may be expected to support other students/families as required. They will bridge the gap between home, school, and community, providing vital mental health interventions and navigating the complexities of student attendance. The candidates lived experiences and connection to Indigenous communities will uniquely qualify this person to support Indigenous students to remove barriers to education within the school environment.

Job Description

• Provide counseling and intervention strategies to address situations which may adversely affect the social, emotional, behavioural and academic development of students with priority provided to Indigenous students
• Perform risk assessments, develop safety plans, and provide immediate crisis intervention following tragic events
• Provide consultation and intervention to students with mental health concerns
• Screen incoming referrals to determine service fit, conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and collaborate with students, families, and staff on goal setting
• Provide support to parents/caregivers of students with social-emotional needs
• Build capacity throughout the educational system and conduct professional learning opportunities
• Participate as an integral member of departmental multidisciplinary teams and attend meetings in both the SESS and Learning and Parent Engagement Departments
• Consult with a variety of board personnel and liaise with community agencies, including Indigenous community agencies
• Support compulsory school attendance for Indigenous students and advise school administrators and educators on managing complex student needs and systemic attendance issues
• Support the system in implementing Restorative Practice approaches within school communities
• Willingness to participate in required training opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Required Qualifications

• Master of Social Work Degree
• Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• 5 years related and/or relevant experience
• Direct Indigenous lived experience, knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, deeply rooted in local Indigenous communities (applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate this)
• Familiarity in using a variety of clinical theoretical perspectives and evidence-informed practices from a trauma-informed and culturally-responsive lens
• An established foundation of relationships and connections with Indigenous community members
• Experience with a variety of software (including but not limited to Google Suite)
• Sound judgment and analytical ability
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• A valid Ontario drivers license (the use of a personal vehicle will be required)
• An equivalent combination of education, background and experience may also be considered
• Those who feel they may meet the above criteria through equivalencies are encouraged to apply and specifically outline the equivalencies in a cover letter

In Addition, The Following Will Be Considered An Asset

• Familiarity in working within a school setting
• Specialized training in Restorative Practices
• Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin, or other Indigenous languages

The anticipated start date of this full time (1.0 FTE ) permanent position is as soon as the recruitment process is complete. There is also a benefits and pension package available. The annual salary range is $96,013 - $112,815.