The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board

Invites applications for the position of:

Mental Health Worker (1.0 FTE Temporary Contract to August 31, 2024)

Reporting to and under the direction of the Superintendent of Education, Mental Health Leader and School Principal, the Mental Health Worker will follow the direction outlined in the Ontario Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, and the Catholic Care Association of Canada Health Care Ethics Guide, to coordinate and implement student mental health supports in alignment with the board-wide Mental Health Strategy.

The Mental Health Worker will enhance school board capacity to address student mental health and addictions support needs, with the following key responsibilities: Having an in-depth understanding and appreciation of First Nation, Metis and Inuit cultural values, and the ability to develop culturally appropriate approaches and interventions;

Providing individual and/or family counselling and support to students as determined necessary by the Mental Health Lead;

Identifying, assessing, and responding respectfully to sensitive and confidential student issues;

Developing and facilitating group sessions for students as required, and delivering classroom-based programming upon request;

Connecting and liaising with community agencies and outside professionals to ensure timely and targeted support for our students;

Participate in ongoing clinical supervision with the boards Mental Health Leader;

Demonstrating the ability to respectfully manage conflict and remain solution focused;

Ability to manage a caseload, effectively prioritize and provide follow up on a case-by-case basis;

Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously on a day-to-day basis;

Ability to build safe, supportive, and genuine relationships with all members of school communities;

Promote the educational and personal growth of students in our system that have mental health concerns by working with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies when appropriate;

Maintain case files and reports to track client progress;

Assist in developing appropriate goals for the students Individual Education Plan (IEP), in conjunction with Special Education staff, as appropriate;

Work cooperatively with other counsellors and student services personnel in collaboration with school administration;

Safeguard the confidential nature of the professional relationship with students/clients and the information obtained within that relationship as required by law.

Position Qualifications:

Registered in good standing with a College recognized by the Psychotherapy Act. 2007; Extensive experience within a school setting;

Current knowledge of policies, legislation, programs, and issues related to the community, its institutions, and services in their areas of practice. Up to date knowledge of pertinent Acts and Regulations and their amendment;

Knowledge of child and adolescent development, systems theory, family dynamics and the clinical assessment process;

Comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed principles and applications in an education setting;

Able to work independently and display initiative, with strong verbal and written communication skills. The successful applicant will have post secondary education in Social Work or a related field, and experience in counselling, case management, experience providing and/or facilitating adult learning, professional learning and training, experience working with children and youth who have mental health and/or addictions issues, appreciation and understanding of the philosophy and culture of a Catholic school system, understanding of evidence-informed practice, implementation science, and knowledge mobilization in schools, ability to deal with sensitivity and sound judgment in oral and written communications with staff and the public, excellent organizational, communication and coordinating skills, understanding and respect for confidentiality, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening document deemed satisfactory to the Board (please do not submit your Police Records Check with your application). This position requires travel within city limits.

Applicants are required to submit a completed Application for Non-Educational Positions (available on Board website), cover letter, resume, degree/diploma, OCSWSSW (or similar) college registration and certifications no later than 11:30 PM, April 08, 2024 directly to Apply to Education only .

*If you require accommodations at any time throughout the application process, please contact Employee Services prior to the posting closing date so that appropriate arrangements can be made.Tony Romeo Pino Tassone

Board Chairperson Director of Education