Indigenous Social Worker - 1.0 FTE Temporary

INDIGENOUS SOCIAL WORKER

1.0 FTE Temporary

Learning Services - Special Education

Applications from permanent employees from within the PSSP Bargaining Unit, other permanent Board employees, as well as external applicants will be considered.

Reporting through the Psychology / Social Work Lead to the Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-being - Special Education and Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-being - Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights Department.

The successful candidate will have specific responsibilities in Learning Support Services - Indigenous Education Division.

They are further accountable to the Principal of the Social Worker’s designated school(s).

The purpose of the position is to develop proactive relationships with First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, inquire into cases of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in crisis, advocate for families in need of support, and determine appropriate interventions based on social work assessment.

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has an opening for 1.0 FTE Temporary Indigenous Social Worker effective as soon as can be mutually arranged and ending February 10, 2025.

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required. Salary will follow the PSSP collective agreement with a range of $79,001 to $94,430 per annum.

Responsibilities :

• Provide social work intervention / support to First Nation, Métis and Inuit students and families
• Receive and respond to referrals for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in crisis as per Board Procedures
• Respond to traumatic events and participate in threat assessments as appropriate
• Receive and respond to concerns as identified by school Administrators
• Consult with school personnel and investigate the systemic barriers impacting First Nation, Métis and Inuit students
• Evaluate student and family progress on an ongoing basis and adjust social work intervention plan as necessary
• Build and maintain relationships with local First Nation, Métis and Inuit community partners
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications :

• Candidate must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Lived experiences deeply rooted in First Nation, Métis, and / or Inuit communities
• Master of Social Work degree
• Knowledge of First Nation, Métis and / or Inuit culture
• Understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit needs including identity, self-determination and cultural preservation
• Knowledge of First Nation, Métis and Inuit histories and current realities
• Knowledge of community resources, specifically First Nation, Métis and Inuit programs and services in Waterloo Region
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in counseling and consulting in school settings
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit candidates will be considered for this role
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records

Cultural Competency Assets :

• Experience working with First Nation, Métis and / or Inuit peoples / communities
• Working knowledge of First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures and traditions
• Working knowledge of wholistic Indigenous worldviews and practices

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

The Waterloo Region District School Board is committed to equity in employment. We are committed to fair and equitable hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve, who will foster the success and well-being of our students, and who demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in the classroom.

We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and / or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to :

• First Nations, Métis 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 and / or mental) disabilities;
• persons who identify as women;

and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Applicants who identify as First Nation, Métis and Inuit are encouraged to include the information within cover letters and / or resumes.

We will provide appropriate employment accommodations based on any of the human rights protected grounds to support candidates to participate in the hiring process.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants but will only be interviewing selected candidates based on job specific criteria and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

No phone calls please. For the safety of students, all school board staff will require a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check in accordance with the Education Act.