The Durham Catholic District School Board is located just east of Toronto and is renowned for providing comprehensive Catholic education to over 25,000 students in 38 elementary schools, 7 secondary schools, and 7 continuing and alternative education centers throughout Durham Region.
The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications from qualified candidates interested in the following position:
POSITION: Social Worker/ Attendance Counsellor
LOCATION:
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)
Student Services (assigned school locations)
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
SALARY: As per APSSP Collective Agreement ($70,960 - $103,127 annually)
START DATE: September 2, 2026
Interested candidates are invited to apply through this posting on Apply to Education.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Social Worker/Attendance Counsellor works on a multi-disciplinary team under the administrative authorities of the Superintendent of Education – Student Services and the Senior Manager of Social Work Services. While in a school, the Social Worker/Attendance Counsellor is subject of the administrative authority of the Principal.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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To use evidence-based interventions and strategies to address specific areas of concern that can negatively impact students’ academic success and well-being, including mental health, school avoidance/attendance, personal concern/impact, caregiver concern/ impact;
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To respond to crisis situations and traumatic events;
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To provide individual/family social work assessments as they relate to educational, emotional, social or behavioural issues;
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To consult with personnel regarding social work/mental health assessments, recommendations and/or interventions;
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To consult with school personnel in accordance with the Suicide Intervention and Prevention Protocol and conduct suicide risk assessment and intervention as required;
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To empower students and their families to access community resources;
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To make referrals to and act as a liaison with appropriate outside agencies;
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To assist school personnel in supporting student attendance by helping to address barriers to student attendance;
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To act in the capacity of Attendance Counsellor case cases referred for prolonged absence or severe chronic absenteeism, adhering to the requirements outlined in the Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Enrollment Register Instructions for Elementary and Secondary Schools;
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To deliver workshops and training to students, school personnel and families in areas related to student mental health and well-being;
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To document all interventions and services using the electronic documentation system and prepare professional reports as required;
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To ensure that students and their families are provided culturally responsive services that enhance students’ learning experiences;
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Provide school board representation on community committees as required;
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Participate in the Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Team (C-TAIP) as required; and
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To carry out such duties as may, from time to time, be assigned by the Superintendent of Education – Student Services, Senior Manager of Social Work Services and the Superintendent of Education – Family of Schools.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Social Worker Degree (Masters) from an accredited university (please include a photocopy with your application).
Experience
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Professional Social Work experience in a school board setting or related setting;
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Previous experience in threat risk assessment is an asset.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Registered and in good standing with OCSWSSW;
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Proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple disciplines;
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Ability to promote and maintain excellent working relationships with community partners;
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Demonstrated ability to assess a broad range of psycho social issues that impact student achievement and proven ability to develop effective intervention plans to address the same;
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Demonstrated ability to provide short term evidence-based interventions with children, youth, families and groups within a school setting;
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Excellent crisis intervention skills;
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Working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of an Attendance Counsellor and proven ability to intervene effectively with students with attendance concerns;
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Excellent interpersonal, time management and oral and written communication skills;
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Must have valid driver’s license/insurance and consistent use of a vehicle; and
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Criminal Background Check suitable to the Board is a condition of employment
