Permanent School and Attendance Counsellor Lead

This full-time permanent position is with an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a wide range of assignments. The Board operates 2 administration buildings and 20 schools (18 elementary, 2 secondary) in 13 communities covering 7851 square kilometers for the welfare of 4,580 pupils. For more information visit our web site at:
**JOB PURPOSE**:Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Educational Services, and in consultation with the Mental Health Lead, the School and Attendance Counsellor Lead takes on a lead role in providing attendance Support Services to address persistent absenteeism, school avoidance, and to ensure compliance with Education Act legislation and regulations concerning compulsory school attendance. This position involves collaboration with school administrators, student services, school teams, and community agencies to foster attendance and academic success for all students.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Act as a resource, plan, coordinate, and implement student success initiatives and board improvement planning.
- Provides guidance to Vice-Principals and Principals on attendance procedures, home instruction, homeschooling, handling doctor’s notes, temporary excuses, and exclusions.
- Prepare and maintain student documentation, including detailed notes and records for Ministry audits.
- Explains enrollment register rules, including prolonged absences.
- Analyze system attendance data to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Delivers professional development related to supporting improved school attendance.
- Offer guidance and mentorship to the School Attendance Counsellor (SAC) team and Campus Youth Workers
- Conducts yearly reviews of new rules from the Enrollment Register to ensure compliance and provides training to administrators and school secretaries.
- Coordinate Supervised Alternative Learning SAL in consultation with school administrators and board staff, including compiling information, presenting to the SAL committee, liaising with out-of-school supervisors, and supervising student placements.
- Arrange, develop, and review individualized programs with various stakeholders, including CHEO Mental Health and Addictions Nurse, Probation Officers, Family and Children's Services, and Indigenous Team.
- Identifies and engages homeschooling families within the board community, fostering connections to encourage their reintegration into the school system.
- Implements community events, like the It Takes a Village virtual event, fostering family engagement and support.
- Completion of a Social Services Worker Diploma;
- Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (or equivalent);
- Member of the Ontario Association of Counselling and Attendance Services (OACAS);
- Minimum 3 to 5 years clinical experience working with children, youth, and families in a community-based setting;
- Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, counseling, developing creative solutions and problem solving;
- A high degree of flexibility, and the ability and attitude to be a positive, contributing member of a multi-disciplinary team;
- Knowledge of the Education Act Legislation and Regulations associated with compulsory school attendance, the Child Welfare Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the legal system are assets;
- Familiarity with a wide range of special education needs and services;
- Dedication to continuing education and attending related Board sponsored courses/seminars;
- An excellent command of oral and written English; and
- A valid driver’s license, is in good standing with the Ministry of Transportation, and has access to a reliable mode of transportation for travel among the Board’s schools and offices.

**CLOSING**:All interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume including details of qualifications, experience and professional references.

**T**O NOTE**:

- Applications sent directly to the schools or to Human Resources will NOT be considered
- It is imperative that all **NEW**applicants to the Board submit an **ORIGINAL**current, satisfactory **Vulnerable Screening Criminal Background Check**prior to commencement of employment.

**COMMITMENT TO EQUITY**:
The RCCDSB is committed to **equity, diversity, and inclusion** in employment. We are dedicated to building an inclusive learning and working environment that embodies the values of human rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion, while reflecting and welcoming the diverse and distinct identities, experiences, and needs of our students and our communities.

**COMMITMENT TO FAIR AND ACCESSIBLE EMPLOYMENT**:
RCCDSB is committed to **fair and accessible employment and recruiting practices**, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access and opportunities. We strive to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free.

Bob Schreader - Chairperson

Mark Searson - Director of Education