School Mental Health Professional

**OSSTF - PSSP**

Comp. 26-24R

**School Mental Health Professional - Temporary**

**Location**:Timiskaming District Secondary School

**Start date**:As soon as possible until June 25, 2026 or return of absent employee

**Vacancy Details**:1.0 FTE (full-time, 35 hours/week)

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary educational support teams to assist students and their families in academic, behavioral, social and emotional growth;
- Conduct individualized assessments of students in consultation with families and the school to determine the level of service required in each case;
- Develop long-term and short-term intervention plans consistent with curriculum; students needs, strengths, diversity and life experiences; and social and emotional factors;
- Provide one on one counselling and small group work for students with needs;
- Use a variety of appropriate formal and informal tools and techniques including observations and interviews to evaluate the progress and performance of students and families;
- Liaise with schools and families to facilitate increased positive contact through communication and understanding of individual student needs and circumstances;
- Liaise with district specialists, special education staff and community supports to align and collaborate on multidisciplinary approaches to support;
- Monitor and re-assess student progress on an on-going basis, and adjust intervention strategies accordingly, to ensure that assessment needs are realized;
- Assist students and their families in navigating the health care and/or social services system within our catchment area and advocate for them as needed;
- Consult on such issues as attendance, confidentiality, ethnicity and diversity, mental health, behavior management, discipline, crisis intervention and child abuse and neglect;
- Maintain clear, concise and accurate documentation as per board policies and procedures and as per guidelines established by OCSWSSW;
- Protect privacy and confidentiality in accordance with legislation, board policies and standards established by OCSWSSW;
- Use sound professional judgment and act in accordance with all board policies and procedures and standards of practice set forth by OCSWSSW;
- Maintain professional registration through training development activities including conferences, in-services, workshops, peer support, literature searches and research.

School Mental Health Professionals offer a unique perspective and knowledge to educators working with children, adolescents, and their families. This can assist educators in offering the most valuable and complete education to all students to facilitate the development of students as healthy, contributing members of society.

**JOB REQUIREMENTS**:
All school board employees are required to submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Screening, comply with The Educational Act, its regulations and all board policies and procedures. Due to the requirements of this position, a Valid Ontario drivers license and use of own vehicle is required.

**PREFERRED

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Undergraduate or graduate degree in mental health or related field and is governed under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and Health Professions Act (ie., Medicine Act) and/or is registered with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
- Three to five years experience, preferably working with youth and families;
- Must hold a valid drivers licence and have access to a vehicle. **ACCEPTABLE

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Child and Youth Worker diploma or Social Service Worker diploma (and is registered with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers)
- Must hold a valid driver's licence and have access to a vehicle
- **SKILLS**
- Experience working with Indigenous students and their families as well as students with learning disabilities and their families;
- Thorough knowledge of child development, social and environmental influences, cultural diversity, impact of trauma, family systems and age-appropriate change strategies;
- Suicide intervention training and ability to manage crisis situations efficiently and effectively;
- Group management, community relations and facilitation experience;
- Excellent organizational time management skills and the ability to work within crisis situations;
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to anticipate issues and concerns and facilitate proactive responses;
- Knowledge of the various community agencies serving our catchment area;
- Knowledge of early childhood and adolescent development, requirements of students with diverse needs, current parenting practices, individual and family therapy, group dynamics, different theories and methods of communication;
- Strong mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills and the ability to influence decision making;
- Strong collaboration skills, interpersonal skills, and task or