Indigenous Professional Student Services Personnel (Attendance Counsellor)

The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board invites applications for the position of Indigenous Professional Student Services Personnel (Attendance Counsellor- K to 12) 1.0 FTE Permanent Position (12 months).

Under the supervision of the System Principal, the Indigenous Professional Student Services Personnel (Attendance Counsellor) will provide academic support, engagement and advocacy for Indigenous students through culturally safe, relationship-based approaches with students, families, and community partners. This role focuses on building strong relationships with Indigenous families and communities and supporting culturally relevant interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with students, parents, school personnel and/or community agency personnel to develop appropriate and supportive responses to student absenteeism or nonattendance.
• Initiate appropriate procedures and processes to improve school attendance that will be in the best interests of the students.
• Access resources and support and determine possible intervention strategies.
• Refer students and/or families to appropriate counselling or treatment programs.
• Act as a liaison between the school, home and community agencies and supports as required.
• Prepare and maintain accurate student case notes.
• Prepare related correspondence/reports to Ministry of Education, School Board Officials, parents and community organizations.
• Assist in initiating or designing alternate programs for students with regular attendance issues.
• Provide culturally grounded support to students experiencing challenges with engagement, well-being, or school participation.
• Work across multiple schools within the board and build respectful relationships with Indigenous students, families, and community partners.
• Adapt approach to meet the unique needs of different school communities and family situations.
• Work with students, families, and school staff to develop and support personalized engagement plans that help students reconnect with school through their strengths, interests, and cultural supports.
• Check in with students regularly to ensure school re-engagement plan is being implemented and followed.
• Maintain regular check-ins with students to build trusting relationships, support their well-being, and ensure culturally relevant supports and engagement plans are helping them reconnect with school.
• Work with the Indigenous Education team to provide cultural programming and organize school-wide activities when necessary.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in human services with an emphasis on Indigenous Studies or equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nation cultures, values, ways of knowing, and histories.
• Identification as a First Nation, Metis or Inuit community member and lived experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of community services.
• Fluency skills in Ojibwe is an asset.
• Proven cultural counselling and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with SafeTALK Training.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening document deemed satisfactory to the Board.