Manager - Social Work, Mental Health

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) is a racially, culturally and linguistically diverse board that serves approximately 148,000 students and 17,000+ employees. In PDSB, 87% of students are racialized, non-white, representing 162 different ethnic backgrounds. Students in Peel have 121 different first languages. Student diversity also exists in terms of gender and gender expression, sexuality and in terms of ability and faith. A responsive and empathetic understanding of the lived experiences of the students and communities we serve is vital to those who will take on leadership roles within the PDSB. The workforce consists of teachers, office staff, custodial staff, education assistants and professional staff. The workforce is largely unionized through PDSB’s numerous affiliated bargaining agents.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Superintendent of Safety and Wellbeing, through the Coordinating Principal (Mental Health), the Manager, Social Work – Mental Health will be responsible for providing leadership and direction for Social Workers (PSSP) in collaboration with the other Social Work Managers. This is a 12-month position.

This position will offer the successful candidate an opportunity to further develop leadership skills in a system-wide context as part of a dynamic, collaborative, cross-departmental multi-disciplinary team. Given the review of the Peel District School Board and the resulting directives by the Ministry, there is an expectation that applicants will have an understanding of anti-Black racism, anti-ableism and other forms of discrimination as we look to lessen the disparities in educational outcomes for marginalized students, particularly those with intersectional identities. As well, the successful applicant will possess an exemplary understanding of effective, culturally relevant and responsive assessment and counselling practices, inclusive practices, special education policy and procedures, tiered supports, differentiated instruction, and an understanding of the critical importance of Learning for All.

Social Workers applying for this position must hold appropriate qualifications and be a member in good standing with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and support the Mental Health Strategy and Yearly Action Plan as a member of the Core Mental Health Leadership Team and in collaboration with the PDSB Mental Health lead (Coordinator of Student Wellbeing), the Coordinating Principal – Mental Health, and the School Mental Health Ontario implementation coach
• Provide leadership of internship programs for graduate level trainees in Social Work
• Coordinate, develop, provide, and/or facilitate training plans for continuous professional development of Registered Social Workers in collaboration with other PSSP discipline managers and the staff professional learning steering committee
• Provide clinical supervision and professional consultation to Social Work staff; provide clinical supervision to Social Workers in accordance with their level of experience and competence (i.e., 4-10 session per year)
• Support the development of formal and informal leadership opportunities for members of PSSP; provide onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing support for members of the team
• Develop new and support existing policies and procedures that adhere to professional practice standards and best practices in the delivery of Social Work services to schools to support student achievement and well-being
• Provide consultation and support to Special Education and Safety and Wellbeing leadership team and the multidisciplinary central team
• Develop new, and manage and coordinate existing resources to support program implementation and services for students with Special Education and mental health needs
• Manage the recruitment and selection process for designated employee group; co-manage the performance appraisal process; determine allocations and work assignments; provide coaching, counselling and guidance to Social Work staff
• Identify and recommend service quality initiatives related to Social Work staff; coordinate and consult on special funding projects related to mental health services (e.g., Priorities and Partnerships Funding - PPF)
• Direct service and consultation to Superintendents and school Administrators and work with various board departments and committees
• Liaise with community agencies, private practitioners and professional associations as needed
• Actively participate in data collection and analysis, writing of board and committee reports, and Ministry reports several times per year
• Provide support for staff and school administrators as needed
• Support program implementation aligned with the School Improvement and Equity Planning (SIEP) process
• Liaise with community agencies and parents/guardians to provide information and support for students, to represent the PDSB as a member of multi-agency committees, and participate in collaborative advocacy efforts, multi-agency initiatives, and grant applications as needed
• Ensure the effective use of SIS Special Education Modules, Health Information Systems, and other instructional technologies
• Model principles of equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression as reflected in the Ministry's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy and Learning for All
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Social Work and registration with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario
• Minimum five (5) years of broad range experience related to School Social Work practice, assessment and counselling protocols - previous experience working in an education environment required; experience in a supervisory role preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of current research and evidence-based practices in the fields of Social Work, Children/Youth Mental Health, and student well-being
• Knowledge of collective agreements, Board policies and procedures, and applicable regulations and legislation
• Ability to manage, organize and co-ordinate Social Work services in a
• Leadership capabilities in planning and implementation of Social Work services, collaborative decision making and team building
• Demonstrated effectiveness in written and oral communication, including presenting information, facilitating discussions, and preparing formal reports
• Demonstrated experience as a community liaison
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a diverse school community and/or work environment
• Demonstrated competence in confidential record-keeping, clinical notes, and knowledge of the implications of PHIPA within a school board context

Additional Notes

Preference will be given to qualified members of the Administrative Staff Group (ASG).

Application Process

Your completed application must include:

• your resumé
• cover letter, and
• a one-page reflection (12 pt font) which describes the ways in which you have lead or positively contributed to an initiative or project which resulted in mutual accountability and an increase in equitable outcomes for students/clients.

Careers with the Peel District School Board

Commitment to Equity, Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism

The Peel District School Board is committed to equity in employment. We are committed to equitable hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the full diversity of the Region of Peel. We will provide reasonable accommodation (e.g. an accessible location, rescheduling of interviews that fall on Days of Significance etc.) based on any of the human rights protected grounds, during the hiring process if advised in advance. We are also committed to inclusion, anti-oppression and anti-racist practices while also supporting the continuous growth and development of an equitable and empowered education system at the PDSB.

Criminal Background Check

Successful candidates must provide a satisfactory Criminal Background Check prior to commencing employment. Please review the requirements for the Criminal Background Check.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but will only be contacting candidates whose skills, experience and qualifications best meet the requirements of the position. All communication to applicants regarding this job posting, including an invitation to complete skills assessments and/or a job interview if applicable, will be made through email. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check their email as listed on their TalentLink account.

Land Acknowledgement

The land upon which we work, live and sustain ourselves is the ancestral and treaty lands of the Miichizaagiig Anishinaabek also known today as the Mississaugas of the Credit, the rightful caretakers and title holders of this land. We also recognize the rich pre-contact history and relationships which include the Anishinaabek and the Onkwehonwe. Since European Contact, this land continues to be home to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As responsible community members, we value the diversity, dignity and worth of all people. Colonialism displaced and dispossessed Indigenous peoples of their ancestral lands and continues to deny their basic human rights, dignities and freedoms. We are committed to learning true history to reconcile, make reparations and fulfill our treaty obligations to the Original Peoples and our collective responsibilities to the land, water, animals, and each other for future generations.

Discover why you should consider a career with us!