1.0 Permanent Attendance Counsellor - West & East Region

OSSTF - Education Workers

1.0 Permanent Attendance Counsellor - West & East Region

Effective September 2, 2026

Reporting to the Mental Health Lead, this position will actively monitor student attendance in North Bay and surrounding area schools.The Attendance Counsellor is a key member of a multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively with students, families, school staff, and community partners to support regular school attendance and engagement. Using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches, this role identifies and addresses barriers to attendance.

The position includes outreach to families across school, community, and home settings, including home visits as appropriate, to support student re-engagement in learning. The Attendance Counsellor supports schools in maintaining accurate and up-to-date attendance documentation in alignment with Ministry requirements.

Qualifications:

• Three (3) year Community College diploma and/or university degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, or a related field
• Current registration and membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or ability to immediately register
• Minimum of two (2) years’ direct experience providing counselling support to children and youth (Kindergarten to Grade 12) in an educational or related setting; with focus on engagment with Secondary School students
• Demonstrated experience supporting students and families within a school setting

Knowledge/Skills Required:

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations impacting the role and work of the Attendance Counsellor
• Experience with modifying individualized interventions to support the unique needs of each student
• Demonstrates empathy and social/cultural sensitivity in order to build and miantain trust with students and families
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and procedures related to student attendance
• Familiarity with student information systems, attendance tracking software, and data analysis tools
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed documentation
• Effective problem solving and analytical skills with respect to resolving attendance conflicts
• Proven experience and ability to work confidentially and handle confidential information with discretion
• Presents with an understanding of child and adolescent behaviour and the interconnections with social environments at school, home and in the community
• Ability to act as a liaison between community agencies, home, and the school
• Ability to support re-engagement in school through relationship-building, barrier reduction, and collaboration with families
• Demonstrated ability to engage students and families using culturally responsive and relationship-based approaches
• Understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on school attendance
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Valid Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle

Rate of Pay: $63,516.00 to $77,186.00 annually

Please ensure your have uploaded your applicable Educational Diploma(s) and/or Degree(s) to your Apply to Education Portfolio

We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada

The Near North District School Board is committed to supporting an inclusive and accessible environment. Accessibility standards address issues that pose major barriers for people with disabilities (i.e. physical barrier, information or communication barrier, etc.). Please ask us how we may help you by contacting:

Human Resources Department, Near North District School Board

963 Airport Road, PO Box 3110 North Bay, ON P1B 8H1

Phone (705) 472-7015 ext. 5077 - Fax (705) 472-5412