Social Worker/Attendance Counsellor, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB)
Social Work

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I knew that pursuing a social work career would allow me to carry out social justice in my day-to-day life, which is one of my major core values. Throughout my life I’ve always taken joy in supporting others along their life journey. I love the fact that in my job I can make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Can you tell me about your social work journey and how it has led you to your current position?

Over the past 13 years in my social work career, I have been working with children, youth, and adults. I started my career in child welfare where I worked for a little under 4 years. I then transitioned to my school social work career at the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) in 2012, where I had initially completed my Master of Social Work with field placement. During my 9 years at the HCDSB I was able to polish anti-oppressive skills while working with diverse students, families, and parents/caregivers.

What is your current role? What does a typical work week look like in this role?

I currently work at a school board in the GTA as a school social worker and attendance counsellor. Overall, my role is to support students in meeting academic success and overall wellbeing by working with students and their families, school personnel and community members. During a typical work week, I attend assigned schools, community, and board meetings, and regularly participate in professional development trainings and events. My intervention with students and families varies depending on the needs or goals that have been identified. I could be working directly with a student for the entire school year, whereas on another case my main intervention may require me to work directly with the parents/caregivers for a few months.

One of the phrases that I’ve learned to embrace over the past several years as a school social worker is to “go with the flow”. Although I always have plans and meetings to attend on any given day, I am mindful that my schedule and priorities can change at any point. In other words, I may have a school meeting to attend for the morning but could be called to support with a crisis which warrants intensive involvement for several days.

Can you tell me more about your current position? What are some challenges you face?

I love that in my role I have the opportunity to impact and witness positive change in the lives of the students and families that I work with. As with many professions, sometimes it can feel like there isn’t enough time in a day. As a result, I’ve learned over the years to prioritize what needs to be done during my workday. Most importantly, I make sure that I offer the best version of myself by ensuring to fill my cup emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

What did you take away from our social work program?

Studying at York University at the undergraduate and graduate level has really positioned me to see the world from an anti-oppressive and critical lens. These ways of seeing the world have become a part of who I am, not just within my professional life but also within my personal life. When I’m working with a student and/or family, I am aware that each person brings with them various aspects of their identity that influence their life, experiences, and way of seeing the world. As a Black social work practitioner, I find it of equal importance to constantly engage in self-reflection around how my identity influences the interactions that I have with others, the experiences that I get and the lens that I have of the world.