Awards

Requirements

Successful completion of an education level equivalent to at least a two-year community diploma in Social Services or Child Care or one-year university or successful completion of the Ministry of Education School Attendance Counsellor's Certification Program, which is deemed to be acceptable to O.A.C.A.S. (Please send proof with your application). The Certification Board must receive a letter from your Superintendent or Supervisor (your immediate Supervisor) verifying that you have served satisfactorily for at least two years as an Attendance Counsellor.

Membership in the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services

The Certification/Professional Development Committee is responsible for determining acceptability for O.A.C.A.S. certification by examining and evaluating the following: 

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1. A copy of a post-secondary diploma or degree.

2. Supervisory Officer letter of support/confirmation of two years of employment as an Attendance Counsellor.

3. Current active O.A.C.A.S. membership.

4. Completion certificate of the Association’s Attendance Counsellors’ Certification course or equivalent.

5. Completion certificates of any additional courses or workshops.

In the event of a denial of certification appeal, the Executive Committee will hear the appeal for a decision by majority vote.

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If hired before March 25, 1970, you may qualify for certification under the grandfathering clause.

Please Note: Part-time Attendance Counsellors are also eligible for O.A.C.A.S. certification.

Please send a letter applying for certification to:

Jennifer Johnston (jennifer_johnston@lakeheadschools.ca), Certification Chair

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Award of Merit

This award can be given annually to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in our profession through service to their community or our association. Supporting documentation, such as a nomination letter and letters of support, must be submitted by the deadline for consideration. Please email Terri Finlayson at finlayt@adsb.on.ca, in order to recommend someone for an Award of Merit.

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Certification of Appreciation

This award can be given to any member who has provided exemplary service and demonstrated support of the Association and/or profession. This Certificate is decided upon and awarded by the President.

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Orv Watson Award

This award can be given annually in recognition of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession, the Association, and the community.

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Both the nominator and the nominee must be current members of the OACAS.

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Supporting documentation, such as a formal letter of nomination and letters of support, including a letter detailing their community involvement, must be submitted by February 1st annually for consideration.

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The Executive Committee will decide by a two-thirds majority vote at the Winter Executive Meeting.

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If you would like to nominate a colleague or require additional information, please get in touch with Terri Finlayson at finlayt@adsb.on.ca