OASW Recognizes Claire Perusse with the 2022 School Social Work Achievement Award

 

OASW and its School Social Work Advisory Group are pleased to recognize Claire Perusse, MSW, RSW with the 2022 School Social Work Achievement Award.

Claire has been a school social worker with the French Catholic school board Mon Avenir since September 2017. Claire has a quiet strength in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and passion to encourage others and shine a spotlight on solutions to better support mental health in schools. 

Claire works to recognize and address systemic barriers and oppression that greatly affect mental health outcomes, by challenging current views, advocating for those being marginalized and empowering them in their journey. Claire has a particular interest in preventative actions such as workshops and support groups that can equip youth for life. Claire is inspired daily by the resilience and perseverance of young people who continue to challenge our world to do better.

See what Claire's nominators and colleagues had to say about her commitment and contributions:

"Watching Mme Perusse in action, it becomes very clear that social work is a calling for her. She cares passionately about students and demonstrates commitment to them by consistently being a trusted role model. She treats all students with fairness and respect, no matter what challenges they face. Mme Perusse is very empathetic and sensitive to the factors that influence the well-being of each student as well as the school staff."

"She is acutely aware of the different systems that have an impact systemically on her clients. She works to improve any shortfalls of these systems with grace, efficacy and extreme professionalism. She is respected within our community and praised by anyone who has the pleasure to work with her. In her role, she steps outside of her bubble to ensure there is intergenerational support for families in need. She makes a real positive difference in the lives of those she touches, which is evident in the positive feedback that is received by others."

"She is a model for the delivery of exemplary services both in her professional and personal life. On a personal level, she is very calm, easy to approach, flexible and accessible to others. She believes in others’ abilities and communicates this to them. She is positive, optimistic, empathetic, an active listener, and has strong team building skills. Claire has a strong ethical base and always makes practice decisions with this in mind."
 
Claire accepted her award and shared remarks with attendees at our virtual School Social Work Symposium on November 15.

OASW congratulates Claire on being selected for this award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to students and families.

OASW’s School Social Work Achievement Award recognizes an OASW member, RSW and School Social Worker in Ontario who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to students, families, social work values, and their communities. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to equity and social justice, exemplified through community advocacy and engagement, enhancing equity-focused learning, knowledge, and practice at a school, community, or system level, grounding practice in decolonizing and anti-racist approaches promoting systemic change, or promoting equitable and just learning environments for students and the entire school community.

About OASW
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing 8,500+ social workers. All members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor, master, or doctoral level. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.