Casual On-Call Counsellor

Position Summary

North Island College invites applications from qualified and motivated individuals for casual on‑call and substitute assignments within the Counselling Department supporting the Comox Valley and St. Joseph’s campuses.

• Reporting to the Director, Student Affairs, the Counsellor works cooperatively with all student services personnel to provide educational counseling services to students. The incumbent liaises with other College departments to ensure the integration of support services to students and participates in College recruitment programs. The Director, Student Affairs, in consultation with Counsellors will assign appropriate time allocations for the following duties depending on the needs. The Counsellor is aware of the Mission and Values of North Island College, incorporating and practicing these values in everything they do. Position Competencies - Creates a Positive Climate and Culture;
• Effective Communication Skills;
• Effectively Develops Goals & Objectives;
• Focuses Effectively on Key Results and Priorities;
• Demonstrates a Focus on Continuous Improvement;
• Interpersonal Effectiveness. Duties & Responsibilities The Counsellor position at North Island College will include :
• Short term crisis intervention for current students in urgent and immediate distress usually involving referral to outside agencies.
• Education counseling to assist current students to adjust to academic life as an adult learner including the transition from high school to post secondary. This service may include a review of a student’s previous academic background, previous success or failures at school, barriers to learning, family commitments, work commitments, long term and short term goals, financial position, etc. Educational counseling may involve working as part of a team with other college employees who provide services to First Nations or Learning Disabled students for example. This service may also include providing information on exam anxiety, time management, how to prepare for exams, note taking etc. in individual or group presentations.
• Providing counseling via Skype or other means when student is not located on or near a College location.
• Assisting students in identifying short and long term employment goals.
• Teaching / facilitating seminars, relevant to student success and retention.
• Developing and providing group counseling sessions for students based on current needs and trends in the college environment.
• Career counseling to assist current students with institutional career exploration either individually or in groups. Students needing this type of counseling are unclear on their career direction. New applicants seeking Career Counseling will be referred to appropriate agencies in their respective communities.
• Institutional guidance, support and mediation to assist current students with institutional processes and policies. The Counsellor may be designated by the Assistant Director Student Affairs, to act as a complaint or appeal advisor in accordance with institutional policies.
• Professional Currency : the Counsellor will maintain currency in research and studies of students and counseling related issues, which will improve the successful integration of students in academic life. This will include :
• Attend relevant conferences and pursue ongoing professional development activities related to the responsibilities and duties of the position.
• Serve on internal, external, government and professional committees and work groups as required. Required Education & Experience - Master’s degree with a specialization in Counseling or equivalent from an accredited post-secondary institution.
• Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association or equivalent.
• Experience in providing crises, career, and educational counseling at a post-secondary institution is desirable. Current knowledge of the BC secondary school system is an asset.
• Sound knowledge of social services provided by government and community agencies. The position also requires knowledge of College services, programs and program requirements. Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities - Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to plan and prioritize, and efficiently meet deadlines;
• Positive experience in working in a team based environment is an asset;
• Knowledge and experience with a database student records system and proficiency with the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office and ability to use the internet extensively is required.