School Counsellors

The School Counsellor is responsible for providing therapeutic counselling services to support students that are experiencing social / emotional difficulties that are impacting the student s ability to learn, as well as their overall wellness.

These services are provided through individual therapeutic counselling and intervention counselling. The School Therapist liaises between the school, the family, and the community, to provide the most effective services for the students.

Responsibilities Counselling Services Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding current and developing best practices in the field of student wellness, trauma-informed and restorative practices, assessing and managing risk of harm, and creating a safe school culture.

Enhances the profile of the School Counselling Program and accessibility of services. Ensures that the authority-determined counselling Code of Ethics guides all services provided.

Ensures that all responsibilities and guidelines outlined in the Student Wellness Handbook are followed. Develops and implements a yearly counselling plan, in collaboration with school Administration, the Director of Counselling and Student Wellness, and relevant school staff, that is reflective of the needs of the school.

Ensures that a continuum of preventative, developmental, remedial, and intervention services are provided to students and their families to support student learning and wellness.

Provides individual and targeted therapeutic counselling services to students who are exhibiting emotional, behavioral, and social needs.

Provides informal assessment and intervention that may include individual, targeted and / or universal strategies, referral and follow up.

Develops, conducts, and supports workshops, training, and in-service presentations on various approaches, strategies and techniques to support students exhibiting emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties.

Supports administration and school staff in planning, implementing, and responding to events through a trauma-informed lens.

Supports students and parents / guardians in identifying, planning for, and accessing professional services to support student wellness needs.

Builds and maintains strong relationships with community elders, cultural advisors and parents / guardians of students with wellness and / or counselling needs.

Fosters relationships and builds partnerships with community supports (hospitals and clinics, medical professionals, mental health and addictions, community agencies, LGTBQ+, RCMP School Resource Officers, etc.

Demonstrates strong problem solving and coping skills, and is competent and flexible in intervention strategies. Consults with the Director of Counselling and Student Wellness and engages in the ethical decision making process when encountering ethical concerns.

Consults with other School Therapists in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Student Wellness Handbook. Prioritizes and organizes their schedule to meet the needs of families / students including community, school and home based visits.

Works a flexible schedule which may include occasional evenings and weekends to ensure that all crisis and requests for support are addressed .

Ensures that all personal registrations and certifications are valid and up-to-date. Crisis Intervention Support Provides crisis intervention support and services to students.

Assesses crisis as they arise and develops an appropriate plan for supporting those impacted by the crisis, in consultation with the Director of Counselling and Student Wellness, school Administrators, school staff, community agencies, and other professionals.

Participates in the Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) process. and is responsible, along with the team, for assessing the level of risk of a student harming themselves or others.

Assesses the level of risk and provides intervention for students showing signs of suicidal behavior, implementing the guidelines outlined in the authority-appointed suicide risk assessment model.

Models calmness in times of crisis. Advocacy and External Engagement Acts as an advocate for students and their families and is active within the school and community to increase education and awareness of health and wellness.

Knowledgeable of community agencies, their mandates, and referral procedures. Assists in the referral and advocacy process for community based resources and outside agencies including Health Services and Mental Health.

Additional Responsibilities Models and promotes continuous learning experiences through reflection, conversation, and practice.

Willing to engage in lifelong learning with respect to professional development, training, in-services and courses of study.

Provides thorough and timely data and information as requested. Qualifications Diploma or Bachelor s degree in a related human services field.

Masters degree in Counselling or related field is an asset 5+ years of experience in providing counselling services, preferably within a school environment.

Extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, families and social service agencies. Knowledge of emotional / behavioural disorders, complex needs within education, family violence, poverty, suicide prevention, addictions, bereavement and adolescent relationships.

Working Conditions Interacts with students, family members, staff, government agencies, and personnel under all circumstances, which may include traumatic situations.

Travel may be required. Manual dexterity required to use a desktop computer and peripherals. Overtime as required. Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting and supporting students.

Knowledge and Skills Clean criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance. Knowledge of the Cree culture and the traditions of the local First Nations communities.

Good numeracy and literacy skills. Ability to work successfully with students with challenging behavior. Ability to relate well to children and adults.

Exemplary interpersonal skills ability to listen and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders, work effectively as part of a variety of teams.

Understanding of relevant policies, codes of practice, and awareness of relevant legislation. Proven ability to organize, evaluate, communicate and present information, both verbally and written.

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions. First Aid qualification or skills preferred.