Competition # PDSB26-049This position will require the successful candidate to work evenings and up night (overnight) shifts. Positions are available starting September 2026.
A rewarding opportunity awaits you at The Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch. Currently we are looking for Student Support Counsellors to support the lodging program at the Sagonaska Demonstration School in Belleville. Our mission is to provide a place where students, families and staff find support to learn, grow, discover and, ‘Believe in Themselves.” At the Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch, Sagonaska Demonstration School we provide a specialized student lodging school program for students with severe learning disabilities whose educational needs cannot be adequately met in their local boards. Our schools are known for being forward thinking and technologically advanced. Upon entering our doors, you will feel the excitement and commitment to learning excellence.
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of students with severe learning disabilities? Do you have a background in child development and experience in a childcare related field? If so, this career opportunity with the Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch may be of interest to you.
About the job
• Provide supervision, guidance and instruction in social and life skills for severely learning-disabled students in a student lodging setting;
• Plan, organize and implement customized individual and group programs designed to meet the personal, emotional and developmental needs of students using a multi-disciplinary approach, including by not limited to physical activities and recreational programs, safety and behavioral plans, social skills lesson plans;
• Supervise, guide and instruct students in student lodging, acting as an appropriate role model, modeling appropriate interpersonal relationships, cooperatives, social skills;
• Maintaining meaningful and appropriate communication with students, parents and other professionals by, knowing appropriate communication skills with students; preparing reports on student progress for parents, liaising with parent to update them on student progress in the student lodging program; participating in case conferences and reviews with other professionals.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and up night (overnight) shifts.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• Post-secondary educational certificate and/or equivalent training, education and working experience in a childcare related field.
• Current certification in Standard First Aid, CPR with AED, Defensive driving and Behaviour Management Systems (BMS).
Skills and Knowledge
• Your background and experience enable you to meet the following requirements:
Knowledge and understanding of learning disabilities and behaviour management techniques;
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate effective social/recreational/leisure programs geared to meet the needs of students with severe learning disabilities;
• Knowledge of relevant legislation/policies/procedures/guidelines/practices that address student care and safety;
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and other professionals.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Willingness and ability to work shifts.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
- diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- accessibility
- Anti-Racism Policy