Secondary School Counsellor

Pacific Rim School District

4690 Roger Street, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 3Z4 Ph: (250) 723-3565 Fax (250) 723-0318

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

A School Counsellorplays a pivotal role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being within an educational setting. They provide guidance, counseling, and advocacy to help students navigate personal challenges, academic obstacles, and social issues. Whether it's assisting with career exploration, offering emotional support during difficult times, or facilitating conflict resolution, school counselors work collaboratively to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment conducive to students' overall growth and success.

Responsibilities:

• provide personal/social counselling to students
• provide direct service to students' families
• act as advocate on behalf of students and their families
• provide brief personal/individual counselling
• provide career/vocational counselling
• participate as a member of the school-based team and/or learner support team
• facilitate instruction to students in peer helping, conflict resolution, leadership, social skills and life skills
• provide support to other educators teaching Career and Personal Planning and in promoting healthy school environments
• act as liaison with community agencies
• liaise with associate elementary schools to facilitate successful student transition to secondary setting
• work in consultation with Case Managers in the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans for students who require additional support
• serve as a member of the school's Critical Incident Response Team and act as liaison to the district's Critical Incident Response Team
• work collaboratively with parents, staff, administration, community groups, and outside agencies in support of students
• work within the established district and community agency referral processes.
• collaborate on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for designated Intensive Behaviour students and assist staff members in implementing and monitoring these plans
• enhance students' educational achievement through goal setting, assisting with the development of Portfolios, IEPs and activities such as the promotion of effective work and study habits
• support the work of the school toward achievement of growth plan goals
• provide appropriate interventions to assist students with school-related problems and issues
• provide and support student learning in areas such as conflict resolution, social skills, and life skills
• other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• A master's degree recognized by the BC College of Teachers in counselling psychology or a related discipline with a focus in counselling, which included a practicum
• A professional teaching certificate
• BC Valid Drivers License

Skills:

• knowledgeable about reporting procedures for Child Abuse and Drug Abuse
• knowledgeable about reporting issues related to suicidal ideation
• be familiar with the Inclusive Education Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
• knowledgeable of future changes in graduation requirements to facilitate appropriate decision making for students in course and program selection
• knowledge of practical strategies and interventions rooted in Trauma Informed practice to support, guide and advocate for students
• successful experience working with a variety of learners with learning/behaviourial, and emotional difficulties and other special needs designated students would be an asset.
• strategies to identify emotional and behaviourial difficulties early – to understand obstacles to learning.
• excellent written and oral communication skills
• evidence of personal initiative and strong work ethic
• demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and staff to enhance the school as a learning community.