School Counsellor
EducationFull TimeMerritt, BC
School Counsellor Counsellor (K-7)
Reports To: the Director of Education
Wages : $40 per hour or more depending of related experience and qualification
Hours: : 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri, though given the nature of the position, time and hours may vary.
All Applicants MUST provide proof of 2 Covid Vaccinations
JOB SUMMARY
The School Counsellor works within a multi-disciplinary team to provide prevention, assessment, referral, clinical counselling and follow-up services to students and family members affected by mental health and family issues. This may include confidential individual, family or group counselling, support for families and/or referrals for additional treatment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES
- Provide counselling and support to individuals, families.
- Respond to inquiries concerning available programs and services
- Provide mental health counselling regarding the cause, symptoms and prevention strategies of various mental health diagnoses
- Provide counselling regarding the use and effects of alcohol and drugs
- Prepare needs and risk assessments
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma issues
- Provide outreach counselling to students and their families
- Accept and make referrals to outside agencies when appropriate
- Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all student conversations and referrals
- Utilize the Electronic Management Record system to document all client encounters in a timely manner
- Coordinate and facilitate educational workshops for students and families
Additional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Communication Coordinator to develop promotional materials and information for health promotion initiatives
- Attend and sit on community and organizational committees
- Assist individuals to identify their need for treatment programs
- Liaise with treatment programs
- Assist clients to meet all requirements
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the school counselling program
- Other related duties as assigned
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in youth and First Nations, Social Worker in good standing with the College of Social Workers or Regulated Health Professional, or a Counsellor certification and in good standing with the Reregistering authority.
Knowledge / experience
- Knowledge / experience working with K-7 students beneficial.
- Practice from a harm reduction philosophy
- Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health practice methods and professional skills
- Knowledge of community resources, treatment centres, social service networks and organizations
- Working knowledge of computer software (email, internet) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook), and Electronic Management Record systems Skills
- Advocacy skills
- Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse client groups with varying levels of comprehension and language capability, Nłeʔkepmx Fluency a plus
- Effective listening, observation and facilitation skills to effectively support students
- Strong collaboration skills to manage service delivery in conjunction with case managers, clients, their family members/caregivers/SDMs and other health care professionals
- Ability to deal with demanding interpersonal situations and respond with good judgment and understanding
- Ability to communicate information effectively through a variety of means including meetings, reports, letters and presentations
- Advanced oral and written communication skills in English to establish and maintain a wide range of contacts with health care professionals and community organizations (oral
Other Requirements
- Valid BC driver’s license and use of own vehicle.
- Must provide a Criminal Records Check with vulnerable sector screening
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
The Counsellor must be able to prioritize situations and manage time, and may find that they are needed at irregular hours
causing fatigue and stress. They may experience stress and stress related symptoms due to
interacting with students and families in crisis and may be exposed to illness and
unsanitary conditions so must take care to protect their own health.
Environmental Conditions
The Counsellor may find their office to be busy with both scheduled and unscheduled
students. They must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations,
including crisis situations. They may experience isolation because members of the community may not
always agree with the decisions they make, and the commitment to confidentiality may not allow
a response.
Apply on this site or to
HR@LNIB.net
Position will remain open until filled by a qualified candidate