Guidance Counsellor

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

At the SNP-STEAM ACADEMY, students earn a high school diploma, an industry-recognized college diploma, and gain relevant work experience in their field of study. The school creates a seamless program for students to acquire the academic, technical, and workplace skills and knowledge that employers need.

**Function & Overview**

The Guidance Counsellor understands and exemplifies the vision behind this new program at STEAM Academy. The Guidance Counsellor will serve as the facilitator for the attaining of students’ academic or career goals and assist them in developing their social and mental capacity. The goal is to enable the students to become mature and well-functioning adults. The Guidance Counsellor is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinǫshǫ:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ga’nigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

**Duties**

The duties of the Guidance Counsellor include, without limitation:
**Planning, Developing & Organizing Instruction**
- Developing and implementing an all-encompassing educational and counselling plan with modern methods of teaching and mentoring;
- Creating a master staff timetable in collaboration with the administration;
- Creating timetables in the SIS (PowerSchool) in collaboration with parents and students;
- Exporting student course selections from Myblueprint (MBP) into the SIS;
- Utilizing the LMS (D2L) to assist in planning students' pathways;
- Participating in training, supervision, staff meetings, special education meetings, and meetings with other professionals, as requested by the parents and approved by the Principal;

**Counselling**
- Following OSCA guidelines of confidentiality in counselling students;
- Assessing students’ attributes and help them realise their strengths;
- Implementing and overseeing a high school guidance program that provides students with a safe and non-judgmental way to voice their concerns or worries;
- Advocating for students;
- Assessing students’ needs and gather relevant information to make well-informed decisions for next steps;

**School Environment**
- Paying attention to cultural or societal differences when working with the students;
- Assisting school administrators and educators with planning and carrying out school-related programs and events;
- Fostering equal opportunity practices encouraging participation in the school community;
- Taking a solution-focused positive approach to problems, helping both the student and school staff see the strengths and potential of the student;

**Academic & Mental Health Support**
- Analyzing student performance in the classroom to provide guidance and identify potential problems;
- Monitoring student progress to reinforce accomplishments and improve student self-efficacy;
- Conducting group or individual counselling sessions to assist students with problems or concerns while remaining professional and in line with OSCA;
- Identifying behavioral problems or at-risk students and act appropriately;

**Community Collaboration & Communication**
- Consulting with parents, teachers, and other interested parties to gain perspective on what a student may be experiencing and what they may need to experience success;
- Communicating with teachers, parents, and administrators on an ongoing basis about behavioral and academic concerns;

**Joint Work & Referrals with Other Staff/Programs/Services**
- Completing assessments and tests, analysing results, and providing feedback;
- Engaging in regular communication and collaboration with the classroom teacher, parents and students regarding student(s) programming and progress;
- Coordinating services with outside supports as required;

**General Administration**
- Studying and updating student records including transcripts, file Ontario Student Records (OSR);
- Using appropriate software (MBP) to develop IPP’s with students and families;
- Preparing and presenting reviews on progress;
- Pathway planning that aligns with students interests and needs (MBP); and
- Other related duties, as required.

**Qualifications**

**_ Education & Experience_**
- OCT (Ontario Teaching Certification) in good standing;
- Minimum requirement Guidance Part 1; and
- Education in various models of teaching, best counselling practices and regulat