School Counsellor

_We Believe in Our Schools ~ We Believe in You_

With 51 schools, over 22,000 students and more than 3,000 employees, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is an education community bound together by our beliefs. Our facilities are located in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the province. Our Board encompasses a large and dynamic mixture of urban centers, small towns and rural areas throughout Central Ontario. From Tottenham and Bradford West Gwillimbury to Parry Sound and Huntsville, from Collingwood and Midland to Barrie and Orillia, we are focused on enhancing the educational and spiritual development of our students. We offer excellent programs, resources and supports so that students are provided with every opportunity to reach their future goals and aspirations.

**School Counsellor - First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students**

Open To: Open Competition

Job Location: Academic Services Office - 345 Livingstone Street East, Barrie, with travel throughout the school district

Position Type / Hours: Temporary 1.0 FTE, 35 hours per week, aligning with school year and school holidays (including time off in July and August)

Effective Date: Immediately to June 30, 2024

Rate of Pay: $50,719 - $84,833 commensurate with education, skills and experience

The School Counsellor is responsible for providing social, emotional and behavioural support to all students from kindergarten to grade 12. The primary focus of this role is to provide trauma-informed mental health support to students of **First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry**, and their families and caregivers. This role provides collaborative and consultative support to educational staff and other members of the Psychological Services Department to assist all students toward overall well-being and achievement

**Required Skills and Qualifications**:

- Master’s degree in psychology or related field, from an accredited University, plus 3 to 5 years related experience preferred
- Preference will be given to skills and experience in the areas of evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused counselling
- Demonstrated knowledge of historic and lingering factors requiring trauma-informed and culturally supportive approaches
- Previous experience in an educational environment preferred
- Demonstrated success in working with culturally diverse populations
- Knowledge of the communities within our jurisdiction and traditional territories
- Knowledge of approaches in positive mental health and life promotion
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to be an effective member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Previous experience in the provision of professional counselling and consultation services for children and youth with behavioural, social and emotional needs
- Previous experience in referral and discharge processes, team conferences, and provision of professional development training

Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request. Accommodation queries should be directed to the Human Resources Department at 705-722-3555 ext. 263.

As a condition of employment, new employees to SMCDSB are required, by legislation, to submit a satisfactory Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

THE BOARD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Frances Bagley, Director of Education

Maria Hardie Chair, Board of Trustees

**Our Vision**

OUR FAITH. OUR STUDENTS. OUR FUTURE.

**Our Mission**

Faithfully, inclusively and equitably, we inspire every student to realize their God-given potential.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract

**Salary**: $50,719.00-$84,833.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person