School Counsellor

**Penticton Indian Band**

291 Outma Sqilx'w Place

Penticton, British Columbia V2A 0E3

Telephone: 250-493-0048 Fax: 250-493-2882

**Position Title: School Counsellor**

**Pay Range**:Based on education & experience

**Department**:Education

**Type**:Non-management

**Status**:Full Time

**Hours of Work**:35 hours per week

**Responsible to**: OSCS Principle

**Location**: PIB Education Offices, 291 Outma Sqilx'w Place, BC V2A 0E8

**Deadline: May 19, 2023**

**Job Summary**:
Under the supervision of the School Principal, the School Counsellor will provide counselling services to support students attending Outma School. Counselling services will include collaborating with the School Based Team and PIB Integrated Case Management Committee; and supporting students with their social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. The Counsellor will assess, monitor, and implement wellness plans with students that are culturally relevant and holistic coming from a strength-based perspective. The Counsellor will work collaboratively with the school administration and teachers to identify individual student needs and appropriate school counselling programs to support the school, students, and their families. The position will embrace diversity, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of the Okanagan Syilx people.

**Job Responsibilities and Work Performed**
- Network, communicate, and collaborate with internal and external organizations, PIB Health and Social Development Department, School staff and administration.
- Set up referral system, regular check-in, and ongoing communication with staff.
- In consultation with School Based Team, prioritize student needs, develop plans and set goals with students.
- Provide individual and group counselling and programming for students with identified concerns and needs.
- Attend School Based Team meetings and support development of IEPs with Learning Assistance Teacher.
- Team lead in social/emotional services, crisis management, and conflict resolution for students.
- Assist with the resolution of student disciplinary issues as they arise.
- Ensure proper case management and documentation of student files.
- Provide support strategies and resources, and advocate on behalf of students and parents regarding educational, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
- Conduct assessment of students using a variety of assessment tools.
- Provide resources and referrals to students, parents, and teachers for counselling services beyond the scope of the school counselor.
- Develop culturally appropriate programming that embraces Okanagan Syilx Protocols, traditions, and practices.
- Provide a safe and trusting environment and space for students to connect and receive counseling support at school.
- Provide referrals to outside counselling services.
- Monitor student attendance and behavioral data to identify and establish school counselling program goals.
- Supports implementation of school growth plan and PIB Strategic Planning.
- Other duties as reasonably requested by the Principal.

**Accountability**
- Maintains a positive image and provides quality counselling services to students to ensure positive, healthy relationships, boundaries, and professionalism.
- Maintains schedules, plans meetings, and establishes student files/records.
- Monitors student attendance and behavioral data to identify and establish school counselling program goals.
- Conduct school counselling program assessment annually to review extent of program implementation and effectiveness.
- Share school counselling program data with School Based Team, Student family, and Supporting Professionals.
- Some irregular hours may be required to meet with students and parents.
- Privacy is essential for confidential and frank discussions with students and other professionals involved.

**Relationships**

**Internally**
- Reports to OSCS Principal
- Collaborates with school staff
- Collaborates with PIB Social Development Staff
- Attends monthly Integrated Case Management Meetings

**Externally**
- Accountable to parents, guardians, and students
- Networks with outside Mental Health and community agencies

**Decision Making**
- The level of decision making is high. Professional assessment and ongoing evaluation of student’s mental health/wellbeing is essential.
- High degree of trust and confidentiality required.
- Follows Code of Ethics for appropriate professional body related to Counselling Practices and Educators.

**Qualifications/Requirements**:
**Minimum Academic/Educational Requirements**
- Masters in Counselling Psychology or related field in Social Sciences; MA In Social Work, M Ed in Counselling, MA Clinical Psychology.
- Bachelor of Education with current certification
- Certified Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association/ BCACC/or other recognized professional designated association

**Specific Job Skills and Levels**
- Knowledge of behavioral and mental health issues that face