Youth & Family Counsellor - C2324/049

District Overview

Driven by our goal of having students thrive in their personal achievements, Saanich Schools provides challenging and engaging educational programs within a safe and nurturing learning environment for the 8,000 students who live and learn here. Our school district is comprised of 18 schools with the singular focus of delivering high quality education so our students can realize their personal goals which include post-secondary and employment opportunities around Canada and the world. Our staff of over 1,300 caring professionals are here to make dreams turn into reality.

Current Shift: 8:00am
- 3:30pm Monday to Thursday

(Includes 1/2 hour unpaid lunch)10 months per year while regular classes are in session

Schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the students and schools.

Pay Rate: $38,584.94

Location: Position is based out of the Children's Development Centre (CDC) program. Work may take place on-site at CDC, in the community, or at neighborhood schools. Work may be supporting elementary, middle, or secondary school communities.

CLASSIFICATION POSITION

School Support Worker Youth and Family Counsellor

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the School Administrator and working as part of the School Based Team, provides assessment, case planning, and intervention for students at risk or experiencing severe social, emotional behavioural, mental, and/or developmental disorders and/or difficulties. Acts in a non-teaching capacity as a consultant to staff, students, parents, the school district and members of community agencies. Works in a variety of settings including school, client family home or appropriate community location.

DUTIES

Designs, implements, and monitors interventions and provides counselling to students and their families (may be individual, family and/or group counselling for identified students)

Recognizes the legislated responsibilities that are required in the capacity of a Youth and Family Counsellor

Assesses student’s family, school, and community functioning and determines how it affects the student and vice versa

Responds to emergent issues and concerns by assessing the situation, identifying the most appropriate response and recommending resources and assistance where necessary

Intervenes in crisis situations, determines, develops and implements appropriate management strategies

Develops and facilitates workshops, lectures and/or presentations for students, staff and/or parents

Determines working relationships with school staff, community agencies, and appropriate ministries based on individual student needs

Establishes regular communication with families and/or guardians

Establishes direct lines of communication and maintains effective liaison with community agencies, including MCF, Probation and Police Services, Mental Health and community based youth serving organizations

Consults and liaises with school, family and community resources as determined in collaboration with the School Based Team (school based team meetings may be initiated by the Youth and Family Counsellor)

Acts as a consultant/team member to school and community based committees/teams (i.e. staff meetings, Student Reviews, IEP reviews, case management updates, critical incident teams, risk assessment, intake, forensic, and probation conferences)

Acts as a referral source to and for the school, family and/or community services

Prepares written reports, forms, documents and reports as needed
- Performs other assigned duties which are within the area of knowledge and skills required by the job description

QUALIFICATIONS

Relevant Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care or Social Work, Master’s in Counselling or Psychology)

Three years’ experience in school or community environment

Basic knowledge of psychiatric and developmental disorders affecting children and adolescents

Knowledge and ability to counsel students and/or families individually and in groups (small or large)

Knowledge and ability to respond to multicultural and ethnic sensitivities

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to gather and assess information from a variety of sources

Ability to assess a situation and determine appropriate action

Ability to organize and participate in activities with students

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member

Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s license
- Or an equivalent combination of training and experience

DESIRABLE SKILLS

Sound knowledge of current community and agency resources

Familiarity with School Act, Community Services Act, and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Working knowledge of the medications prescribed to identified students

To Apply