Student Support Counsellor

The W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind is a community-based school for students who are blind, visually impaired, and deafblind, under the Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch with the tradition and reputation for meeting the academic, personal, social, emotional, and developmental needs of the individual children. The student lodging program is an extension of the school program for students who do not live close enough to access daily transportation and runs from Monday - Friday during the school year. Academic and student lodging programs support each other in the provision of a comprehensive curriculum. The School Principal and Student Support Manager work together toward a successful experience for all students. Learning continues after the daily academic program in after school programs that promote: Language & communication Life skills Social skills Independence Student support staff are invested in facilitating every student's growth and independence. Do you want to make a difference in the lives of students who are blind and/or visually impaired? Do you have a background in child development, experience in a childcare related field and the ability to facilitate effective programs for students who are blind and/or visually impaired? If so, this career opportunity with the Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch, may be of interest to you. OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism: We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace. Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service. We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation. What can I expect to do in this role? Provide supervision, guidance, intervention, and instruction for students who are blind, and/or visually impaired in planned and organized programs in student lodging in a school setting. Plan, organize and implement customized individual and group programs designed to meet the personal, social, emotional, and developmental needs of students who are blind and/or visually impaired using a multi-disciplinary approach. Supervise, guide, and instruct students who are blind and/or visually impaired. Provide sound physical care and maintain a safe/secure environment for students in the student lodging program. How do I qualify? Mandatory Community college certificate and/or equivalent training, education and working experience in a child related field. Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR. Current certification in defensive driving and Behaviour Management Systems. **Skills and Knowledge**: Experience working with students who are blind and/or visually impaired. Demonstrated ability to facilitate effective individualized developmental, social/life skill programs to meet the needs of students who are visually impaired and who may have additional challenges. Knowledge of orientation and mobility needs of students who are visually impaired. Knowledge of relevant legislation/policies/procedures/guidelines/practices that address student care and safety. Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and other professionals. Sound judgment and problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds to assist with student transfers. Willingness and ability to work shifts.