RRNST Crisis Response Counsellor

Located in Kenora or Sioux Lookout, TBD

16 month position with possibility of extension

Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) is situated in beautiful Northwestern Ontario. KPDSB serves the educational needs of approximately 5,000 students within 17 elementary and 6 secondary schools in the communities of Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Vermilion Bay, Ear Falls, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Pickle Lake, Savant Lake, and Upsala. Additional information regarding the Board is available on the Board’s web site at

POSITION SUMMARY:

Following a tragic event, the Crisis Response Counsellor will be available for immediate travel to remote First Nations Communities when requested, to provide short term crisis intervention. Short term crisis intervention may include; community safety and stabilization, identification of vulnerable students, risk assessment, safety planning, pathways to care for mental health services, and working with community agencies and members to best support student and staff mental health during a time of crisis. This KPDSB position will work in collaboration with the Board’s Superintendent of Education, and Rapid Response Northern Support Team Lead to provide direct support for students and staff within the school community.

Ability to remain calm and focused during times of tragedy, demonstration of effective self-care and coping strategies, including ability to participate in mandatory debriefing following crisis response is essential. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment under critical circumstances is required.

Under the direction of KPDSB Superintendent, RRNST Team Lead and KPDSB Mental Health Lead, duties will include, but are not limited to:

Immediate availability to travel to First Nations communities following request for support

Ability to provide short term crisis intervention

Support Student Counsellor responsibilities when not in community deployment

Ability to maintain and store files for crisis counseling

Mental Health and Well-Being promotion in First Nations communities and KPDSB schools

Creation of tragic event resources and documents specific to First Nations communities

QUALIFICATIONS:

A valid driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel for school board related business as required. Completion of a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree (Masters or PhD) in Social Work, Clinical/School Psychology, Psychiatry and/or related field. At minimum 3-years providing counseling and/or short term crisis response required. Extensive experience providing short term crisis intervention including risk assessment, safety planning, plans of care to support mental health, demonstrated knowledge and experience working with FNMI youth and adults as well as Indigenous agencies and communities.

This position will remain open until filled. Applicants must include the name of three references and authorization for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board to contact the references under the terms of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Madison White, Human Resources Officer

The Board thanks all applicants for indicating their interest in this position, however,

only those selected for a personal interview will be contacted.

Confidential Information provided by applicants will be used for the purposes of this competition only and

will be protected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

This Board is an equal opportunity employer

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Christy Radbourne, Director of Education

Roger Griffiths, Board Chair