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: Casual/ On Call
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Responsible to: OSCS Principle
Location: PIB Education Offices, 291 Outma Sqilx'w Place, BC V2A 0E8
Deadline: Nov 10, 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 First Nation people and communities.
- Knowledge of internal and external community resources
- Knowledge of counselling prevention, intervention, treatment techniques and resources.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, and facilitate individual and group sessions with students with diverse needs around a variety of topics.
- Excellent organizational skills to maintain counselling schedules, meetings, and student files.
- Ability to work with students Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office, email, Excel, DRUMS
- Complex problem solving, conflict resolution, appropriate judgement, logic, and reasoning.
Minimum Level of Experience
- 3+ years experience working in a school setting with First Nation population.
Personality Traits (Required to be successful in position)
- Ethical; Caring; Approachable and Personable; Professional; Respectful; Trustworthy; Excellent Communicator (written and verbal), Dependable.
Assets:
- Knowledge of Penticton Indian Band Community issues.
- Knowledge of Okanagan Syilx Culture/Protocols, language, and/or a willingness to learn more.
- Counselling background.
- Must possess high physical and emotional energy to handle job stresses.
- Trauma informed.
- Aboriginal ancestry.
Working Conditions:
- Safe environment
- Drug and alcohol-free workplace
- Positive and encouraging
- Busy and stimulating
Entitlements to Benefits and Pension:
After successful completion of probationary period:
- CINUP - Group Insurance (that will cover Dental care, Vision care, Disability insurance, Extended health care, and Life insurance)
- Canada Life - Registered Pension Plan (RPP)
- Paid time off (2 weeks Christmas closure and entitled vacation time)
- 15 paid Sick days per year
Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal applicants as per section 21 of the Human Rights Code.
All Penticton Indian Band employees are encouraged to learn about the culture, language and customs of the Okanagan people and must be willing to continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge and further their formal education. The Penticton Indian Band provides equal employment opportunities to all, regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, political belief, and creed, disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions or that cannot be accommodated, or conviction for which a pardon has been granted. However, where two or more applicants have comparable or equivalent skills and qualifications, preference shall be given, in the following order, to persons with specific knowledge of and/or experience with Sn’Pink’TN (Penticton) language (N’syilxcen), culture, history and customs; persons of Aboriginal, Métis or Inuit ancestry; and all others. We thank all those who apply; however, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Casual
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Schedule:
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2023-11-10
