Social Counsellor

Six Nations Polytechnic • Brantford, ON

1d • CA$65,675 - CA$77,495 • Onsite

About The Position

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

Reporting to the Principal, Six Nations Polytechnic Secondary School, the Social Counsellor plans, coordinates, and supports the integration and delivery of Hodinohsó:nih cultural knowledge, teachings, languages, and activities within SNPSS. The Social Counsellor assists leadership by being a strong instructional and strategic leader who promotes a sense of well-being and positive Indigenous identity. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Social Counsellor helps students resolve problems that affect their day-to-day lives by listening attentively, offering problem-solving tools and resources, identifying the source of stressors, implementing coping strategies, and making appropriate referrals to community resources. The Social Counsellor, is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinosho:nih values of Ganigohi:yo:/Kanikoriiio (Respect of the Good Mind).

Requirements

• Completion of a formal post-secondary college or university program of three to four academic years in Social Work
• Registered and in good standing with The Ontario College of Social Workers or, equivalent certification for this position
• SafeTalk and Assist certifications required, or similar certification
• Over 3 years and including 5 years in a similar role within a team-orientated environment
• Experience working with children and youth requiring additional supports from a diverse ethno-cultural background
• Original Criminal Background Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening that is satisfactory to Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) prior to the first day of work at Six Nations Polytechnic
• Offence Declaration that is satisfactory to SNP by their first day of employment at Six Nations Polytechnic

Nice To Haves

• Masters of Social Work is an asset
• Ontario Native Education Counselling Association (ONECA) certification is an asset
• Prior experience working for an Indigenous organization is preferred

Responsibilities

• Developing and presenting lessons and workshops on executive functioning skills
• Developing and presenting lessons and workshops on mental health
• Assisting students in identifying, developing, and implementing learning strategies and study skills specific to their course materials
• Collaborating with teachers to develop success plans for students struggling socially or emotionally
• Collaborating with the Vice Principal and Principal to develop success plans for students with behavioral concerns
• Submitting a monthly report to the principal highlighting the services provided and the current mental health needs of the students
• Conducting counselling sessions with students on a one-on-one basis to assist with their own performance and develop individual student success plans for their success
• Building relationships with external services relating to community resources, counselling services, and support mechanisms
• Referring students to appropriate personnel for concerns relating to community resources, counselling services, and support mechanisms for achieving optimal well-being
• Encouraging and counselling students through life events, obstacles and challenges they face in their personal life that affect good mental health
• Taking a solution-focused and positive approach to problems, helping both the student and the school staff see the strengths and potential of a student in need
• Working jointly with the parents/guardians, Principal and Teachers regarding student attendance and strategies to improve presence on campus
• Participating in staff development, training events, and outside meetings as required and approved
• Teaching students interpersonal and communication skills, Hodinohso’:nih Values and coping mechanisms designed to build student confidence, responsibility, anger management and conflict resolution skills and to improve critical thinking and decision making
• Monitoring student achievement for students who have success plans established
• Assuming the lead role on the Crisis Response Team available within SNPSS to help staff and students deal with a crisis or tragic event
• Recognizing signs of child abuse, sharing this information with the principal, and making referrals to appropriate agencies as directed by law
• Consulting with appropriate school personnel and/or Police Services when students reveal information that puts themselves or others at risk
• Submitting a monthly activity report
• Maintaining confidentiality of verbal and written information, unless a parent/guardian explicitly requests that such information is shared with school personnel
• Consulting with parents when necessary to gain a better understanding of what their child may be experiencing and gain their perspective on their child’s needs

Benefits

• Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level