Student Life Counsellor

YMCA of Greater Toronto•Toronto, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Life Counsellor supports middle and high school students (grades 6-12) in achieving academic success and personal well-being through counselling, goal-setting, and career guidance. This role promotes a positive school climate by addressing students' academic, social, and emotional needs, while facilitating communication between students, parents, educators, and community service providers. The counsellor leads initiatives focused on mental health, conflict resolution, and anti-bullying, empowering students to thrive and reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in social work, counseling, psychology, or social work, or equivalent experience, and experience working with neurodiverse students.
Relevant professional experience working with students in a school, such as teaching, counseling, or student advising.
Comprehensive knowledge of student support services, counseling techniques, special education and Ministry regulations, and best practices in student advocacy and intervention, enabling informed decision-making and effective implementation of support strategies.
Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for working with youth with learning disabilities, social/emotional needs, and/or language processing challenges who are under-performing or disengaged from their learning process.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with students, parents, teachers, and administrators, fostering positive relationships and facilitating productive interactions.
Organizational skills and attention to detail, necessary for managing student records, coordinating services, and implementing interventions.
Excellent written communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to support student success and address their diverse needs.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate activities such as Parent/Teacher interviews, Open Houses, and Parent Socials.
Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity, including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design.
Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in social work, speech-language pathology, or psychology, demonstrating advanced knowledge and expertise in special education for neurodiverse students, is an asset.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate student records related to counseling sessions and interventions, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy regulations.
Facilitate communication between students, teachers, parents, and administrators to address concerns, provide support, and ensure student success.
Collaborate with teachers and administrators to identify students in need of additional support and coordinate interventions and accommodations as necessary.
Coordinate and oversee student counseling services to address academic, social, and emotional needs.
Develop and implement programs and initiatives to promote positive behavior and prevent bullying, fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.
Develop and deliver workshops and training sessions for students, parents, and staff on topics such as mental health awareness, navigating friendships, and conflict resolution.
Collaborate with community organizations and agencies to provide additional support services for students and families, including referrals for mental health counseling and other resources.
Complete all documentation required by YMCA Academy and the YMCA of Greater Toronto in a timely manner.
Participate in YMCA Academy co-curricular and extra-curricular activities such as Jack Club, Social/skills, and after-school clubs.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA Academy and programs.
Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
Perform other duties as assigned.