School Counsellor

Position Summary 

Seabird Island is committed to supporting the holistic development of students and fostering a culturally safe learning environment. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a School Counsellor to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the learning and well-being of students and the broader school community.

Under the direction of the Principal, the School Counsellor provides culturally informed counselling, consultation, coordination, and educational support to students. This role involves delivering personal and social counselling, facilitating collaboration between school and community agencies, and promoting an inclusive school culture that empowers students toward positive change. The School Counsellor will also engage in community relations activities to support both students and the wider community.

This is a Term Contract ending on June 30th 2026 with potential to sign on for the next school year.

What you'll do 

Student Support & Counselling

• Create a safe, positive, and nurturing environment that fosters trust and open communication with 
  students.
• Provide counselling to students and families to build self-esteem, personal responsibility, and essential 
  skills such as decision-making and social interaction.
• Support students in taking ownership of their personal choices and decision-making processes.
• Offer appropriate interventions to address school-related challenges and issues.
• Promote personal and social development aligned with each student’s developmental stage.
  

Academic & Career Development

• Enhance students’ educational achievement through goal setting, individualized learning plans (SLPs, 
  IEPs), and activities that encourage effective study and work habits.
• Assist students in exploring career opportunities and understanding the educational skills required for 
  future pathways.
• Facilitate career education by guiding students and families in clarifying career options through 
  developmental activities focused on planning, awareness, and decision-making.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents, healthcare professionals, community 
  agencies, and other support staff to strengthen students’ social and emotional development.
• Coordinate counselling services for students, parents, and teachers, making referrals when necessary.
• Contribute to the overall goals of the counselling program through informational, organizational, and 
  curricular initiatives.
  

Instruction & Skill Development

• Provide direct instruction to students in areas such as peer helping, conflict resolution, social skills, and 
  life skills.
• Support the development and implementation of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) in partnership 
  with school administrators and professional resource personnel.
• Observe and document students’ strengths, achievements, and areas of need to inform ongoing support.

Administration & Professional Conduct

• Maintain accurate student records and complete required administrative tasks.
• Attend and actively participate in school staff meetings and cultural events.
• Uphold professional standards by conducting oneself in a manner that reflects positively on the 
  teaching profession, the Employer, and the Seabird Island Community.

Cultural Engagement

• Strive to learn the Halq’eméylem language and consistently promote its use within the classroom.
• Contribute to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous 
  knowledge, traditions, and ways of being.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

What you Bring 

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, or a related discipline with a focus in counselling.
• 3 years of school counselling experience. Teaching experience is also considered an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive, supportive, and professional relationships with students.
• Strong leadership, motivational, and interpersonal skills.
• High professional, moral, and ethical standards.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, administrators, and community partners.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Training in elementary counselling techniques.
• Experience supporting students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Student Learning Plans 
  (SLPs).
• Knowledge of career counselling practices and developmental guidance strategies.
• Willingness to contribute to a positive school culture through participation in extracurricular activities.

Cultural Competencies 

•  Commitment to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being.
• Understanding of the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities, and ability to provide trauma-informed support.
• Willingness to learn and promote the Halq’eméylem language within the school environment.
• Ability to integrate Indigenous perspectives into counselling practices, educational planning, and student support.
• Active participation in school and community cultural events to strengthen relationships and foster 
  belonging.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Principal

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-employment screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.