Mental Health Counsellor (Competition #S1920-1572)

The Mental Health Counsellor (Addictions, Grief and Trauma Focus) is responsible for mental health support and counselling within two schools in the community of Ponoka Alberta. The primary area of focus is direct support for junior and senior high students in the areas of Addictions, Grief and Trauma. Additionally, this role will support students and families with navigating the complexities of community-based mental health support. The schools in Ponoka serve a diverse student population including a significant Indigenous student and family population living within the community and travelling from Mascwacis to attend Wolf Creek Schools. Assignment: Full-time 1.0 FTE Mental Health Counsellor position Duties to commence January 6, 2025, or upon mutually agreed upon with the successful candidate, and will continue until June 30, 2025. Assignment is located at The Brick Learning Centre located in Ponoka and the Ponoka Secondary CampusResponsibilities: Practice effective caseload management skills and provide personal counseling on an individual basis to students who are experiencing addictions, previous grief and trauma within a school setting. This counseling is: Short-term Goal-oriented Advocate for students and families and act as a navigator for youth and families to connect with community-based supports focused on grief, trauma and addictions. Uses a variety of informal and formal assessment tools to gather information/data on the nature of a problem and needs of individual students (e.g. interviews, inventories, rating scales, etc.) through a referral process Participate in school-based team meetings focused on student intervention and success building. Cultivates positive community relations/opportunities and conducts a community resource analysis/inventory. Provide Professional Development at the school and divisional level based upon request and specific to the school and staff needs. Documentation: maintain confidential and relevant case notes in accordance with the Wolf Creek School Social Worker/Family School Liaison Program Protocol (case note form, consent form, consent to release information outside school division, reports generated or received) within the guidelines of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and relevant counselling governing agency. Participate in monitoring outcomes and evaluating the Program (e.g. keeping statistics) Attend and contribute to School Social Work team meetings Engages in initiatives and workshops to update professional knowledge and skills, and shares this knowledge and expertise with colleagues in the school and school division, both informally and through formal presentations. Willingness to manage a flexible work schedule Collaborates with, and reports to, School Administration on a day-to-day basis Reports to Supervisor - Director/SSW Clinical Lead within the Education Services Department. Consults with Supervisor - Director/SSW Clinical Lead Supervision meetings with Supervisor - Director/SSW Clinical Lead Review files at the request of Director/SSW Clinical Lead or Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Strong Crisis Intervention Skills Exceptional adherence to confidentiality Maintains current knowledge of social and cultural factors that influence the learning environment and educational services of the school Maintain a working knowledge of relevant acts or codes such as: Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, etc. Exceptional knowledge of child development, particularly focused on youth 12-19 years of age Exceptional assessment, written and verbal communication skills Exceptional organizational and time management skills Provide ongoing guidance and consultation for the school-based teams as well as the Education Services Team Collaboration with service providers regarding mental health prevention, promotion and intervention Collaborate and advocate with community resources and agencies to provide supports and programming for students, families and schools Ensures effective communication & follow up with the Assistant Superintendent on any relevant issues Required Qualifications and/or Assets:A minimum of a relevant degree or diploma in a Human Services Counselling field with addictions, grief and/or trauma training and experience. Training and experience with youth addictions and grief counselling would be an asset. Experience working with Indigenous Youth, families, and communities is preferred. Please quote the competition number in the subject line of your email message. Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, including the name and contact information of 3 supervisory references via email, to: Mr. Kevin Newman Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Wolf Creek Public Schools 6000 Highway 2A, Ponoka, AB.(403) 783-5441 Email: kevin.newman@wolfcreek.ab.caPlease Note: The successful applicant will be required to provide, at his/her own expense, satisfactory and current vulnerable sector check within twenty working days of an offer of employment.