T2627-443 1.0 FTE Temporary Grades K-9 School Counsellor

School District 71 is an inclusive learning community that embraces diversity, fosters relationships and empowers all learners to have a positive impact on the world. Our mission is to work with our educational partners to inspire engaged, compassionate, resilient lifelong learners and cultivate a collaborative community together.

We invite applications for the position of:

• 1.0 FTE Temporary Grades K-9 School Counsellor

Position Overview

The K-9 School Counsellor supports the social-emotional well-being, mental health, and personal development of students within an inclusive educational environment. Working collaboratively with students, families, school teams, and community partners, the School Counsellor provides prevention, intervention, consultation, and counselling services that support student success, engagement, self-regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. Based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, counselling responsibilities may be focused on elementary, middle, or K-9 students.

The School Counsellor is an active member of the School-Based Team and works closely with administrators, teachers, educational assistants, district staff, families, and community agencies to develop responsive, strength-based supports that promote student growth, inclusion, and participation in school.

Responsibilities:

• Providing to provide short-term, solution-focused counselling services to individuals and small-groups that support students' social-emotional, behavioural, and mental health needs.
• Supporting students experiencing challenges related to anxiety, self-regulation, peer relationships, family changes, school engagement, emotional well-being, and other social-emotional concerns.
• Collaborating with students, families, teachers, administrators, and school-based teams to identify strengths, needs, and appropriate support.
• Participating as an active member of the School-Based Team and contributing to collaborative problem-solving processes.
• Conducting risk assessments and supporting safety planning in accordance with district procedures and professional practice standards.
• Facilitating referrals to community agencies, mental health services, and external support providers when appropriate.
• Consulting with school staff regarding student social-emotional, behavioural, and mental health needs.
• Supporting the implementation of preventative, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practices that promote positive school climate and student well-being.
• Assisting with transition planning and support for students experiencing significant social-emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to coordinate supports for students and families.
• Maintaining appropriate documentation, case notes, and communication in accordance with professional standards and district expectations.
• Supporting the development and implementation of positive behaviour, self-regulation, and student support plans where appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Educational Counselling, School Counselling, Psychology, Clinical Counselling, or a related field that includes a minimum 300-hour supervised school-based practicum.
• Valid BC Teaching Certificate.
• Successful teaching experience at the elementary and/or middle years level.
• Training and/or experience in counselling children and youth within educational settings.
• Training and/or experience in trauma-informed practice, mental health promotion, self-regulation, and child and youth development.

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Successful teaching and counselling experience working with children and youth in school settings.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective individual and group counselling services.
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development and evidence-based counselling approaches appropriate for school-aged students.
• Knowledge of therapies and intervention strategies relevant to elementary and middle school learners.
• Ability to build positive, trusting, and supportive relationships with students and families.
• Strong collaborative consultation and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teachers, administrators, educational assistants, parents, and community agencies.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting student well-being and success.
• Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and student-centred practices.
• Knowledge of social-emotional learning, mental health promotion, and inclusive educational practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive and relationship-based practices with Indigenous students and families.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful participation for all learners.

Our educational team is committed to engaging learners to develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and social competencies. Our educators use and develop best practices through meaningful and purposeful collaboration and inquiry. As lifelong learners themselves, our educators embrace diversity, apply assessment for learning approaches, and integrate technology in meaningful ways to personalize learning. Successful candidates will demonstrate a willingness to embrace and share the district’s commitments outlined above and model its principles in their practice.

Salary range is in accordance with the BC Teachers Federation and can be found by clicking this link: https://bcpsea.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/71-Salary-Grid-2026.pdf

To Apply:

School District 71 welcomes diverse candidates and encourages applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. As an inclusive learning community we are committed to actively creating and fostering a culture of inclusivity where voices are heard, people are seen, and values are respected. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, students and community, and we do so in a safe space fueled by curiosity and acceptance. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact: hr@sd71.bc.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply in confidence by submitting a cover letter, resume with supporting documentation and contact information for three (3) professional references through www.makeafuture.ca/comox - valley . Only applicants with a complete application package may be considered.

Please note : Candidate applications will be reviewed, and the best qualified candidate will be identified in accordance with the updated qualification language outlined in Article E. 22 of the SD71/CDTA Collective Agreement - https://bit.ly/SD71_CDTA_E22_Qualification_language_update_2025

We sincerely thank all applicants for considering us an employer of choice. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The successful applicant will be subject to the terms of the Criminal Review Act.

Thank you for your interest in School District 71 (Comox Valley)

An Equal Opportunity Employer

This job is classed under Educational counsellors (NOC 41320) in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Here’s how NOC describes the work in general; the posting above has the details for this job.

Educational counsellors advise current and prospective students on educational issues, career planning and personal development, and coordinate the provision of counselling services to students, parents, teachers, faculty and staff. They are employed by school boards and post-secondary educational institutions.

All jobs in this occupationFull NOC profile