Counsellor

Job Title: CounsellorEligibility Status (Internal/External): *InternalDepartment: W̱SÁNEĆ CollegeJob Status: Continuing Position, August 31, 2026Details: Unionized position with the British Columbia General Employees Union (BCGEU)
*Internal Job Postings: Current and past employees as well as W̱SÁNEĆ community members. **External Job Postings: Open to all individuals not eligible under the internal posting criteria.
Closing Date/Time: 4:00 PM, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
*Important Note: Please ensure you are available for interviews June 11-12, 2026
SUMMARYResponsible for the mental health of students from Preschool to Adult Education.
SCOPEWorks under the direction of the W̱SÁNEĆ College Director in accordance with W̱SÁNEĆ School Board policy and procedures to provide culturally grounded counselling services for adult learners enrolled in W̱SÁNEĆ College programs. The Counsellor supports students' mental health, wellness, and academic success across programs, including, but not limited to, Adult Dogwood, Indigenous College Prep, Indigenous Community Wellness, W̱,SENĆOŦEN,ISTW̱ Language Revitalization programs, W̱SÁNEĆ Community-based Teacher Education Program, and Early Learning and Care. Drawing on W̱SÁNEĆ values and a trauma-informed, land-based framework, the Counsellor collaborates with program instructors, Elders, and community supports to address the holistic needs of adult learners — including those returning to education after significant gaps, navigating family and community responsibilities, or managing the effects of intergenerational trauma. Where operational needs and qualifications align, the Counsellor may teach into College programs on a limited basis, with particular emphasis on career exploration, life planning, and wellness-related curriculum that supports learners in identifying and pursuing post-secondary and vocational pathways. As a contributing member of the College's student services team, the Counsellor supports learner safety, academic readiness, emotional well-being, and connection to W̱SÁNEĆ community and cultural identity. The position may be required to fulfill duties of the same classification across W̱SÁNEĆ School Board departments as operational needs arise.
HOURS OF WORKUp to 6.25 hrs per day based on a schedule to be determined in accordance with the operational needs of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board.
QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in counselling or clinical Psychology – Ph.D. preferred
• Registered or licensed with appropriate association
• Liability insurance
• A minimum of three years clinical experience preferably in a school or community setting with Indigenous or other racialized youth (i.e., visible minority youth)
• Ethno-cultural expertise

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate an attitude of respect and sensitivity towards students with widely varied backgrounds, abilities, socioeconomic and educational status
• Patience
• Emotional stability
• Resourcefulness
• Extensive knowledge of multicultural counselling practices and theories
• Ability to work within a holistic framework
• Collaborate and build relationship with administration, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members
• Flexibility
• Ability to assess a situation in context and creatively build appropriate solutions
• Consider and work with multiple perspectives
• Ability to provide service one on one and in various settings (including the classroom)
• Understanding of trauma informed practice
• Basic knowledge of developmental disorders affecting children
• Ability to gather and assess information from a variety of sources
• Ideally participate in activities with students and their families during special events (may include some evenings)
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Prefer an ability to develop and facilitate workshops, lectures and/or presentations for students, staff and/or parents regarding mental wellness.

ONLY APPLICATIONS CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED:

• Resume and cover letter
• Three professional references (please provide telephone numbers & email addresses)
• University Degree
• Documentation of Licence to Practice
• Copies of valid certificates must accompany application
• Additional Supporting Documentation
• Proof of Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector

Preference will be given to First Nations Ancestry.
*FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*