Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

For more information, visitwww.snpolytechnic.com

At the SNP-STEAM ACADEMY, students earn a high school diploma, an industry-recognized college diploma, and gain relevant work experience in their field of study. The school creates a seamless program for students to acquire the academic, technical, and workplace skills and knowledge that employers need.

Function & Overview

Reporting to the Principal STEAM Academy, the Social Counsellor plans, coordinates, and supports the integration and delivery of Hodinohs:nih cultural knowledge, teachings, languages, and activities within STEAM Academy. The Social Counsellor assists leadership by being a strong instructional and strategic leader who promotes a sense of well-being and positive Indigenous identity. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Social Counsellor helps students resolve problems that affect their day-today lives by listening attentively, offering problem-solving tools and resources, identifying the source of stressors, implementing coping strategies, and making appropriate referrals to community resources. The Social Counsellor is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinsh:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ganigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

Duties

The duties of the Social Counsellor include, without limitation:

Planning, Developing & Organizing Instruction

• Developing and presenting lessons and workshops on executive functioning skills;
• Developing and presenting lessons and workshops on mental health;
• Assisting students in identifying, developing, and implementing learning strategies and study skills specific to their course materials;
• Collaborating with teachers to develop success plans for students struggling socially or emotionally;
• Collaborating with the Vice Principal and Principal to develop success plans for students with behavioral concerns;
• Submitting a monthly report to the principal highlighting the services provided and the current mental health needs of the students;

Counselling and Mental Health Support

• Conducting counselling sessions with students on a one-on-one basis to assist with their own performance and develop individual student success plans for their success;
• Building relationships with external services relating to community resources, counselling services, and support mechanisms;
• Referring students to appropriate personnel for concerns relating to community resources, counselling services, and support mechanisms for achieving optimal well-being;
• Encouraging and counselling students through life events, obstacles and challenges they face in their personal life that affect good mental health;
• Taking a solution-focused and positive approach to problems, helping both the student and the school staff see the strengths and potential of a student in need;

Community Collaboration & Communication

• Working jointly with the parents/guardians, Principal and Teachers regarding student attendance and strategies to improve presence on campus;
• Participating in staff development, training events, and outside meetings as required and approved;

School Environment

• Teaching students interpersonal and communication skills, Hodinohso:nih Values and coping mechanisms designed to build student confidence, responsibility, anger management and conflict resolution skills and to improve critical thinking and decision making;
• Monitoring student achievement for students who have success plans established;

Emergency Assistance

• Assuming the lead role on the Crisis Response Team available within the SNP STEAM Academy to help staff and students deal with a crisis or tragic event;
• Recognizing signs of child abuse, sharing this information with the principal, and making referrals to appropriate agencies as directed by law;
• Consulting with appropriate school personnel and/or Police Services when students reveal information that puts themselves or others at risk;

General Administration

• Submitting a monthly activity report;
• Maintaining confidentiality of verbal and written information, unless a parent/guardian explicitly requests that such information is shared with school personnel;
• Consulting with appropriate school personnel and/or Police Services when students reveal information that puts themselves or others at risk;
• Consulting with parents when necessary to gain a better understanding of what their child may be experiencing and gain their perspective on their childs needs; and
• 
  Other related duties, as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited post-secondary institution or a degree in a similar field; Master of Social Work is an asset;
• Registered and in good standing with The Ontario College of Social Workers or, eqivalent certification for this position;
• Minimum 3 years experience in a similar role within a team-oriented environment;
• Experience working with children and youth requiring additional supports from a diverse ethno-cultural background;
• SafeTalk and Assist certifications required, or similar certification;
• Experience working in a First Nations educational environment is an asset; and
• Ontario Native Education Counselling Association (ONECA) certification is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff;
• Knowledge of student success initiative development and implementation;
• Ability to relate to a diverse population;
• Ability to maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations;
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with students;
• Display self-confidence, patience, empathy, and availability when building a rapport with students;
• Understand and quickly adapt to students of a diverse background;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information;
• Working knowledge of the Ontario curriculum at the secondary school level;
• A general and current knowledge of Hodinsh:nih history, culture, values, contemporary issues, community priorities, and stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on written expression (i.e., faultless spelling and grammar, and professional style);
• Sound interpersonal skills including communication, organization, negotiation, and professional judgement;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage schedules, portfolios, and timelines, to meet demanding deadlines;
• Capacity to work both independently and in a team setting, demonstrating Hodinsh:nih/ Rotinonhson:ni values of Ganigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind);
• Demonstrated familiarity with standard desktop computing programs, including spreadsheets, word processing, and database applications, on the Windows 2010 (or later) operating system; and
• Contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinsh:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ganigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

At Six Nations Polytechnic, we are committed to diversity and inclusion as we continue and expand our efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

Applicants from Six Nations and other Indigenous communities will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community.

Job Type: Contract until June 2026

Schedule:

• 7.5 hour shifts
• Monday to Friday
• 37.5 hours per week