School Counsellor

Ashbury College is a leading not-for-profit independent day and boarding school for students in Grades 4 to 12 located in Canada’s capital on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation.   We serve a diverse community of over 60 nationalities from around the National Capital Region, the diplomatic community and international and domestic boarding students.   

 

Our mission is to inspire students in a dynamic learning environment as intellectually curious, compassionate and responsible global citizens.  Our strategic direction is centered on the highest standards in teaching and learning; whole student development; access and inclusion in our pluralistic community; community engagement; and resource stewardship for long term-sustainability. 

 

Located in central Ottawa, Ashbury College is currently seeking a full-time School Counsellor to directly suport the wellbeing and mental health of our students, and to help guide our faculty and staff toward this outcome.

 

Reporting to the Director of Student Success and Wellness, you will work as part of our Wellness Team to enhance our thriving community, by supporting our students individually and in groups to develop positive mindsets, self-awareness, resiliency, and social emotional strength and growth. You will also provide your knowledge and expertise to other members of the Ashbury Community as part of our team-based approach to identifying and supporting students’ needs.

 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Create a safe, welcoming, and confidential environment encouraging students and families to seek counselling when needed.

• Offer individual and group counselling to support student well-being.

• Work collaboratively with Junior School, Senior School, Student Success Department, and Boarding faculty, staff and administration to develop programs and initiatives that support student well-being.

• Facilitate student group discussions covering a range of social-emotional learning (SEL), inclusion and belonging, and other mental health related topics and issues.

• Facilitate peer-to-peer support programming.

• Support the delivery of the Healthy Active Living curriculum as it pertains to student mental health, substance use, bullying, inclusion, and other topics.

• Provide support and crisis intervention for students as needed.

• Provide support and education for faculty and staff to help them improve their understanding of the cultural, societal, or other factors impacting students’ mental health and well-being.

• Communicate regularly with school administration to ensure areas of safety concern are known and develop related policy as required.

• Build and maintain a network of student care professionals and community resources; refer to external support and/or resources as needed.

• Report to the proper authorities in cases of physical, mental, or emotional abuse

• Maintain confidential case records.

• Comply with mandated documentation and reporting requirements.

 

Ashbury College is an active and dynamic community, with employees supporting our students before and after their daily classes. You are expected to be available throughout the school day as well occasionally outside of regular work hours to respond to situations and provide program delivery. 

 

You hold a Master’s in Educational Counselling, Psychology or Social Work (MSW) plus at least 5 years of experience counselling school-aged children and youth. You are a member in good standing with your professional credentialing body. Your ability to interact with students, staff, and parents on highly sensitive issues, apply effective communications skills and provide appropriate advice and guidance, characterizes your professional practice. If you are a compassionate, creative, collaborative, and outcome oriented individual, we would like to hear from you.  

 

The position is effective mid-August 2023. 

 

If you are interested in joining the Ashbury College community, please forward your resume and cover letter to hr@ashbury.ca and include “School Counsellor” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 19, 2023. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. 

 

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including participation in the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan for OCT members. For more information about our school, please visit www.ashbury.ca

 

Should you have any questions about this position, please email hr@ashbury.ca

 

If we contact you about an employment opportunity and you require an accommodation, we’ll work with you to meet your needs.