JOB SUMMARY

The School-Based Counsellor provides direct mental health support to First Nations students who relocate from remote northern communities to attend Sioux North High School (SNHS) in Sioux Lookout during the school year.

This full-time, year-round position is based on-site at SNHS, with the counsellor available to students throughout the entire school day, five days a week. With a dedicated office in the school, the counsellor offers a visible and accessible presence, supporting students as they navigate the emotional, social, and cultural challenges of living away from home, family, and community.

The School-Based Counsellor plays a vital role in helping students adjust to their new environment, strengthen resilience, and maintain mental wellness throughout the academic year. This role is embedded within a broader, integrated care model that ensures students receive consistent, culturally safe, and wholistic support without having to navigate the health system alone.

During school breaks (e.g., March Break and summer break), the School-Based Counsellor continues to provide services to students who request support. During these periods, the counsellor is also expected to meet with clients attending Nodin’s Outpatient Mental Health Services (OMHS).

The School-Based Counsellor reports to a Clinical Supervisor.

Salary Range: $88,049 – $113,338 per annum

Position Type: Full Time Permanent

Posting Type: This is a vacancy for an existing position

Closing Date: Open until Filled

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Professional Requirements

• Diploma in mental health, social services, or a closely related field from a recognized institution (degree preferred).
• Current registration in good standing with a regulated professional body authorized to practice psychotherapy in Ontario (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO, CPA).
• Training in suicide risk assessment and prevention, trauma-informed care, substance use and addictions, intergenerational trauma, grief and loss, and self-harm intervention.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of direct clinical experience providing mental health counselling, preferably with youth.
• Experience working with First Nations communities, with demonstrated application of culturally grounded practices, is an asset.
• Experience responding to high-risk situations and applying crisis response protocols.

Knowledge & Skills

• Skilled in clinical counselling, risk assessment, and youth centered care planning.
• Knowledge of the impacts of colonialism, systemic inequities, and historical trauma on Indigenous youth mental health.
• Knowledge of the people, cultures, and mental health realities of First Nations communities in Sioux Lookout and surrounding Northwestern Ontario
• Understanding of social determinants of health and the challenges youth face when living away from home.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including Duty to Report, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Mental Health Act.

Professional Practice & Ethical Standards

• Demonstrated professional integrity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality, ethical boundaries, and strong therapeutic rapport.
• Commitment to organizational policies, procedures, and mission, delivering strengths-based and client-centred care.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in clinical documentation.

Communication, Collaboration & Organizational Skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with school staff, families, and external service providers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, particularly in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage a full and flexible caseload.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation for daily travel to the school.
• Willingness and ability to travel by air to First Nations communities as required.
• Ability to communicate in one or more First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout region is an asset.
• Ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Clinical Services

• Provide individual mental health counselling, case management, and group programming to support youth and reduce engagement in high-risk behaviours.
• Identify students’ mental health needs, strengths, and risk factors, complete assessments, collaboratively develop treatment goals, and implement appropriate interventions.
• Support students in addressing issues contributing to risk (e.g., bullying, low self-esteem, academic challenges, relationship difficulties, family stressors, trauma, or emerging mental health concerns).
• Assist students in processing challenges, setting meaningful goals, and developing skills using a client-centred, strengths-based, and culturally grounded approach.
• Strengthen coping skills, resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness throughout the school year to prevent the onset or escalation of high-risk behaviours.
• Promote the development of self-esteem, personal responsibility, decision-making capacity, and social skills to reduce risk factors.
• Use evidence-based and creative therapeutic interventions to prevent or reduce high-risk behaviours.

Crisis Response and Risk Management

• Respond to students at risk of harm by following reporting obligations, ensuring timely referrals, and coordinating safe transfers to appropriate crisis or emergency services.
• Provide crisis intervention, group debriefings, and targeted mental health or substance use groups and workshops as required.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain detailed and accurate electronic documentation, especially for high-risk cases requiring monitoring and ongoing follow-up, in accordance with organizational policies, professional standards, and privacy regulations.
• Communicate significant observations, risk factors, and recommendations to the Clinical Supervisor in a timely manner.

Prevention, Education & Outreach

• Deliver classroom presentations, psychoeducational sessions, and lunch-and-learn workshops on relevant mental health and wellness topics.
• Develop and facilitate mental health promotion initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening protective factors among students.

Collaboration & Continuity of Care

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, including school staff, tribal councils, and allied professionals, to ensure coordinated care and connection to appropriate supports and resources.
• Provide counselling and support during school breaks and off-school seasons through in-person, telephone, or virtual sessions, including travel to communities or support within other Nodin service areas as required.

Professional Responsibilities & Organizational Engagement

• Participate in clinical supervision, case consultations, and ongoing professional development to strengthen clinical practice and maintain well-being.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and organizational initiatives.
• Participate in performance appraisal processes.
• Perform administrative duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor.
• Support broader Nodin Mental Health Services programming initiatives as needed.
• Carry out other related duties as required.