School Counsellor, Upper

Employment Terms: Full-Time, PermanentStart date: August 2024School counselors work to meet the social and emotional needs of students. They collaborate with students, teachers, parents and administrators to support student learning and wellbeing. Our school counseling program is developmental in nature and comprehensive, focusing on academic, social and personal growth for all students. Specifically, this position will assist Upper School students, teachers, parents and staff in understanding, preventing and addressing learning, behavioral, developmental and emotional challenges.Key Responsibilities and Tasks Counseling, Student Wellbeing &Crisis Response Provide direct counseling to students and related support to families addressing social, emotional, behavioral, developmental and learning challenges;Provide a comprehensive counseling program for students, including individual and/or small group counseling/social skills training;Work with the school-wide counseling team to ensure an articulated counseling program and a safe, healthy school environment;Make recommendations to support academic, behavioral, social &emotional needs based on data;Coordinate with other counselors and administration on student transition/orientation and transition between grades;Crisis intervention services that support students following natural disasters, violence, abuse, death or suicide by a student;both at divisional and whole school levels;Adapt counseling techniques to meet the needs of a diverse school population.Collaboration Collaborate closely with other school counselors, the Upper School Leadership Team, Centre for Learning, Student Support Services &other relevant personnel to ensure the academic and wellbeing programming meets the needs of students;Work closely with Centre for Learning, teachers and school psychologist to develop appropriate social emotional interventions for students;collaboratively support & implement OPRs, support plans &Behavioural Plans for identified students;Participate and/or facilitate Student Support Team meetings, IST meetings and referral processes to ensure students'needs are understood and met;Build capacity by providing consultation &coaching to faculty &staff;Act as a liaison with community agencies and allied professionals.Professional Learning Engage in professional development to ensure current research-supported practices are in place;Conduct family workshop sessions around pertinent issues relating to the social emotional wellbeing of students, parenting &positive communication;Lead and design professional development for teachers around pertinent issues relating to social emotional learning, wellbeing &behavioral management techniques.School Culture Actively support and contribute to a positive school culture &climate;Contribute to the development of systems and practices that enhance learning and maintain a positive school atmosphere.Other Contribute to UCC's co-curricular program;Consult with Children's Aid if required;Other duties as appropriately assigned by the Upper School Leadership Team and/or DIrector of the Werham West Centre for Learning and Student Support.Job Requirements Experience, Knowledge and Competencies: Completion of university, college or other registered counselor program. Current registration and membership in good standing with the appropriate accredited association (i.e., Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario);A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work is an asset or advanced mental health degree such as a Masters or PhD in Psychology, Counseling, Child and Youth Studies or Social Work;Five years of general experience of counseling children, youth and families. Strong preference for experience in a secondary school setting or similar educational environment;Experience with adolescents (age 12-18) and an understanding of the school environment is preferable;Experience in crisis management &response is an asset.Experience using technology in ways that are consistent with ethical and responsible professional practice;Knowledge of how to apply provincial policies and regulations in the delivery of school counseling services;Knowledge of emerging social emotional issues affecting children and youth, and recommended research-based solutions;Knowledge of standards, emerging issues and best practices for the development and delivery of wellbeing programs;Knowledge of how to maintain confidentiality of student records and information;Knowledge of local and regional community resources in order to promote timely referrals for students and families;Experience in a Secondary School setting is considered an asset.What We Offer Unparalleled opportunities for professional development including workshops, networking sessions, a leadership program, and visiting experts and scholars;Flexibility to substitute statutory holidays in recognition of diverse religious and cultural practices;Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, including health care and lifestyle spending accounts;Pension plan, generous vacation time, self-funded sabbaticals, parental leave top-upSignificant support for personal and family wellbeing and mental health, including the Employee and Family Assistance Program;Paid volunteer time off for involvement in the communities that matter to youSocial events for colleagues and their families;Collaborative and supportive team members and colleagues;Free on-campus parking.About UCC Upper Canada College is a place where tradition, excellence and innovation meet. At UCC faculty and staff thrive for many reasons: our dynamic, supportive environment; cutting-edge facilities; diverse and collaborative community; and competitive compensation and benefits. Surrounded by expert educators, dedicated students and a network of learning partners and resources, you'll be inspired to explore your passions and be your best. Your work fosters the development of graduates who think critically, solve complex problems and lead lives of impact.At UCC we are grounded in our mission to provide transformational learning opportunities and our values of learning, service, community, pluralism and wellbeing.UCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ persons. UCC embraces pluralism celebrating differences, cherishing similarities, and giving voice to multiple perspectives. If you are contacted regarding a UCC opportunity, please advise if you require any accommodations.Please apply online through ADP by June 4, 2024 3:00pm . We thank all candidates in advance;however, we will contact only those selected for an interview. To learn more about UCC, please visit ucc.on.ca and careers.ucc.on.ca/