Job Description

With 53 schools, over 25,000 students and more than 4,500 employees, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is an education community bound together by our beliefs. Our facilities are located in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the province. Our Board encompasses a large and dynamic mixture of urban centers, small towns and rural areas throughout Central Ontario. We offer excellent programs, resources and supports so that students are provided with every opportunity to reach their future goals and aspirations. At this time of reconciliation through education, we are committed to meaningful and respectful relationships as we live, work, play and pray together on this traditional territory.

School Counsellor - First Nation, Metis and Inuit Students

Open To:

Open Competition

Job Location:

Academic Services Office - 345 Livingstone Street East, Barrie, with travel throughout the school district

Position Type / Hours:

Full time Permanent, 35 hours per week, aligning with school year and school holidays (including time off in July and August)

Effective Date:

Immediately (designated funding through the Board Action Plan)

Rate of Pay:

$54,436 to $96,411 commensurate with education, skills and experience

The School Counsellor is responsible for providing social, emotional and behavioural support to all students from kindergarten to grade 12. The primary focus of this role is to provide direct culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health support to students of First Nation, Metis and Inuit ancestry, as well as consultative support to their families and caregivers. This role further provides collaborative and consultative support to educational staff and other members of the Psychological Services Department to assist all students toward overall well-being and achievement.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Master's degree (completed or in-progress) in psychology, social work or Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency from an accredited University Three to five years related work experience preferred Preference will be given to lived experience working within a First Nation, Metis or Inuit community Skills required in the areas of culturally responsive, trauma informed, and evidence-based mental health interventions and practices such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused counselling, and family systems knowledge Demonstrated knowledge of historic and lingering factors that may impact students of First Nation, Metis or Inuit ancestry and the ability to action identity affirming, culturally safe, supportive practices and approaches to promote student mental health and well-being. Previous experience in an educational environment preferred Demonstrated success in working with culturally diverse First Nation, Metis and Inuit populations Knowledge of local and provincial FIrst Nation, Metis and Inuit organizations and service providers Knowledge of communities within our jurisdiction and traditional territories as well as local protocols Knowledge of approaches in positive mental health and life promotion Previous experience in the provision of professional counselling and consultation services for children and youth with behavioural, social and emotional needs Previous experience in referral and discharge processes, team conferences, and provision of professional development training Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills Demonstrated ability to be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team Strong skillset in clinical documentation, data collection, and report writing to demonstrate successes and impacts of services. Valid driver's license and personal vehicle as this role involves travelling between school locations

Interested candidates must forward, in confidence, a cover letter, resume and supporting documentation by September 22, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

As a condition of employment, new employees to SMCDSB are required, by legislation, to submit a satisfactory Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Reconciliation through Education, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at the SMCDSB.

THE BOARD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kimberly Dixon, Director of Education

Maria Hardie Chair, Board of Trustees

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $54,436.00-$96,411.00 per year

Work Location: In person