School Counsellor

Located in Labrador, Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education (MTIE) is dedicated to supporting the educational journey of the Innu Nation. With two schools in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu, MTIE serves approximately 1,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, fostering a culturally grounded and student-centered learning environment. MTIE is committed to building a collaborative and supportive workplace where staff are empowered to contribute to the success and well-being of students and the broader Innu community.

We are seeking a School Counsellor to join our educational team. The School Counsellor plays an important role in supporting the academic, social-emotional, behavioural, and career development of students within a culturally responsive and inclusive school environment. Working collaboratively with school administration, teachers, families, and external agencies, the School Counsellor supports students in navigating personal challenges, educational planning, attendance concerns, and future career or post-secondary pathways. The successful candidate will help foster student well-being, resilience, and positive school engagement while promoting safe and supportive learning environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling support to students experiencing academic, behavioural, emotional, social, or personal challenges.
• Complete comprehensive assessments and provide recommendations to classroom teachers that support student learning and engagement.
• Assist students with educational planning, graduation requirements, course selection, career exploration, post-secondary planning, scholarship applications, and transition planning.
• Respond to student crises and concerns while coordinating referrals and support services with families, administration, and external agencies as appropriate.
• Support initiatives related to attendance improvement, student engagement, conflict resolution, and school connectedness.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, instructional resource teachers, administration, student assistants, families, and community organizations to support student success and well-being.
• Promote culturally responsive practices and incorporate awareness of Innu culture, traditions, and community values into counselling approaches and student supports.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, case notes, referrals, and documentation in accordance with professional and organizational standards.
• Utilize Google Workspace and student information systems to maintain records, communicate effectively, and support administrative processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Master's degree in Counselling Psychology.
• Valid Newfoundland and Labrador Teaching Certificate (or confirmed eligibility to obtain one).
• Legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Provision of a clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (current within the last 6 months).

Experience

• Experience working with children and youth in educational, counselling, or student support settings.
• Experience supporting students with social-emotional, behavioural, attendance, or mental wellness concerns.
• Experience working in northern, rural, or Indigenous communities is considered a strong asset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of student wellness, child and youth development, and trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to complete comprehensive assessments using Level B standardized tools. (Level C training is considered an asset).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and community partnerships.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, including awareness of Innu culture and values; fluency in Innu-Aimun is considered an asset.

Key Competencies

• Integrity and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Cultural awareness and responsiveness
• Organizational and time-management skills

Compensation and Benefits

• Relocation allowance of $2,500
• Labrador living allowance
• Annual travel allowance for personal use
• Competitive salary
• School Counsellor allowance
• 100% employer-paid premiums for group insurance benefits
• Registered Pension Plan (RPP) with employer matching up to 5.5% of base salary
• Employer-funded RRSP contributions of 7% of base salary
• Retention bonus paid to certified teachers in June
• Welcome back bonus paid to certified teachers in September
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance may be available for approved programs of study, subject to organizational policy and approval
• Annual fitness and wellness allowance
• Paid personal leave provisions
• Extended office closures during Christmas and Easter