K4–12 School Counsellor

K4–12 School Counsellor (Art Therapists Encouraged to Apply)

Summary:
As a vital member of the Special Services team, the K4–12 School Counsellor  provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed services that support students’ behavioural, emotional, and social development across K4 to Grade 12 . The counsellor collaborates with families, staff, and community partners to promote student well-being and contributes to school-wide priorities and plans. This role also involves partnership with the School Board, local and regional entities, and FNSA to advance students’ educational and social-emotional success.

Art Therapists (RCAT/ATR or equivalent) are strongly encouraged to apply. Training and experience in art-based, play-based, and land-based therapeutic approaches  are considered strong assets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling  for students K4–12, using age-appropriate, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Design and facilitate SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)  lessons and skill-building groups (e.g., self-regulation, friendships, conflict resolution, grief and loss, healthy relationships) tailored for primary, intermediate, and secondary  learners.
• Offer art-based and play-based interventions  (e.g., creative expression, narrative and sensory strategies) to support regulation, healing, and engagement.
• Organize student and caregiver information sessions  on mental health, substance use, digital wellness, and community-relevant topics.
• Maintain ongoing collaboration with community agencies and families  to coordinate care and wrap-around supports.
• Participate in IEP  processes (goal-setting, data collection) and collaborate with classroom teachers and EAs to implement supports.
• Conduct and document risk assessments  (e.g., suicide risk) and develop student safety plans ; contribute to crisis response and re-entry planning.
• Facilitate peer-support/peer-mentoring  initiatives where appropriate.
• Provide referrals  and supported access to external providers (local/regional).
• Collaborate with graduation and transitions staff to support post-secondary and life-after-school planning  (mental health readiness, self-advocacy, community connections).
• Maintain clinical supervision , accurate records, and confidentiality aligned with professional standards.
• Support land- and place-based learning, including SEAS (Supporting Emerging Aboriginal Stewards) , and integrate Heiltsuk values  into programming.
• Additional duties as assigned within the same scope and job level.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated effectiveness in youth, family, and group counselling  across developmental stages (early years through adolescence).
• Strong trauma-informed , culturally responsive practice; capacity to build trust, safety, and belonging.
• Knowledge of the BC Curriculum  (SEL competencies) and school-based assessment/reporting processes relevant to counselling services.
• Excellent communication , discretion, and documentation skills; ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, administration, parents, and community partners.
• Strong organization and time-management ; able to work independently with initiative.
• Willingness to support SEAS  and community-based, outdoor, and land-based  wellness programming.
• Interest and capacity to contribute to extra-curricular  and whole-school well-being initiatives.
• Social-emotional competencies: self-awareness, empathy, flexibility, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making .
• Asset: Experience with art therapy, play therapy, or expressive arts modalities  in school or child/youth settings.

Required Education, Experience, Certifications, and Licences

• Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology (or closely related clinical field).
• Art Therapy credentials (e.g., RCAT/ATR ) are strong assets ; candidates actively pursuing registration are welcome to apply.
• Registration/eligibility with a recognized body (e.g., BCACC – RCC , CPCA – RPC/MPCC , CATA – RCAT , or CCC  via CCPA).
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).
• Experience working in Indigenous  education or community settings is preferred.
• Understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture, history, and ways of knowing .
• BCTRB membership/BC Teaching Certificate is an asset where school-based instructional delivery is part of the role.

Other Requirements

• Compliance with all Personnel Policies  outlined in the Bella Bella Community School Board Policies.
• Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Governing Values  of the Bella Bella Community School Board.

The Application Process

Please email the following documents to principal@bellabella.ca :

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• Copy of current professional registration  and/or BC College of Teachers certificate  (if applicable)
• Official transcripts indicating degree(s) earned
• Teaching, practicum, or clinical supervision reports (if applicable)
• Three supervisory references, including name, title, email address, professional relationship, and permission for the search committee to contact each in confidence.
• Valid Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector)

For more information, please contact Anita Hall  at 250-957-2391, ext 2000 .