School Counsellor, Senior School

Job description

School Counsellor, Senior School Part-time (0.4 FTE), Continuing Contract | 2026–2027 School Year | Duncan, BC Student Wellbeing at Queen Margaret’s School At QMS, student wellbeing is foundational to learning. The school is committed to fostering a culture where students feel known, supported, and connected, and where mental health is understood as integral to academic success and personal development. Through strong relationships, a proactive and responsive student support model, and a collaborative professional community, QMS works to ensure that each student develops resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging, alongside curiosity, integrity, and leadership. Position Overview The School Counsellor, Senior School (Grades 8–12) supports the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of students within a collaborative, school-based environment. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the counsellor contributes to a proactive and responsive student support program grounded in relationship, inclusion, and best practice. Key Responsibilities Student Counselling & Wellbeing Provide individual and small-group counselling to support students’ social, emotional, and mental health Support students in developing self-awareness, resilience, and effective coping strategies Deliver preventative and psychoeducational programming aligned with student needs Inclusive Education & Student Support Planning Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with Ministry designations, including H-designated students Collaborate with faculty and families to support inclusive practices and differentiated approaches to learning Contribute to coordinated student support planning and documentation Risk Assessment & Crisis Response Conduct and support risk assessments, including suicide risk assessment and safety planning Respond to student crises and contribute to school-based emergency response protocols Maintain clear, timely, and confidential documentation related to student safety Collaboration & Consultation Work within a team-based approach alongside teachers, advisors, school leadership, learning support and health professionals, including nurses Participate in regular case consultation and student support meetings Liaise with families and, where appropriate, external service providers Policy, Best Practice & School Contribution Contribute to the development and review of school policies and procedures related to student wellbeing, safety, and inclusion Support the implementation of evidence-informed and best practices in school counselling and inclusive education Participate in school planning and professional development Professional Responsibilities & Community Engagement Maintain professional certification, credentials, and ongoing training including clinical supervision Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality in all aspects of the role Engage actively in the life of the school community Qualifications & Experience Master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related field Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or equivalent (or eligibility) Valid BC Teaching Certificate or eligibility for an Independent School Teaching Certificate Experience working with adolescents in a school or clinical setting Demonstrated experience with IEP development and support for designated students Strong knowledge of adolescent mental health, risk assessment, and crisis response Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team environment Commitment to inclusive, student-centered, and relationship-based practice Suicide intervention/prevention training preferred Working at QMS This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a supportive and engaged school community. Staff at Queen Margaret’s School participate actively in school life and are committed to ongoing professional growth, collaboration, and the wellbeing of each student. Application Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their experience and alignment with the values of Queen Margaret’s School.