The Viewmount Branch School Counsellor plays a vital role in supporting the social and emotional well-being and self-regulation of students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 4. Working closely with the School Social Worker (Gr. 5-8), classroom teachers, administrators, parents, and community resources, the School Counsellor (JK-Gr. 4) provides short-term counselling and support, crisis intervention and parent education to foster student development and success related to emotional regulation, social skills development and positive behaviour in an elementary school setting.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support
● Provide short-term counselling and/or intervention to students experiencing social, emotional or behavioural challenges, with a focus on anxiety, emotional and self-regulation, and peer relationships
● Facilitate student groups, as appropriate, focusing on social skills, self-regulation, emotional intelligence, coping and problem solving strategies, and mental wellness
● Observe students and/or conduct assessment to offer strategies or individualized behaviour intervention plans to better understand interactions, triggers and behaviours
● Utilize mental health and Applied Behaviour Analysis principles to reinforce positive behaviour, enhance learning experiences, and support student development and well-being
● Monitor and analyze student data to measure progress and adjust interventions accordingly
● Respond to immediate behavioural crises, providing de-escalation strategies and ensuring the safety of the student and others
Parent and Family Collaboration
● Consult with parents to provide guidance and practical support to address their child’s behaviour, social and emotional development
● Assist families in accessing community-based resources and support services that are beyond the scope of support available at school (e.g. issues related to high-conflict divorce, disordered eating etc.)
● Offer parent education programs on topics such as child development, social-emotional learning, behaviour intervention and effective parenting strategies
School-Wide Initiatives and Collaboration
● Collaborate with the School Social Worker (Gr.5-8) to ensure alignment with the school’s mission and values, effectively meet the needs of all students, and provide mutual support by sharing ideas, offering feedback, and brainstorming solutions for challenging cases
● Support the development of inclusive classroom environments that accommodate the needs of diverse learners
● Partner with classroom teachers and specialists to implement individualized support strategies within the classroom setting
● Develop and implement school-wide programs that promote student wellness and pro-social behaviours (e.g. Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week)
● Provide professional development and training sessions for school staff on behaviour management, mental health support and positive reinforcement strategies
Confidentiality and Ethical Responsibilities
● Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records and data
● Adhere to all school policies and legal requirements, including duty-to-report obligations regarding child safety and well-being
Qualifications and Skills
● Master's degree in Behaviour Analysis and/or Master’s degree in Social Work and/or Child and Youth Worker certification and/or certification in a related field
● Registration with a professional college such as the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario or the Ontario College of Social Workers
● Crisis intervention and mental health certifications strongly preferred
● Knowledge or experience with the Child and Family Services Act as well as Jewish Family and Child Services (JF&CS)
● Knowledge of community resources and programs related to student support and intervention
● Experience working with children in an educational setting, preferably in a Jewish Day School environment
● Strong understanding of childhood development, mental health, neurodiversity and family dynamics
● Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
● Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
● Familiarity with Jewish values, traditions and cultural considerations is an asset
Qualified candidates should email a resume, cover letter, and references to hr@bialik.ca with “School Counsellor” in the subject line by April 21, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest. We will only contact those candidates who will be interviewed.