Reporting to the Manager, Student Services, with functional reporting to the Manager, Student Wellbeing, you will:

• Provide short term, individual counselling for personal and career issues to NSCC students using various evidence based therapeutic approaches. You will assess students for risk, to self and/or others, make the appropriate intervention for support and follow up, which may include linkages with community agencies. You will maintain accurate and timely case notes.
• Work collaboratively with Student Supports including, Student Accessibility, Student Care Navigator and College and Career Prep staff to ensure seamless services for students presenting with a variety of concerns and needs.
• Participate in monthly Community of Practice and weekly clinical consults for Student Services Counsellors across the Province.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of human rights, equity and diversity, providing culturally sensitive, accessible, responsive, high-quality service and supports.
• Implement student-centred care, trauma-informed approaches for the purpose of supporting student wellbeing.
• Maintain current knowledge and comprehensive understanding of relevant College policies, procedures, and practices, providing accurate information about supports available to students both on and off campus.
• Assess students in need of emergency housing, using a provided framework
• Support a variety of student concerns including sexual violence, depression, anxiety, psychosis and grief as examples.
• Support and collaborate with the work of the Student Care Navigator, academic partners, housing, and others in addressing behaviours of concern, supporting students with individualized plans.
• Create, assess and modify counselling support plans, including for those in crisis and/or at risk, as required, based on student needs and in collaboration with on and off campus resources/ agencies.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation according to NSCC practices.
• Assess for, and when appropriate, recommend accommodations related to mental health issues, liaising with other NSCC staff as required.
• Collaborate on the development of resource materials and lead or support the delivery of student wellbeing initiatives
• Develop relationships with various on and off campus partners and community resources to foster support services for our students.
• Engage in continual professional development and relevant learning to remain current and responsive in practice, including best practices in post-secondary mental health
• Support the work of the Students Association, Housing and others by being available to offer workshops/presentations as required.
• Assist with Campus events such as Wellbeing Activities, Orientation, and Open House.
• Participate in responses to critical incidents happening on a campus, in collaboration with others, working to ensure students are supported.

Qualifications and Occupational Experience:

• The minimum educational qualification for this position is a Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counselling.

• Registered with or undergoing candidacy process with regulatory body: Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP).

• You have a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent) of relevant counselling experience. Experience working with adults and/or in a post-secondary setting would be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated training and experience facilitating psychoeducational groups and workshops including experience in public speaking to various audiences.

• Experience practicing individual and group counselling, including crisis response, suicide intervention. Following best practices in counselling.

• Experience in dealing with confidential files and the ability to respond with sound judgement to crisis situations, seeking consultation as appropriate.

• Experience with single session therapy would be an asset.
• Experience with relevant computer applications such as databases, case file management, Microsoft suite of software, Office 365, digital communication, social media, educational technology and learning platforms.

• You are comfortable working in a digital environment; you take responsibility for acquiring knowledge about advancing technology; and you are committed to using technology to create an exceptional student experience.

Relevant Skills and Knowledge:

• You demonstrate a commitment to the principles of human rights equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty.

• You possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable you to interact with a diversity of people and support resolution of issues.

• Your superb team working skills enable you to contribute positive to a team environment

• You are known for your problem solving and critical thinking skills.

• You are a strong communicator.

• You possess excellent coordination skills specifically related to coordinating service, work, events, logistics, etc. and managing priorities and time management.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently and display a high degree of initiative.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to respond to a variety of needs of various stakeholders.

• Ability to foster and maintain partnerships with providers, internally and externally, for purposes of liaising, referrals, health promotion, support planning and system navigation.

• Highly developed assessment skills.

• Ability to work independently to manage crises happening on campus.

• You are dedicated to life-long learning.

As a condition of employment, Professional Support employees at NSCC must complete a part-time adult education program delivered by NSCC. This adult education program is a significant investment on the part of NSCC in the learning and development of new employees. To achieve regular status; all probationary, full or part-time Professional Support employees of the College must successfully complete the program within their probationary period. Term full-time Professional Support employees whose term appointment is twelve or more months are also required to participate in this program.

NSCC is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. As part of this commitment, NSCC will ensure that applicants are provided reasonable accommodations, as required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact Jaclynn Kelly , HR Generalist, at [email protected]. Our Employee Workplace Accommodation Policy can be found here.

Unfortunately, we can not accept late or paper applications.