CBVRCE 2025 NSTU-003, School Counsellor Department Head (Perm), Base: Robin Foote Elementary
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education is responsible for the administration of the public school system within the boundaries of Cape Breton and Victoria Counties, supporting approximately 12,000 students in 38 schools.
We foster a caring, dynamic, and creative environment that provides educational opportunities, promotes a love of learning, respect for others and challenges all persons to develop their full potential to become confident, versatile, lifelong learners and thinkers. We are committed to ensuring the success and achievement of all students within a culturally responsive, safe and inclusive school environment.
The CBVRCE invites applications for the above noted position as we work together to create success for all students in our region. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the students we serve. The Centre for Education welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Canadian and Other Racially Visible Persons, Membersof the 2LGBTQI++ community, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, we encourage you to apply and self-identify on your application.
Application Deadline: Wednesday May 14, 2025 by Midnight
Required Qualifications
• A valid Nova Scotia Teacher’s License.
• Master's degree in Counselling, Counselling Psychology, or equivalent (see below for specifics Degree requirements)
• Five (5) years of successful experience as a School Counsellor required
• Five (5) years of teaching experience preferred
Please note: Degree must include graduate level courses in:
• Counselling Theory *
• Counselling Practicum (must include a course seminar and evaluation component)*
• Counselling Skills*
• Professional Ethics
• Group Counselling Theory and Practice*
• School Counselling Programs
• Career and Transition Counselling
• Cultural Responsivity in Equity and Inclusion within a counselling context
*Courses related to counselling skills and practice are encouraged to be completed in an education setting and in-person rather than virtually.
Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice -Counsellors are expected to have reviewed and demonstrated proficiency with the CCPA Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice in their role as a School Counsellor.
Minimum 400 hour supervised practicum that includes a minimum of 150 hours of direct client counselling and between 50-75 hours of counselling in group settings. The supervisor must have 4 years of counselling experience and practica completed in a school setting is preferred.
Applicants must:
- upload a completed resume with their application
- enter 3 references, one of which is the applicant's immediate supervisor
- update Worksite with the name of the school for each entry in Employment at NSSB in Employee File (internal candidates only)
- update the Assignment (course and/or grades taught) for each entry in Employment at NSSB in Employee File (internal candidates only
Candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
School Counselling Department Head
School Counselling Department with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education will be responsible for providing supervision, consultative support and leadership to School Counsellors and other assigned staff. The School Counsellor Department Head will be based at Robin Foote Elementary School and will service the school counselling needs of Robin Foote Elementary.
The School Counselling Department Head will ensure the implementation of the comprehensive school counselling program within the region focusing on preventative and responsive programs and services. These programs and services must be principally concerned with the personal, social, educational and career needs of all students, placing priority on the best interest of students.
The School Counselling Department Head will identify, coordinate and address the professional learning needs of school counsellors across the region and develop relevant professional development opportunities based on current research.
Consistent with the Department Of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education policies, as well as professional practice guidelines for school counsellors, the Department Head will work within an established framework to support school-based counsellors in providing a range of effective intervention and supports for students on well-being and achievement.
Working collaboratively in a team environment, the School Counselling Department Head will demonstrate a strong commitment to the school improvement process in support of student learning and reports directly to the Coordinator of Program Partnerships.
Competencies Required
School Counselling Department Head shall have the following competencies:
a) The ability to apply knowledge of current comprehensive school counselling approaches and practices and content-related pedagogy;
b) Knowledge and understanding of provincial expectations and guidelines in school counselling;
c) In-depth knowledge of the public education system, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and the ability to support comprehensive counselling through MTSS in the region;
d) The ability to apply knowledge and experience in service delivery and development;
e) Applied knowledge of family systems and the role of families in supporting development and educational progress of students with diverse needs;
f) The ability to maintain and promote a high standard of ethical practice;
g) Demonstrated ability to work as a contributing and collaborative member of Teaching Support and School Program Planning Teams;
h) Demonstrated ability to work in a supportive and collaborative manner with administration and colleagues, including classroom and learning support teachers, and school-based specialist staff;
i) A demonstrated ability to engage and work with diverse communities;
j) The ability to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies;
k) The ability to utilize effective problem-solving and communication techniques;
l) A demonstrated understanding and commitment to inclusive education;
m) The ability to develop, implement and evaluate professional learning for School Counsellors;
n) The ability to utilize current technologies as it relates to education;
o) The ability to work and communicate effectively within the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education with students, parents/guardians, community members and external groups;
p) The ability to apply knowledge and experience in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding, human rights and diversity;
q) The desire and ability to engage in continuing education and professional development;
r) The ability to apply fair and ethical judgments in accordance with Professional Governing body;
s) The ability to maintain and promote confidentiality.
t). Demonstrated ability of excellent organization and time-management skills
JOB DESCRIPTION
Specific Job Components-
School Counselling Department Head shall perform tasks as assigned by the supervising Coordinator. These tasks may vary from time to time with the evolution of the organization and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Assess the professional learning needs of School Counsellors and develop and deliver professional development for School Counsellors based on current research in the designated area of practice within the school and education entity settings;
b) Provide consultative and coaching support for School Counsellors, including, but not limited to complex cases, guidance and orientation for newly hired School Counsellors, caseload management, and recommendations for appropriate interventions, small group programming, and whole class programming and supports;
c) Provide professional practice support for School Counsellors as mandated by regulatory body including issues related to integrity, advocacy, privacy, and confidentiality;
d) Provide direct consultative support to individual Teaching Support Teams across the region that are looking to broaden the role of School Counsellor within their schools;
e) Ensure the implementation of Comprehensive School Counselling framework across the region;
f) Support principals with the implementation of the Comprehensive School Counselling framework within their schools;
g) Provide consultative support to principals around the role of the School Counsellor, how to maximize the opportunities for support, and performance expectations;
h) Support the Teacher Growth and Evaluation process for School Counsellors focusing on the Growth Plan years.
i) Develop a plan to monitor the effectiveness and impact of services, supports and interventions on student well-being and achievement supported through provision of resources and supports provided by School Counsellors;
j) Provide reports, when required, on school counsellor activities, meetings, etc.
k) Commitment to on-going professional development;
l) Other duties as assigned.
Salary is as per NSTU Provincial Collective Agreement