Indigenous Counsellor
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
9 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
About Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is the largest college in the Calgary area with over 15000 students. We open doors to in-demand jobs across Canada. Our graduates contribute to the economy and community through careers in business entertainment arts technology health care social services and more. We are proud to be named one of Albertas Top 80 employers and one of Canadas Top 50 research colleges. Our innovative applied research focused on health and health technology educational technology and social innovation is helping shape the future of college education. Learn more about the opportunities we create for students employees and our province at.
Position Summary
The Counsellor works collaboratively within Student Servicesparticularly with the Iniikokaan Centreand across campus departments including program chairs associate deans instructors Elders and staff. This role provides culturally grounded career personal academic and crisis counselling to enrolled students with a focus on supporting First Nations Métis and Inuit learners.
The Counsellor will uphold respect for Indigenous Peoples diverse histories cultures traditions rights and healing journeys while integrating Indigenous principles with mainstream therapeutic approaches.
Key Responsibilities
Student Counselling & Support
- Provide professional counselling support primarily for Indigenous students on campus.
- Collaborate with staff at the Iniikokaan Centre to develop and deliver culturally informed wellness programming.
- Integrate Indigenous principles and practices with mainstream therapeutic techniques to address personal academic situational and career concerns.
- Offer short-term counselling to Bow Valley College students (in-person virtual or by phone) within a stepped-care model.
- Identify assess and implement effective counselling strategies suitable for short-term support.
- Develop counselling care plans that acknowledge and address the impacts of colonization racism sexism and poverty.
- Provide personal crisis and group counselling during scheduled hours.
- Coordinate referrals to health professionals including physicians psychiatrists and community mental health partners.
- Support students in resolving emotional interpersonal and academic challenges impacting their mental health and success.
- Assess and respond appropriately to risks involving self-harm harm to others or suicidality.
- Work collaboratively with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Advisor to ensure seamless support for affected students.
- Consult with staff and faculty on addressing disruptive or challenging student behaviours.
- Engage in ethical problem solving within the mental health team.
- Provide debriefing and support for students following traumatic events.
- Foster student resilience self-care strategies and balance during times of academic and personal challenge.
- Develop and facilitate presentations workshops and group counselling sessions.
- Maintain accurate case notes including student history and treatment plans.
- Collaborate in planning mental health initiatives and campus events.
- Uphold strict confidentiality and protect student records in accordance with policies and guidelines.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and remain current with emerging practices in counselling and mental health.
Minimum Qualifications
- Masters degree in social work Psychology Educational Psychology or a related field.
- 24 years of relevant counselling experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and appreciation for the cultural traditions spiritual practices and healing approaches of First Nations Métis and Inuit peoples.
- Extensive experience working with Indigenous communities including roles in community development and partnership building.
- Strong understanding of Indigenous experiences in Canada particularly within educational settings.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- In-depth knowledge of mental illness learning disabilities psychiatric and physical disabilities adult learning principles counselling techniques academic accommodations and human rights.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience working in a post-secondary environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and ethical decision-making independently.
- Thorough understanding of ethics boundaries and confidentiality.
This opening is a continuous faculty position. Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check.
Closing Date: December 08 2025
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including but not limited to visible minorities Indigenous peoples persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Key Skills
- Experience Working With Students
- Organizational skills
- Classroom Management
- Behavioral Health
- Classroom Experience
- Mediation Experience
- Special Education
- Conflict Management
- Teaching
- Experience with Children
- Public Speaking
- Word Processing
About Company
Bow Valley College offers year-round career programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, and post-diploma certificates, as well as adult upgrading and English language learning.
