Elementary School Counsellor

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate elementary school counsellor.In this new role, the counsellor will be key to supporting the emotional and social wellbeing of our Kindergarten to Grade 7 students with a variety of both personal and educational counselling issues.As an ideal candidate, you would have experience and a keen interest in providing a wide range of support for student behaviour and academic learning needs. You will contribute to the development, review, and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with teachers, learning support staff, parents, and students.In essence, the focus of counselling at our school is to enhance students’ educational, personal, social, emotional and spiritual development, assist in the creation and maintenance of an positive  school culture, and empower students and their families toward positive change.About Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy:The Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy (AZIA) is an independent elementary school that is inspired by the doctrines and values of the Islamic faith and offers a broad and balanced program that is in line with the BC curriculum.AZIA aims to provide our growing community of 250+ students with (i) a solid foundation of Islamic values, nurturing and strengthening the faith of our youngsters in thought and in practice, (ii) an outstanding educational experience, and (iii) the skills to confidently and effectively interact in society. AZIA is currently ranked in the top 10% of schools in B.C. The school strongly values its partnership with parents and the wider community.With a commitment to nurture strong individuals and members of society, AZIA aims to instill Islamic wisdom, thinking and practices within its students, manifested in meaningful pursuit of spiritual, intellectual, artistic, technological, athletic and service endeavours. AZIA ensures that each student feels known and is challenged. The focus is on empowering students to become courageous, compassionate, powerful thinkers and leaders, and aware of the impact they can have on their community and beyond. There is an atmosphere of respect, caring and support to encourage independence, resiliency, mindfulness and innovative thinking for all ages. Responsibilities:·      Provide individual and goal-oriented planning sessions to students in the areas of mental health, academic planning and success, career awareness, social/emotional/spiritual development, family issues and making healthy choices.·      Work closely with the Learning Support Coordinator, Principal, and Islamic Director to develop and strengthen school-based counselling and family support services.·      Work with the Principal to ensure that Erase training is completed and anti-bullying efforts within the school are comprehensive.·      Provide support to other educators in implementing health and wellness, and promoting healthy and nurturing school environments.·      Build relationships with students in order to identify their diverse needs that require specific counselling expertise and referrals; e.g. to Islamic Director and/or community service providers.·      Incorporate family support for addressing student issues and provide referrals to appropriate community or private counselling agencies.·      Collaborate with teachers, support staff and administration regarding the nature of students' strengths and needs, their educational implications, and ways to enhance learning and interpersonal relations.·      Coordinate preventive and wellness-focused programming, including guest speakers and workshops, as appropriate.·      Develop a process for regular student care meetings, to coordinate and enhance our support and response plans for students across each grade and the school as a whole.·      Collaborate with all members of the leadership team, faculty and support staff to gather classroom-based data, design and implement instructional strategies or social supports, and design and implement behaviour management interventions.·      Track and report on counselling services and student support programming using appropriate qualitative and quantitative measures.·      Facilitate and make referrals to MCFD when and if disclosures of student abuse or harm are reported.·      Coordinate with colleagues and organize speakers independently to build awareness of themes pertinent to the care of pre-adolescents.·      Maintain professional competence through ongoing learning, professional reading, courses, seminars, and engagement with relevant professional associations and community agencies.·      Adhere to applicable laws, school policies, procedures, and professional ethical standards of the BC School Counsellors’ Association and/or other professional associations.A bachelor’s degree in education, counselling, or social sciences is required.·      An understanding of Islamic beliefs, values, and practices is required.·      Experience supporting students in an elementary or secondary school settings is required.·      Positive, enthusiastic, and approachable, with a sense of humour and fun that contributes to a joyful and welcoming school climate.·      Diplomatic, patient, tactful, and empathetic, with strong listening skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with students, families, and the broader school community.·      Proactive and resilient, with the ability to support students’ academic, personal, social, emotional, and mental well-being while empowering individual growth and responsibility.·      Highly organized self-starter with strong work ethic, sound judgment, problem-solving, mediation, negotiation, reasoning, time management, and proactive communication skills.