Gitksen West Secondary School Society
Located in Gitwangak First Nation, BC
Student Family Advocate (School Counsellor) Job Posting
About Us
Gitksen West Secondary School is a brand-new, state-of-the-art high school serving the Gitwangak, Gitsegukla and Gitanyow First Nations. We provide a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich learning environment that blends academic excellence with Sim'algyax and Gitksen language, culture, and traditions. Our modern facilities include specialized classrooms for science, arts, and trades, a full commercial kitchen for nutrition programs and culinary studies, a gymnasium, and a track and sports field. Students have opportunities for dual credit, work experience, leadership and sports academies, while staff benefit from a collaborative and innovative professional environment. Join us and make a direct impact on the education, well-being, and cultural development of our students.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide individual, group, and class counselling, including intervention and prevention
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Support students' academic achievement through goal-setting, portfolios, and IEPs
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Collaborate with staff, families, and community agencies on student development
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Facilitate referrals to mental health, social services, and cultural programs, as necessary
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Mentor and advise students on career options and post-secondary planning
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Contribute to culturally responsive programming that integrates Sim'algyax and Gitksen culture
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Promote healthy living, wellness, and life skills that support student independence and well-being
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Support students' intellectual, social, and emotional development
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Collaborate with colleagues to integrate project-based learning, particularly when weaving Sim'algyax and Gitksen culture into their curriculum
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Participate in school activities, committees, professional development, extra-curricular activities.
Qualifications-
B.C. Teacher Certification and membership in the Teacher Regulation Branch (preferred)
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Master's degree in counselling, Social Work, Psychology, or Child & Youth Care
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Experience with First Nations children, youth, and families
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Training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, conflict resolution
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Knowledge of IEPs, career guidance, and mental health support
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Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
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Strong knowledge of 21st-century, project-based learning and teaching strategies
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Excellent communication, organization, and classroom management skills
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Team player with creativity and innovation in lesson planning
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Participation in school events, extra-curricular activities, and occasional field trips
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Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
Salary & Benefits: GWSSS provides its employees with a competitive salary (based on SD82 wage grid) dependent on category and years of experience (ie. Cat. 6 with 5 years of experience: $90,051.52), moving loan subsidy, and full group health benefits, including pension, life insurance, and dental coverage.
Why Join Us?
If you are a bold educational leader/counsellor ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and help build a school that will inspire generations to come. For more information and to submit an application that includes Cover Letter, CV, Philosophy of Education, copy of credentials and references to:
Edith Loring-Kuhanga, B. Ed., M. Ed. Leadership & Governance Consultant;
Email:
