Location: Laureate College, Burlington, Ontario
Position Type: Full-Time, Academic Year
Reporting To: Head of School / Principal
Position Overview
Laureate College is seeking a dedicated and empathetic High School Guidance Counselor to support our students’ academic, social, and emotional development. The successful candidate will act as a pivotal link between students, parents, teachers, and post-secondary institutions. This role requires a deep understanding of the Ontario Ministry of Education requirements (OSSD), a passion for university placement, and a commitment to fostering student well-being in a rigorous academic environment.
Daily Responsibilities
· Student Advising: Provide one-on-one academic counseling regarding course selection, credit accumulation, and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements.
· Social-Emotional Support: Offer immediate, short-term counseling for students experiencing personal difficulties, stress, or interpersonal conflicts.
· Crisis Intervention: Act as the first point of contact for mental health emergencies, implementing safety protocols and referring to external specialists when necessary.
· Liaison: Maintain daily communication with teachers regarding student progress and with parents regarding academic or behavioral concerns.
· Conflict Resolution: Mediate student-student or student-teacher disputes to maintain a positive school climate.
· Documentation: Maintain accurate, confidential records of all student interactions and updates to individual student files.\
Systemic & Year-Round Duties
· University & Post-Secondary Planning:
Manage the OUAC (Ontario) and OCAS (College) application processes.
Assist students with international applications (Common App, UCAS, etc.).
Write personalized letters of recommendation and counselor reports.
· Work with the Subject Teachers to ensure the curriculum G9-G12 is developed, updated, documented and delivered to appropriately reflect Ontario Ministry of Education requirements and the school’s vision, mission, values and strategic directions;
· With the support of Head School, work with the academic team to regularly update the school’s academic publications (Academic Calendar, Gifted Arts Program Guide, Assessment & Evaluation Policy, University Counselling Guide, Academic Integrity Policy, Annual Graduate Profile, AP Guides, Course Selection Guide).
· Academic Tracking: Monitor student "At-Risk" lists, ensuring students are meeting the 30 credits, 40 hours of community involvement, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) requirement.
· Student Monitoring: Regularly meet with students for an update to review their progress, pathway, and graduation requirements. Share these updates with parents.
· Incoming Students: Review student transcript and/or OSR assessing EQVs and English Placement Results to help build student timetable
· Career Education: Facilitate workshops on career exploration, resume building, and interview skills.
· Standardized Testing: Support the administration of the OSSLT and assist with external exams (SAT/ACT/AP) if applicable.
· Workshops & Seminars: Organize parent information nights regarding university admissions, financial aid, and mental health awareness.
· Professional Development: Stay current with Ontario Ministry of Education policy changes (Growing Success, OSS requirements).
· Participate in key team meetings, including: the Staff Weekly Meeting and the bi-weekly Admin Meeting;
Start-of-Year Duties (August – September)
· Timetable Management: Review and finalize student schedules, resolving conflicts and processing course change requests within the "add/drop" period.
· New Student Orientation: Lead orientation sessions for incoming students and international students to integrate them into the Laureate College culture.
· Credit Audits: Perform initial audits of all returning students' transcripts to ensure they are on the correct path for their intended graduation date.
· Goal Setting: Conduct "Start-of-Year" interviews with Grade 12 students to finalize their post-secondary lists and deadlines.
Year-End Duties (May – June)
· Graduation Logistics:
Verify final eligibility for all graduating students.
Coordinate with the administration for the Convocation ceremony (awards, diplomas, and valedictorian selection).
· Final Transcripts: Ensure all final marks are uploaded accurately to the Ontario Student Record (OSR) and transmitted to OUAC/OCAS.
· Summer School Coordination: Advise students on summer school options for credit recovery or reach-ahead opportunities.
· Next-Year Course Selection: Oversee the course selection process for the following academic year, providing data to the Principal for master timetable construction.
· OSR Management: Conduct annual "clearing" and filing of Ontario Student Records (OSRs) according to Ministry guidelines.
Other Duties
- Teach one courses each term (four course for a school year);
- Supervise two STEAM Projects annually.
- Other responsibilities directed by Head of School or School Director
Qualifications & Skills
· Education: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and a valid Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification.
· Specialization: Guidance and Career Education Part 1 (Specialist preferred).
· Experience: 3+ years of experience in a guidance or counseling role, preferably in a private or university-preparatory setting.
· Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and university admissions processes (domestic and international).
· Soft Skills: Exceptional active listening, cross-cultural sensitivity (for international students), and the ability to maintain calm under pressure.
· Technical Skills: Proficiency in school management systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Edsby) and the OUAC/OCAS portals.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to [email protected].
Note: Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $60,000.00-$72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
