Student Support Counsellor

Job ID: 223464 (Competition # PDSB24-193)

This position will require the successful candidate to work evenings and up night (overnight) shifts.

A rewarding opportunity awaits you at The Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch. Currently we are looking for Student Support Counsellors to support the lodging program at the Sagonaska Demonstration School in Belleville. Our mission is to provide a place where students, families and staff find support to learn, grow, discover and, 'Believe in Themselves." At the Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch, Sagonaska Demonstration School we provide a specialized student lodging school program for students with severe learning disabilities whose educational needs cannot be adequately met in their local boards. Our schools are known for being forward thinking and technologically advanced. Upon entering our doors, you will feel the excitement and commitment to learning excellence.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of students with severe learning disabilities? Do you have a background in child development and experience in a childcare related field? If so, this career opportunity with the Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch may be of interest to you.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Provide supervision, guidance and instruction in social and life skills for severely learning-disabled students in a student lodging setting;
  
• Plan, organize and implement customized individual and group programs designed to meet the personal, emotional and developmental needs of students using a multi-disciplinary approach, including by not limited to physical activities and recreational programs, safety and behavioral plans, social skills lesson plans;
  
• Supervise, guide and instruct students in student lodging, acting as an appropriate role model, modeling appropriate interpersonal relationships, cooperatives, social skills;
  
• Maintaining meaningful and appropriate communication with students, parents and other professionals by, knowing appropriate communication skills with students; preparing reports on student progress for parents, liaising with parent to update them on student progress in the student lodging program; participating in case conferences and reviews with other professionals.
  
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and up night (overnight) shifts.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Post-secondary educational certificate and/or equivalent training, education and working experience in a childcare related field.
  
• Current certification in Standard First Aid, CPR with AED, Defensive driving and Behaviour Management Systems (BMS).

Skills and Qualifications

• Your background and experience enable you to meet the following requirements:
  Knowledge and understanding of learning disabilities and behaviour management techniques;
  
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate effective social/recreational/leisure programs geared to meet the needs of students with severe learning disabilities;
  
• Knowledge of relevant legislation/policies/procedures/guidelines/practices that address student care and safety;
  
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and other professionals.
  
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
  
• Willingness and ability to work on call hours and shifts.