25002 - Westminster/Buchanan Elementary School - Teacher Counsellor or FSLC

Lethbridge School Division; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Lethbridge School Division invites applications for a Teacher Counsellor position at Westminster and Senator Buchanan Elementary Schools. The role focuses on supporting a diverse school community by fostering relationships and enhancing student well-being. A commitment to inclusive education and collaboration is essential for candidates.

Benefits

Exceptional benefit package

Professional learning opportunities

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth is an asset.
• Commitment to understanding Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Reflective practitioner engaged in professional learning.

Responsibilities

• Support students' social and emotional well-being.
• Build trusting relationships centered on empathy.
• Collaborate with families and community members.

Skills

Understanding of teaching context

Classroom management strategies

Collaborative practice

Education

Alberta Teaching Certificate

Master of Counselling

Bachelor or Master's of Social Work

Job description

Westminster Elementary School and Senator Buchanan Elementary School - Teacher Counsellor or Family School Liaison Counsellor (1 position)

The Westminster and Senator Buchanan teams welcome both Teacher Counsellors and Family School Liaison Counsellors to apply to this position to be considered. Please be aware that this is one position.

Competition #19238 will be accepting applications for Teacher Counsellor candidates.

Competition #19239 will be accepting applications for Family School Liaison Counsellor candidates.

The competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications received by June 17th, 2025 at 10:00 am will be assured of careful consideration.

The School

Westminster school is located on the North side of Lethbridge serving approximately 240 students. We are proud of the many ways children shine at Westminster! Westminster has exceptional students who show care, empathy, and a passion for learning. The staff is committed to going the extra mile for our students; offering strong academic programs and promoting continual growth for all of our learners through diversity and inclusion.

For more information on Westminster, please visit the school's website at: https://west.lethsd.ab.ca/

Senator Buchanan Elementary School serves approximately 280 students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. We value inclusion, community, leadership and diversity. In this setting, students have the opportunity to discover, practice and revisit concepts both as novices during their first year in a classroom and as mentors when in their second. Younger students are motivated to take academic risks as they observe their older classmates and comprehend what comes next. Older students develop confidence and extend learning and understanding as they are challenged to support their younger peers by sharing their knowledge in clear and concise ways.

For more information on Senator Buchanan, please visit the school's website at http://sb.lethsd.ab.ca/

The Division

Lethbridge School Division offers high quality learning experiences over a broad range of programs to meet the needs of learners. Lethbridge School Division embraces diversity in inclusive schools and is known for its innovative culture. The Division employs more than 1,200 staff and assists in serving the educational needs of over 12,000 students within 24 schools in the city of Lethbridge.

Mission

Lethbridge School Division is inclusive, forward-thinking and accountable for engaging students in quality learning experiences that develop strong foundations, innovative minds and responsible citizens.

For a complete overview of our division, you are encouraged to visit our website.

The City of Lethbridge

Lethbridge is located just two hours south of Calgary and close to the Rocky Mountains and U.S. border. It is a family-oriented and culturally vibrant community with many amenities of a larger city. Lethbridge has over 100,000 residents and is one of only a few cities its size with two post-secondary institutions - Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge. Lethbridge has a robust fine arts community and is renown for the breadth of recreation activities with outstanding facilities. Lethbridge offers more than 70 parks, 140 km of walking and running trails, playgrounds and sports fields throughout the city.

The City of Lethbridge is proud neighbor to the largest First Nation reserve by area in Canada. Kainai Nation (also known as the Blood or Kainaiwa), covers 1,342.9 km², and is located southwest of the city of Lethbridge, north of the town of Cardston, east of Pincher Creek, bordered on all sides of the Oldman, St. Mary and Belly rivers in Alberta. We are fortunate to learn from Indigenous communities and are committed to enhancing our understanding of the truths of our past so we can continue to move towards reconciliation.

Teacher Counsellor Position Information

FTE: 1.00 – Probationary

Professional Competencies

Lethbridge School Division is looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Sound understanding of teaching context and contributing variables;
• Deep understanding of subject disciplines taught and pedagogical approaches based on best practice;
• Understanding of planning, assessment and instructional practices;
• Understanding of classroom management strategies that contribute to a positive learning environment;
• The ability to use technology in meaningful ways for teaching and learning;
• Qualities of a reflective practitioner who engages in professional learning aligned with the TQS;
• Commitment to the school community with respect to professional relationships;
• A belief in collaborative practice and teamwork;
• Active contribution to school and student activity, and overall ability to develop effective relationships within the school and community.

Subjects

Westminster Elementary School and Senator Buchanan Elementary School are seeking a Teacher Counsellor to join their team and support their diverse community with a student first approach. The successful candidate will be an eager and enthusiastic educator who will:

• Have previous experience working with youth (considered an asset);
• Builds trusting, authentic relationships with students by centering their lived experiences and identities, and offering support rooted in empathy, respect, and cultural responsiveness;
• Collaborate with educators, families, and community members to foster safe, affirming, and identity-affirming school environments for all students, particularly those who are targeted for marginalization;
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding Indigenous ways of knowing;
• Approaches counselling through a non-clinical, relational lens, prioritizing student voice and agency over diagnostic or deficit-based models;
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal professional growth and reflection with a learner mindset;
• Be committed to fostering collaborative working relationships.

• Applicants must possess or be eligible to obtain an Alberta Teaching Certificate.
• Master of Counselling, Bachelor or Master of Social Work, or related degree.

Family School Liaison Counsellor Position Information

FTE: 35.00 hrs/wk (1.0FTE)

Westminster Elementary School and Senator Buchanan Elementary School are looking for empathetic, sensitive and patient individuals to work as the leader of a dynamic elementary school team. The FSLC works as an integral member of the school’s counselling team to assist students with strategies to navigate social/emotional and mental health difficulties and to develop their full potential. Lethbridge School Division, embraces diversity and functions in a dynamic, innovative and fast paced environment.

What will you do?

The FSLC is responsible for building collaborative working partnerships between organizations, institutions and systems relevant to child, youth and family well-being. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in strategies for youth with mental health concerns/diagnoses, as well as experience working in a school setting is preferred.

School Administration will work with the successful candidate to develop a schedule.

FSLC staff have a working calendar that provides time off during some non-instructional days.

The salary range for the Family School Liaison position will be $66,000 - $82,000 depending on experience.

Education and Experience Required:

• Post-secondary degree in one of the following: Bachelor or Master's degree in Social Work, Master's Degree in Educational Counselling, Master's Degree in Applied Psychology or Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology

Conditions of Employment

In order to ensure and maintain a safe and secure working and learning environment, applicants new to Lethbridge School

Division who are offered employment must provide:

• A police information check; including Vulnerable Sector Check from Police Services or an RCMP detachment that does not have any charges or convictions.
• A satisfactory Intervention Record Check from South Region Alberta Child and Family Services.
• Proof of photo identification, may be a valid driver’s licence, provincial identification card as issued by a licensed government registry office, valid passport or Nexus card. If one cannot be provided, a new card must be obtained and proof of application provided within three days of hire.
• Documentation of a valid Social Insurance Number in the employee’s legal name. If valid Social Insurance documentation in the current legal name can not be provided, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a new one within three days of hire.

Please note that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted regarding an interview.

Lethbridge School Division provides an exceptional benefit package as well as professional learning opportunities, the ability to build rewarding connections with the community, and the opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative team!