Indigenous Wellness Counselor

Kaska/Dene/Tahltan/Tagish/Inland Tlingit/Tsek’ene; Fort Nelson; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalo Independent School Society seeks an Indigenous Wellness Counselor to support the social-emotional well-being of students and the school community. The role integrates Indigenous knowledge and healing practices into counselling, with individual and group work, classroom lessons, and school-wide wellness initiatives.

The successful candidate will hold a teaching degree and a Master’s in Counselling, plus training or lived experience in Indigenous practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education with BC teaching certification eligibility.
• Master's degree in Counselling or related field.
• Training or lived experience in Indigenous practices and approaches to wellness.
• Indigenous ancestry or strong connection to Indigenous communities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counselling and small-group sessions.
• Deliver classroom-based social-emotional lessons and school-wide wellness initiatives.
• Collaborate with teachers, Student Services, and administration to support student mental health and cultural identity.

Skills

Relationship-building

Collaboration

Effective communication

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Bachelor of Education (BC certification eligibility)

Master's degree in Counselling

Indigenous practices training

Tools

Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector)

Job description

Chalo Independent School Society

INTERNAL-EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

Indigenous Wellness Counselor

Position Title: Indigenous Wellness Counselor

Department: Education Department

Location: Chalo School

Supervisor: Principal

Pay : Pay Based On SD81 Teachers Grid

Ter m 1 year contract with possibility of continuing

Commencement Date : As soon as Possible

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Reporting to the Principal of Chalo School, INDIGENOUS WELLNESS COUNSELOR

Reporting to Chalo School Principal, theIndigenous Wellness Counselor is a key member of Chalo School team. The person in this position will support the social-emotional well-being of our students and school community. The successful candidate will bring Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and ways of healing into their counselling work. The role includes individual counselling, small-group and social groups, classroom-based social-emotional lessons, and school-wide wellness initiatives. The counsellor will work closely with teachers, the Student Services Team, and administration to support students' mental health, sense of belonging, and cultural identity. Applicants must hold a teaching degree and a Master's degree in Counselling, along with training or lived experience in Indigenous practices and approaches to wellness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education (or degree in an equivalent field) and eligibility for BC teacher certification.
• Master's degree in Counselling or a related field.
• Training or lived experience in Indigenous practices, cultural teachings, and approaches to wellness.
• Indigenous ancestry or a strong connection to Indigenous communities (preferred).
• Experience providing individual and group counselling with children and youth.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and the impacts of colonization and residential schools.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with students, families, staff, and community.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Clear Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector).

All applicants must be eligible for certification by the BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch.

RENUMERATION

• Competitive annual salary rate matched with School District 81 salary scale
• Comprehensive group healthcare benefits
• Employer paid RRSPs contribution; 10.13% of gross earnings paid bi-weekly
• Professional Development funds; $1400.00 annually (pro-rated in year one)
• Relocation Reimbursement
• Recruitment and Retention Bonus; annual payment of $5,000
• Special Leave: 15 medical days (5 days may be used as additional discretionary days with approval), 2 discretionary days, and 3 professional development days (pro-rated in year one).

Closing Date

This position closes December 1, 2026.

* Constitution Act, 1982 [Section 35]; Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms [Section 15(1)]; Canadian Human Rights Act [Section 16(1)]; Employment Equity Act [Section 5(a), 10(b)]; Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [Article 22]; ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.