Mental Health Specialist I

Edmonton Catholic Schools; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Edmonton Catholic Schools is seeking a Mental Health Specialist I to support student wellbeing through direct counselling, group therapy, and collaboration with school staff. The role emphasizes short-term, evidence-based interventions and SEL program contributions rather than formal assessments.

The successful candidate will hold a Master’s degree in counselling psychology or psychology, with professional registration (CCPA or provisional psychologist) and experience in a school setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counselling psychology and 3+ years in a mental health role.
• CCPA designation or provisional psychologist registration.
• Knowledge of MTSS, crisis response, and ethical practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counselling and small group therapy to students.
• Collaborate with school staff to support student wellbeing and safety.
• Deliver crisis prevention, intervention and safety planning with administrators.
• Support social-emotional learning programs across classes and schools.

Skills

Counselling skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Crisis risk assessment

Trauma-informed care

Ethics & confidentiality

Education

Master’s degree in counselling psychology

Canadian Certified Counsellor designation or provisional psychologist

Job description

Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 50,000 students and over 5,500 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.

Knowledge

Mental Health Specialist I

Requisition ID: 11170 Hours Per Week: 35

Position: New FTE: 1

Department: Occu, Phy & MH Therapy No Months Per Year: 10

Position Status: Permanent Employee Group: OOS

Rate of Pay: $63,833 - $79,833 Posting Closing Date:

The Mental Health Specialist I supports the mental health and well-being of students through direct intervention, consultation, and/or collaboration with school staff. This position focuses on providing counseling services, implementing evidence-based interventions, and supporting the development of social-emotional learning programs, without conducting individual student formal assessment or diagnosis. This role primarily provides individual counselling, small group therapy and Universal design for learning strategies in classes or across the school. The goal is to provide short term, effective mental health interventions to as many students in need as possible, reducing challenges that hinder their school participation and maximizing their academic learning.

This posting will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities And Activities

Mental Health Counselling Services (60%)

• Apply the use of relationship in individual counselling to determine student goals and needs, such as managing emotions, development of self-knowledge and personal resources.
• Utilize a variety of evidence-based counselling modalities to address student mental health needs in small group counselling, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.
• Contribute to the delivery of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs within classes and schools to enhance students' social and emotional skills, fostering a supportive school environment.
• Provide crisis prevention, consultation, and intervention services, including suicide risk assessments and safety planning, in collaboration with school administrators, key school staff, and family members to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Provide psychoeducation, modeling and strategies to staff and students to establish trauma-sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming, and safe & caring school practices.

Intervention Planning, Documentation and Evaluation (20%)

• Develop therapeutic goals and implement short-term, evidence-based interventions for students experiencing mental health-related challenges to address their specific needs and promote positive outcomes.
• Recommend evidence-based strategies to school staff and families to support students across contexts.
• Maintain accurate documentation of students’ information, session notes, intervention, and progress.
• Use outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and improve intervention strategies

Collaboration and Consultation (10%)

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members to identify student/family needs, coordinate inter-disciplinary services, as well as share observations, recommendations and support plans.
• Liaise with family, community professionals and health service providers to support comprehensive care or apply strategies across the student’s contexts (home, community and school)
• Act as a resource for school staff regarding mental health strategies and practices to enhance their capacity to support students effectively.
• Make referrals for specialised community mental health assessment for students presenting symptoms of mental health disorders
• Collaborate as needed with other professionals involved with the child and family, including Recovery Alberta, justice and Children & Family Services, to provide integrated support.
• Advocate on behalf of the child and family as appropriate to ensure their needs are met, and their voices are heard

Professional Development and Education (10%)

• Contribute to team and department initiatives assigned by the Manager to achieve division-wide student mental health and well-being goals
• Provide training and workshops for staff and families on topics of mental health to enhance their understanding and capacity to support students.
• Maintain professional registration through annual competency goals and development activities, including conferences, in-services, workshops, peer support, literature searches, and research.
• Meets regularly with the manager-appointed contract clinical supervisor to participate in supervision activities and review the supervision plan (provisional psychologists only)

Knowledge

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Master’s degree in counselling psychology or psychology, plus three years’ experience working in a mental health role.
• Hold a Canadian Certified Counsellor designation through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), or be registered as a Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
• Understand concepts of human development across the lifespan, models of counselling, counselling relationships, protective factors and risk factors influencing mental health.
• Training in managing crisis situations, suicide risk assessment and safety planning.
• Familiarity with referral process to community mental health specialists, social services programs and youth/family resources.
• Strong understanding of college and/or association standards of practice, code of ethics and practice guidelines
• Strong understanding of ethical considerations related to informed consent, counselling practices, confidentiality, documentation, risk situations and disclosure of information.
• Familiarity with school-based approaches, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), including coaching, collaboration and consultation.
• General knowledge of the Division’s operations and business, and general understanding of the Division’s mission and vision in a faith-based environment.
• Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA).
• Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Knowledge and alignment with the Division's administrative procedures.

Skills

• Skilled in counselling methods and strategies to address a variety of presenting concerns with students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, including emotional challenges, trauma, non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, substance use/abuse and significant social problems.
• Effective communication and relationship-building abilities with students of varied ages, backgrounds and needs, as well as school staff and other key partners.
• Strong counselling, consultation, and collaboration skills.
• Skilled in supporting and advocating for individuals/groups who may be at increased risk of marginalisation based on disability, race, colour, gender identity, family status, or sexual orientation.
• Ability to manage crisis situations with students through risk assessment, safety planning, and involvement of key school staff and family members.

Competencies

• Maintains high standards of professional conduct, adhering to ethical guidelines, standards of practice and confidentiality requirements to ensure trust and integrity in practice.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify student strengths, address presenting concerns using therapeutic modalities and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop rapport, trust, and credibility with students, families, staff and other key partners involved in students’ care.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and student needs, demonstrating flexibility in approach and interventions to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including in-school staff and community partners.
• Commitment to continuous professional development, implementing evidence‑based practices, and staying updated on new developments in the field of mental health therapy.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 100% employer-paid benefits including extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits and a $700 Health/Wellness spending account (prorated based on FTE)
• Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP) – provides access to employees and dependents to confidential support services including mental-health counseling, health/wellness coaching, legal and financial advice, and other forms of support
• Defined-benefit pension plan
• Paid Time Off
• Vacation – Starting at 4 weeks (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position)
• Personal Days – 5 days (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position)
• Christmas Break – Division directed leave with paid days
• Work-life balance – 35-hour workweeks, 7-hour workdays (based on a 1.0 FTE)
• Recreation Centre Discounts (City of Edmonton, YMCA, and GoodLife Fitness)
• Bell Mobility exclusive partner program offers (for personal phone plans)
• Inclusive & supportive work environment

Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds. We hire employees of all faiths for non-teacher positions.

As a Catholic School Division receiving public funding, our schools and departments are imbued with our Catholic Faith. Candidates are expected to exhibit respect and sensitivity towards our Catholic beliefs and practices embraced by both students and staff.

Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program based on contract status as part of its total compensation package.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to submit a Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check dated within six months of hiring.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.