Post Secondary Counsellor (Internal)

W̱SÁNEĆ College; Central Saanich; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

W̱SÁNEĆ College in Canada is seeking a Post Secondary Counsellor to support the mental health and wellness of adult learners across college programs. The role requires a trauma-informed, land-based approach and collaboration with Elders, instructors and community supports.

Under the direction of the College Director, you may teach in programs and contribute to career exploration, life planning, and wellness-related curriculum, with preference for candidates from First Nations communities.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the mental health and wellness of adult learners enrolled in W̱SÁNEĆ College programs.

Job description

Job Title: Post Secondary Counsellor

Eligibility Status (Internal/External): *Internal

Department: W̱SÁNEĆ College

Job Status: Continuing Position, Effective Immediately

Details: Unionized position with the British Columbia General Employees Union (BCGEU)

• Internal Job Postings: Current and past employees as well as W̱SÁNEĆ community members.
• External Job Postings: Open to all individuals not eligible under the internal posting criteria.

Closing Date/Time: 4PM Monday, October 26, 2026

• In-person interviews will be held on Wednesday October 28, Thursday October 29, and Friday October 30. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Summary Responsible for the mental health and wellness of adult learners enrolled in W̱SÁNEĆ College programs.

SCOPE Works under the direction of the W̱SÁNEĆ College Director in accordance with W̱SÁNEĆ School Board policy and procedures to provide culturally grounded counselling services to adult learners across W̱SÁNEĆ College programs, including ȻETXIȽĆ Adult Dogwood, SHOI SE ȻS ENÁ SCUȻEL SĆȺ Indigenous College Prep, ŚW̱¸I'YNOṈET W̱ILNEW̱ Indigenous Community Wellness, W̱SENĆOŦEN ISTW̱ (Language Revitalization Programs), W̱UĆISTEṈ SNIUS (Community-based Teacher Education Program), and Early Learning and Care. Drawing on W̱SÁNEĆ values and a trauma-informed, land-based framework, the Counsellor collaborates with program instructors, Elders, and community supports to address the holistic needs of adult learners — including those returning to education after significant gaps, navigating family and community responsibilities, or managing the effects of intergenerational trauma. The position administers and interprets Level B, and preferably Level C, psychoeducational assessments, where relevant to adult learner accommodation and support planning. As a contributing member of the College's student services team, the Counsellor supports learner safety, academic readiness, emotional well-being, and connection to W̱SÁNEĆ community and cultural identity. Where operational needs and qualifications align, the Counsellor may teach into college programs on a limited basis; applicants with ten or more years of experience in post-secondary settings are particularly encouraged, as the role carries potential to contribute to career exploration, life planning, and wellness-related curriculum that supports learners in identifying and pursuing post-secondary and vocational pathways. The position may be required to fulfill duties of the same classification across W̱SÁNEĆ School Board departments as operational needs arise.

HOURS OF WORK Up to 6.25 hrs per day based on a schedule to be determined in accordance with the operational needs of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in counselling or clinical Psychology – Ph.D. preferred
• Registered or licensed with appropriate association
• Liability insurance
• A minimum of three years clinical experience preferably in a school or community setting with Indigenous or other racialized youth (i.e., visible minority youth)
• Ethno-cultural expertise

Knowledge And Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate an attitude of respect and sensitivity towards students with widely varied backgrounds, abilities, socioeconomic and educational status
• Patience
• Emotional stability
• Resourcefulness
• Extensive knowledge of multicultural counselling practices and theories
• Ability to work within a holistic framework
• Collaborate and build relationship with administration, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members
• Flexibility
• Ability to assess a situation in context and creatively build appropriate solutions
• Consider and work with multiple perspectives
• Ability to provide service one on one and in various settings (including the classroom)
• Understanding of trauma informed practice
• Basic knowledge of developmental disorders affecting children
• Ability to gather and assess information from a variety of sources
• Ideally participate in activities with students and their families during special events (may include some evenings)
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Prefer an ability to develop and facilitate workshops, lectures and/or presentations for students, staff and/or parents regarding mental wellness.

Only Applications Containing The Following Will Be Considered

• Resume and cover letter
• Three professional references (please provide telephone numbers & email addresses)
• University Degree
• Documentation of Licence to Practice
• Copies of valid certificates must accompany application
• Additional Supporting Documentation
• Proof of Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector

Preference will be given to First Nations Ancestry.

• FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*