Student Counsellor

Atikokan Economic Development Corporation; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rainy River District School Board is seeking a Student Counsellor to provide direct mental health and wellness support in K-12 settings. The role involves individual and group counselling, crisis response, and collaboration with families, educators, and community agencies.

The position supports students across multiple sites within the District and requires a valid driver’s license for travel within the area.

Qualifications

• University degree in Social Work preferred; college diploma considered if registered field.
• Minimum 1 year experience in counselling or mental health support.
• Experience with children and youth preferred.
• Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers or Social Service Workers.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term mental health support and intervention for students K-12.
• Deliver individual and group counselling using evidence-based approaches.
• Develop and deliver psycho-educational presentations for students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and school staff.
• Collaborate with families, educators, school administrators, attendance counsellors, and community agencies.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential documentation within professional standards and college requirements.
• Assess students’ academic, social, and emotional needs to develop personalized re-engagement plans.
• Collaborate with teachers and attendance counsellors to support these plans.
• Demonstrate skills in psychotherapy, case management, crisis intervention and advocacy.
• Work with youth at risk, assess risks, and develop safety plans.
• Support schools during tragic or critical events per Board protocols.
• Assist with data collection and analysis for the Board.
• Provide attendance support and re-engagement strategies with attendance counsellors.
• Work independently and with interdisciplinary teams.
• Provide classroom support and presentations on mental health and well-being.
• Be responsible for a family of schools within the district.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and travel throughout the district.
• Keep knowledge of relevant legislation including child protection and privacy laws.

Skills

Counselling

Mental health

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Travel

Education

University degree in Social Work

College diploma in counselling/social work

Job description

Rainy River District School Board
NOTICE OF POSITION

Posting Number: 2627-26
Date: September 15, 2026
To: External Applicants
Position: Student Counsellor
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week, 12-month position (permanent)
Anticipated Location: Various
Rate of Pay:
$80,683 – $94,935 (degree and registered)
$75,497 – $88,816 (diploma and registered)
$65,442 – $76,999 (diploma)

Accommodation in the recruitment process is available upon request for applicants with disabilities.

For further clarification or questions please contact
Charlotte Thompson, Manager of Mental Health Services
or Michelle Mosbeck, Superintendent of Education: 807-274-9855 ext.4973

Closing Date: Open Unit Suitable Applicant Found

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION INFORMATION

Job Title: Student Counsellor
Team: School Support Services
Reports to: Mental Health Services Manager
Employee Group: Non-Union
Location: Various Locations
Date Completed: July 16, 2026

POSITION PURPOSE

Rainy River District School Board utilizes a tiered approach to supporting student mental health and well-being. Within this framework, the Student Counsellor provides direct mental health and wellness services to students in schools across the Board.

The Student Counsellor delivers a range of supports, including individual and group interventions, mental health promotion, crisis response, attendance support, and suspension support. The position responds to both mental health referrals and attendance referrals.

Working under the supervision of the Mental Health Services Manager, the Student Counsellor plays a key role in promoting student well-being, engagement, and success through timely, responsive, and student-centered support services.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Education: A University Degree in Social Work from a recognized institution is preferred. A College diploma from a recognized institution in counselling, social work, mental health, or community service with the expectation that the counsellor will be able to be in a registered field may be considered.
Experience: Minimum 1 year experience in counselling or mental health support is required. Experience in counselling or mental health with children and youth is preferred.
Certifications or Designations: Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers or Social Service Workers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing short-term mental health support and intervention for students K-12
• Deliver individual and group counselling using evidence-based approaches.
• Develop and deliver psycho-educational presentations and workshops for students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and school staff
• Collaborate with families, educators, school administrators, attendance counsellors, and community agencies
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential documentation within professional standards and college requirements
• Assess student’s academic, social, and emotional needs to develop personalized re-engagement plans.
• Collaborate with teachers, attendance counsellors, and others to support the implementation of these plans.
• Demonstrated skills in the performance of structured psychotherapy in addition to case management, crisis intervention and advocacy skills;
• Experience in working with youth at risk, including being able to assess for risks, and developing safety plans;
• Support schools in responding to tragic or critical events as needed, following Board protocols
• Support schools and the Board with data collection and analysis
• Attendance support and re-engagement strategies, along with attendance counsellors, working within a system/team approach
• Ability to work independently while working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams
• Provide classroom support and presentations pertaining to mental health and well-being
• Responsible for a family of schools within the district
• Valid driver’s license and be able to travel throughout the district
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, including child protection reporting obligations, privacy legislation and education related policies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in a pleasant, comfortable school/office environment
• Minimal exposure to stressful situations
• Occasional exposure to stressful situations