Position Summary
The School-Based Counsellor provides direct mental health support to First Nations students who relocate from remote northern communities to attend Sioux North High School (SNHS) in Sioux Lookout during the school year. This full‑time, year‑round position is based on‑site at SNHS, with the counsellor available to students throughout the entire school day, five days a week.

Qualifications

Diploma in mental health, social services, or a closely related field from a recognised institution (degree preferred).

Current registration in good standing with a regulated professional body authorised to practice psychotherapy in Ontario (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO, CPA).

Training in suicide risk assessment and prevention, trauma‑informed care, substance use and addictions, intergenerational trauma, grief and loss, and self‑harm intervention.

Experience

Minimum of one (1) year of direct clinical experience providing mental health counselling, preferably with youth.

Experience working with First Nations communities, with demonstrated application of culturally grounded practices, is an asset.

Experience responding to high‑risk situations and applying crisis response protocols.

Knowledge & Skills

Skilled in clinical counselling, risk assessment, and youth‑centred care planning.

Knowledge of the impacts of colonialism, systemic inequities, and historical trauma on Indigenous youth mental health.

Knowledge of the people, cultures, and mental health realities of First Nations communities in Sioux Lookout and surrounding Northwestern Ontario.

Understanding of social determinants of health and the challenges youth face when living away from home.

Knowledge of relevant legislation, including Duty to Report, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Mental Health Act.

Professional Practice & Ethical Standards

Demonstrated professional integrity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality, ethical boundaries, and strong therapeutic rapport.

Commitment to organisational policies, procedures, and mission, delivering strengths‑based and client‑centred care.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in clinical documentation.

Communication, Collaboration & Organizational Skills

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with school staff, families, and external service providers.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Effective problem‑solving and conflict resolution skills, particularly in high‑pressure or emotionally charged situations.





Excellent organisational and time‑management skills to manage a full and flexible caseload.

Proficiency with electronic health records, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Requirements

Valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation for daily travel to the school.

Willingness and ability to travel by air to First Nations communities as required.

Ability to communicate in one or more First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout region is an asset.

Maintain the ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.

Roles & Responsibilities
Direct Clinical Services

Provide individual mental health counselling, case management, and group programming to support youth and reduce engagement in high‑risk behaviours.

Identify students’ mental health needs, strengths, and risk factors, complete assessments, collaboratively develop treatment goals, and implement appropriate interventions.

Support students in addressing issues contributing to risk (e.g., bullying, low self‑esteem, academic challenges, relationship difficulties, family stressors, trauma, or emerging mental health concerns).

Assist students in processing challenges, setting meaningful goals, and developing skills using a client‑centred, strengths‑based, and culturally grounded approach.

Strengthen coping skills, resilience, emotional regulation, and self‑awareness throughout the school year to prevent the onset or escalation of high‑risk behaviours.

Promote the development of self‑esteem, personal responsibility, decision‑making capacity, and social skills to reduce risk factors.

Use evidence‑based and creative therapeutic interventions to prevent or reduce high‑risk behaviours.

Crisis Response and Risk Management

Respond to students at risk of harm by following reporting obligations, ensuring timely referrals, and coordinating safe transfers to appropriate crisis or emergency services.

Provide crisis intervention, group debriefings, and targeted mental health or substance use groups and workshops as required.

Documentation & Communication

Maintain detailed and accurate electronic documentation,



especially for high‑risk cases requiring monitoring and ongoing follow‑up, in accordance with organisational policies, skilled standards, and privacy regulations.

Communicate significant observations, risk factors, and recommendations to the Clinical Supervisor in a timely manner.

Prevention, Education & Outreach

Deliver classroom presentations, psycho‑educational sessions, and lunch‑and‑learn workshops on relevant mental health and wellness topics.

Develop and facilitate mental health promotion initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening protective factors among students.

Collaboration & Continuity of Care

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, including school staff, tribal councils, and allied professionals, to ensure coordinated care and connection to appropriate supports and resources.

Provide counselling and support during school breaks and off‑school seasons through in‑person, telephone, or virtual sessions, including travel to communities or support within other Nodin service areas as required.

Professional Responsibilities & Organisational Engagement

Participate in clinical supervision, case consultations, and ongoing professional development to strengthen clinical practice and maintain well‑being.

Participate in regular staff meetings and organisational initiatives.

Participate in performance appraisal processes.

Perform administrative duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor.

Support broader Nodin Mental Health Services programming initiatives as needed.

Carry out other related duties as required.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

Competitive time‑off plans that increase with years of service

Pension plan & comprehensive insurance coverage

Fitness reimbursement programme

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Commitment to Indigenous Employees
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority values respect, relationships, culture, equality and fairness, and focuses on hiring Indigenous employees whenever possible. Candidates are encouraged to self‑identify on their application. Self‑identification is voluntary and the information is used to assist SLFNHA in hiring Indigenous people from the region whenever possible and to support candidates in their application.

EEO Statement
SLFNHA is committed to equal employment opportunity and fosters a respectful and inclusive work environment for all employees.

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📌 Counsellor II – School-Based (Ontario)
🏢 Northwest Employment Works
📍 Ontario