City : Surrey, BC

Category : 6425-Counselling

Industry : Education

Employer : Kwantlen Polytechnic University - KPU

Kwantlen Polytechnic University 

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) sits on the unceded, traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semihamoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt and Kwikwetlem peoples.

KPU is a teaching-oriented polytechnic university serving communities in the South Fraser region. As leaders in innovative and interdisciplinary education, we offer all learners, regardless of background and preparation, opportunities to achieve the highest standards of academic performance. Our many programs of study provide applied learning and broad-based university education.

Indigenous Counsellor - Competition ID: 1082

In collaboration with Indigenous Student Services, Counselling Services at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is seeking applications for a part-time Indigenous Counsellor (0.5FTE/17.5 hrs/week) for a one-year term commencing February 1, 2022.

The focus of this role is on the promotion and support of Indigenous students’ emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being; engaging Indigenous students through a have-lived-it understanding of Indigenous history and education; operating from a place of understanding of historical and contemporary challenges experienced by Indigenous students; and establishing Indigenous community relationships to support students. Liaising with and referring Indigenous students to other services and resources within the university or to agencies/programs in the community as needed is also key.

The successful candidate will have skills, experience, and knowledge in:
•    Individual and group counselling;
•    Assessment and triage;
•    Treating a range of mental health/psychosocial/emotional concerns;
•    Trauma-informed practice;
•    Counselling young adults and people in transition;
•    Knowledge and experience in applying and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into counselling practice;
•    Crisis intervention and management and suicide assessment;
•    Community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals, in particular, those relevant to the needs and preferences of Indigenous students;
•    Ethical issues as they relate to personal counselling in a university setting.

Minimum qualifications:
•    Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology (MA/MEd) or Social Work (MSW) from a recognized, accredited university; 
•    Registration with the relevant professional body as required (BCCSW, BCPA) or certification with either the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC); and
•    Five years of relevant counselling work/clinical practice. 
•    Experience in successfully navigating and engaging with institutional systems, services, and support within a post-secondary institution is preferred. 
•    Relevant lived and professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledges, and traditions is required.

Applications Requirements:
Applicants must be willing to travel between campuses.  

Indigenous candidates are encouraged to apply, inclusive of status and non-status First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.

Applicants are asked to submit:
1.    A cover letter 
2.    A curriculum vitae describing relevant professional and community-based experience

Benefits of working at KPU:
•    Competitive salary as outlined in Collective Agreement
•    Extended health for self and eligible family members
•    Generous vacation and professional development opportunities
•    Partial remote working agreement is possible
 
Department environment:
•    Collegial team of counselling practitioners
•    Case consultation provided within the team
•    Opportunities to engage with larger KPU community through outreach/interaction/collaboration 
•    Engagement with Indigenous Services Department and ongoing/evolving initiatives in service of students
 

Note to Applicants

The University welcomes and encourages applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. If you require an accommodation through our hiring process, please include your request in the application email.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.