Northland School Division

Additional Information:

NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 61

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mental Health Therapist

One Positions Available:

1. Wabasca-Demarais Area

Northland School Division No. 61 is seeking an advocate of Indigenous Education who supports FNMI Language and Culture to help us lead the way in First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Education. Northland School Division requires a full-time Mental Health Therapist.  This position will primarily support the schools in the Wabasca-Demarais area.

The primary responsibilities of this role involve coordinating mental health supports.  Ensure services are coordinated, without duplication.  Informal and formal referrals are seamless, professional development opportunities are coordinated for school staff groups, liaising with community partners and stakeholders for collaborative opportunities, students and supports.

The position requires a high degree of collaboration with a multitude of partners and stakeholders, as well as the ability to work independently within broad parameters.  The Mental Health Therapist must maintain a positive and professional image and remain diplomatic and tactful at all times when dealing with stakeholders and a variety of system and family issues in a confidential manner.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The Mental Health Therapist will have either:

• a Master’s of Social Work, OR
• a teaching degree with a Master's Degree in Counselling, Psychology or Mental Health.

The successful candidate will also have a minimum of five years of supervisory/management/leadership experience with a strong emphasis on children, youth and families and the systems that serve them.

Familiarity with Human Services and Education policies is considered an asset. Experience in working within the areas of social profit organizations, mental health and education will be considered an asset.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:

• Reporting and accountability to the Director of Student Services. 
• To focus on inter-sectoral collaboration in order to provide the service needs of children, youth and their families, using their skills and experiences
• Be able to demonstrate collaborative leadership and be in possession of group process skills
• To have a working knowledge of, and a strong commitment to, the principles related to family centered practice
• A high degree of tact and diplomacy along with strong facilitation, problem solving, dispute resolution skills and with proven skills in stakeholder liaison/relations
• Provide and coordinate professional development opportunities in the area of trauma and recovery for school teams
• Provide and coordinate parent support groups and outreach groups before, during and after school hours
• Work with Student Services to develop and implement programming for small group mental health sessions for school-aged children
• Support school administrators in development and implementation of psychosocial planning
• Liaise with outside agencies (i.e. social profit agencies) to coordinator community and family support and share with school partners
• Develop and support schools in becoming more trauma informed and trauma sensitive in their school practices
• To have solid administrative experience including project management, budgeting, organization and time management skills, the ability to prioritize work, manage competing priorities and remain productive under pressure within tight timelines
• To demonstrate reliability, a strong work ethic and the ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, build networks and mobility resources
• To have a collaborative interpersonal style and strong written, computer and oral communication skills

The successful applicant will be required to provide a vulnerable sector check along with a criminal record check.  All employees are expected to be computer literate, which includes fluency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

Interested applicants are asked to e-mail or fax a complete resume including the names of three (3) professional references to: Murray Marran, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, Northland School Division, 9809 77 Avenue, Peace River, Alberta T8S 1V2.  Phone: (780) 624-2060.  Fax: (780) 624-5914.  Email: applications@nsd61.ca  

Open until a suitable candidate is found.

Offers of employment will be conditional on receipt of satisfactory criminal record and child welfare checks. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.