Student Services Counsellor Personal and Career (PS5) – Sydney Waterfront Campus – Designated

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

City or region
Sydney, Nova Scotia

Qualifications

• The minimum educational qualification for this position is a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, Psychology or Counselling or other Master’s degree enabling registration with one of the provincial regulatory bodies.
• Registered with, or undergoing candidacy process with the respective regulatory body, Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW); Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP).
• You have a minimum of five years post-counselling credential relevant occupational experience counselling adults in a variety of specialties, (e.g., academic, career and personal), including working with post-secondary and or secondary students. Or, a combination of pre/post-masters experience may also be considered, including, working in an Indigenous community or working directly with Indigenous individuals and families in a case management/supportive role addressing issues pertaining to mental health and wellbeing, advocacy and social justice.
• Preference will be given to a Mi’kmaq speaker and/or knowledge of the lived experience of the Mi’kmaq Indigenous culture and community.
• Demonstrated training and experience facilitating psychoeducational groups and workshops.
• Competency in relation to the unique needs of Indigenous communities, understanding the systemic barriers and challenges faced by Indigenous students in a post-secondary institution and the ability to apply a structural/anti-oppressive, dignified and trauma informed analysis to service delivery.
• Demonstrated respect for individual, cultural, community and organizational diversity, including the ability to identify and understand intersecting issues related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, race/ethnicity, immigration status, religion, Indigenous heritage and gender identity.
• Awareness of the impacts of historical and ongoing colonialism and intergenerational trauma for Indigenous, Metis and Inuit communities and demonstrated commitment to decolonialization and equity.
• Familiarity with mental health and behavioural concerns and intergenerational impacts that commonly present in post-secondary students.
• Evidence of current experience practicing one-on-one and group counselling, including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, advocacy and harm reduction.
• Outreach, advocacy, and health promotion experience would be considered an asset.
• Experience with relevant computer applications such as databases, case file management, Microsoft suite of software, Office 365, digital communication, social media, educational technology and learning platforms.
• You are comfortable working in a digital environment; you take responsibility for acquiring knowledge about advancing technology; and you are committed to using technology to create an exceptional student experience.
• Relevant Skills and Knowledge:
• You demonstrate a commitment to the principles of human rights equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty.
• You possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable you to interact with a diversity of people and support resolution of issues.
• You are known for your superior customer service skills and can create a relationship of trust beyond the immediate interaction.
• Your superb team working skills enable you to contribute positively to a team environment.
• You are known for your problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• You are a strong communicator both written and oral.
• You possess excellent coordination skills specifically related to coordinating services, work, events, logistics, etc. and managing priorities and time management.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently and display a high degree of initiative.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to respond to a variety of needs of various stakeholders.
• Ability to foster and maintain partnerships with providers, internally and externally, for purposes of liaising, referrals, health promotion, support planning and system navigation.
• Highly developed assessment, listening, observational, therapeutic counselling and motivational interviewing skills.
• Proven judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters and the ability to respond tactfully, calmly and with sound judgement to crisis situations and seek consultation as appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize mental health challenges and onset of mental health concerns and make timely, appropriate referrals to appropriate community providers.
• Clinical competence and comfort working independently to manage crises and provide ongoing counselling to student in an academic setting.
• You are dedicated to life-long learning and a willingness to look at decolonized solutions that work to the self-determined wellness of students.

Application deadline
August 7, 2025

Wage/salary
$77,032.43 – $102,412.68

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