Hybrid Indigenous Counsellor

at Enactus at Bow Valley College

• Job title: Indigenous Counsellor
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Junior, Mid level
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Calgary, Canada

About the role

• Counsellor providing culturally grounded career and personal support primarily for Indigenous students at Bow Valley College. Collaborating across campus departments to improve student outcomes in a hybrid role.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional counselling support primarily for Indigenous students on campus
• Collaborate with staff at the Iniikokaan Centre to develop and deliver culturally informed wellness programming
• Integrate Indigenous principles and practices with mainstream therapeutic techniques to address personal, academic, situational, and career concerns
• Offer short-term counselling to Bow Valley College students (in-person, virtual, or by phone) within a stepped-care model
• Identify, assess, and implement effective counselling strategies suitable for short-term support
• Develop counselling care plans that acknowledge and address the impacts of colonization, racism, sexism, and poverty
• Provide personal, crisis, and group counselling during scheduled hours
• Coordinate referrals to health professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, and community mental health partners
• Support students in resolving emotional, interpersonal, and academic challenges impacting their mental health and success
• Assess and respond appropriately to risks involving self-harm, harm to others, or suicidality
• Work collaboratively with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Advisor to ensure seamless support for affected students
• Consult with staff and faculty on addressing disruptive or challenging student behaviours
• Engage in ethical problem solving within the mental health team
• Provide debriefing and support for students following traumatic events
• Foster student resilience, self-care strategies, and balance during times of academic and personal challenge
• Develop and facilitate presentations, workshops, and group counselling sessions
• Maintain accurate case notes, including student history and treatment plans
• Collaborate in planning mental health initiatives and campus events
• Uphold strict confidentiality and protect student records in accordance with policies and guidelines
• Participate in ongoing professional development and remain current with emerging practices in counselling and mental health.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, Psychology, Educational Psychology, or a related field
• 2–4 years of relevant counselling experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of and appreciation for the cultural traditions, spiritual practices, and healing approaches of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples
• Extensive experience working with Indigenous communities, including roles in community development and partnership building
• Strong understanding of Indigenous experiences in Canada, particularly within educational settings
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Benefits

• Commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community
• Professional development opportunities