Family School Liaison Counsellor

Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private Alberta accredited Christian school located in the Southwest of Calgary, Alberta, specializing in the education of children in grades K-9. GCA is a member of AISCA (Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta) as well as ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). GCAs mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love. GCA has a head of school, two principals and a staff of over 125 serving approximately 1000 students.

GCA has an opportunity for a maternity leave, 0.5 FTE Family School Liaison Counsellor (FSLC). This individual will work as an integral member of the school's team to assist students to overcome social/emotional and mental health difficulties and to develop to their full potential. The FSLC is also responsible for building collaborative working partnerships between organizations, institutions and systems relevant to child, youth and family well-being. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in strategies for children and youth with mental health concerns as well as experience working in a school setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities for the Family School Liaison Counsellor will include many different tasks and responsibilities. Responsibilities may include but not be limited to:

• Assessment and treatment planning skills to determine the level of service required to assist students (Junior Kindergarten - Grade 9) and their families.
• Crisis intervention and prevention, short term counselling and support, and provide information, liaison and referral to community agencies.
• Provide student training in pro-social skills and emotional regulation via one-on-one and small group settings.
• Provide psycho-educational presentations within classrooms on topics such as anxiety, stress management, and social skills.
• Provide ongoing consultation and support to support staff, teachers, and administrators.
• Provide input to Individual Program Plan and Behaviour Plan development.
• Teach parenting skills and/or link parents to appropriate community resources to assist in establishing effective parenting skills.
• Create cooperative partnerships between home, school and the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses and concerns including interpersonal relationship difficulties.
• Experience in screening related to developmental and psychosocial issues.
• Experience dealing with families experiencing stress and/or in crisis.
• Knowledge of child development, and familiarity with developmental & mental health disorders (i.e., autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders).
• Knowledge of the impact of developmental challenges on family dynamics.
• Demonstrate time management/problem-solving skills, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a variety of service providing professionals.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate or masters level (preferred) degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field.
• Registration with an applicable licensing body is required where appropriate.
• A clean criminal records check; including a vulnerable sector check.
• Agrees wholeheartedly with and abides by the GCA Statement of Faith without reservation.

Glenmore Christian Academy offers a compensation package competitive with comparable schools in Alberta. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week). This position is a term contract from January 7, 2025, to June 27, 2025, with the potential of extending the contract into the 2025/2026 school year. All applicants must apply through the online portal at [email protected]. Applications received prior to December 12, 2024, will be given first consideration and the posting will remain active until a suitable candidate is selected. The following attachments should be included:

• Cover Letter
• Resume summarizing training and experience
• Three professional references that can be contacted
• A statement of faith
• Pastoral reference (recent: within three months)

No agency or telephone inquiries please.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our organization, but only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.