About This Role
Counsellor Junior School Full Time - Continuing Contract Starting August 2026
About York House School
The journey of York House School began in 1932 at the intersection of Granville and 28th, where seven bold women embraced 17 students in the inaugural class. Almost a century later, our institution has guided thousands of students in discovering their individual paths and purposes. Today, we stand as one of Canada's premier independent schools for girls, educating around 700 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. At York House School, our vision is distinct: we strive to create a transformative experience for students, empowering them to envision and shape a better future.
Our Mission
We are committed to cultivating an environment that stimulates intellectual growth, celebrates individuality, inspires creativity, and promotes open dialogue.
Why Join Us?
At York House School, we nurture a culture where imaginative exploration, brave conversations, and profound intellectual engagement are all valued. Achieving this ambitious vision necessitates a talented, diverse, and enthusiastic team of dedicated faculty and staff. We invite you to explore our Spark Strategic Plan for further insights. If you are passionate about education, eager to inspire future leaders, and excited to join a dynamic, progressive community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About This Role:
York House School is seeking applications for the position of Junior School Counsellor from compassionate, enthusiastic, and dynamic individuals who are dedicated to providing an outstanding 21st-century learning environment for our students. The ideal candidate will be a caring and articulate person who communicates effortlessly and demonstrates genuine concern in counseling children from Grades 1-7. This role focuses on supporting the social and emotional growth of our students and offers opportunities to engage in co-curricular activities that enrich their school experiences.
Qualifications:
- Preferred: British Columbia Teachers' certification or equivalent
- Teaching experience is advantageous
- Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, School Counselling, Social Work (MSW), or an M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology
- Prior counseling experience at the Junior School level is preferred
- Experience in an independent school setting is beneficial
- Co-curricular involvement is a plus
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Collaborate closely with school leadership, teachers, and parents regarding students' emotional and social well-being
- Provide direct counseling services to children and their families
- Consult with faculty and parents
- Facilitate workshops for teachers and parents focusing on social and emotional learning, student mental health, and relationship navigation
- Participate in school-based team meetings
- Deliver direct instruction to students on topics such as peer support, conflict resolution, social skills, and life skills
- Assist colleagues in teaching Health and Career Education and promote healthy school environments
- Act as a liaison with community agencies and allied professionals
- Uphold the ethical standards of the counseling profession, complying with relevant federal, provincial, and local laws, statutes, and policies related to students and families, including child protection, inclusion education, attendance, educational rights, and privacy
- Familiarity with Ministry Coding regarding behavioral designations and funding
- Knowledgeable in counseling approaches for children, parents, and teachers concerning ASD, ADHD, and other exceptionalities
- Awareness of current research on girls and learning
- Proven experience as an enthusiastic, innovative, and caring educator committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms
- Collaborative, adaptable, supportive, and effective team player
- Ability to forge strong professional relationships with all stakeholders
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Dedicated to ongoing professional development and improvement