Student-Family Advocate (School Counsellor)
Top Benefits
About the role
Gitksen West Secondary School
Located in Gitwangak First Nation, BC
Student Family Advocate******(SchoolCounsellor)**Job Posting
About Us
Gitksen West Secondary School is a brand-new, state-of-the-art high school serving the Gitwangak, Gitsegukla and Gitanyow First Nations. We provide a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich learning environment that blends academic excellence with Sim'algya x and Gitksen language, culture, and traditions. Our modern facilities include specialized classrooms for science, arts, and trades, a full commercial kitchen for nutrition programs and culinary studies, a gymnasium, and a track and sports field. Students have opportunities for dual credit, work experience, leadership and sports academies, while staff benefit from a collaborative and innovative professional environment. Join us and make a direct impact on the education, well-being, and cultural development of our students.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individual, group, and class counselling, including intervention and prevention
- Support students' academic achievement through goal-setting, portfolios, and IEPs
- Collaborate with staff, families, and community agencies on student development
- Facilitate referrals to mental health, social services, and cultural programs, as necessary
- Mentor and advise students on career options and post-secondary planning
- Contribute to culturally responsive programming that integrates Sim'algya x and Gitksen culture
- Promote healthy living, wellness, and life skills that support student independence and well-being
- Support students' intellectual, social, and emotional development
- Collaborate with colleagues to integrate project-based learning, particularly when weaving Sim'algya x and Gitksen culture into their curriculum
- Participate in school activities, committees, professional development, extra-curricular activities.
Qualifications
- B.C. Teacher Certification and membership in the Teacher Regulation Branch (preferred)
- Master's degree in counselling, Social Work, Psychology, or Child & Youth Care
- Experience with First Nations children, youth, and families
- Training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, conflict resolution
- Knowledge of IEPs, career guidance, and mental health support
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong knowledge of 21st-century, project-based learning and teaching strategies
- Excellent communication, organization, and classroom management skills
- Team player with creativity and innovation in lesson planning
- Participation in school events, extra-curricular activities, and occasional field trips
- Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
**Salary & **Benefits: GWSSS provides its employees with a competitive salary (based on SD82 wage grid) dependent on category and years of experience (ie. Cat. 6 with 5 years of experience: $90,051.52), moving loan subsidy, and full group health benefits, including pension, life insurance, and dental coverage.
Why Join Us?
If you are a bold educational leader/counsellor ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and help build a school that will inspire generations to come. For more information and to submit an application that includes Cover Letter, CV, Philosophy of Education, copy of credentials and references** to: **
**Edith Loring-Kuhanga, B. Ed., M. Ed. Leadership & Governance **Consultant;
Email: consultant@gwsss.ca
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Posted On
May 14, 2026
Closing Date & Time
Ongoing
Openings
1
Job Type
Full Time
Job Category
Teachers, Principals & Superintendents
City
Hazelton
School/Location
Gitksen West Secondary School
+ Show more
Salary
$90,051.52 (Cat. 6, 5 years based on grid)
Employment Start Date
August 31, 2026
Mandatory Document
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Additional Documents
- Teaching Qualifications/Licenses
- Certificates & Diplomas
- Teaching Evaluations
- Reference Letter(s)
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