School Counselling Consultant (Education Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This will provide children, students, and families with a strong foundation for success. This department is a perfect fit for those who want to be part of the future of public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

As part of the Student Equity and Support Services Branch, you will work with both the Student Services and SchoolsPlus/Integrated Services divisions to provide direction and integrated leadership to the Regional Centres for Education (RCEs) and le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) regarding the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, guidelines, programming, and services that support the academic achievement and well-being of all students. The Branch works collaboratively across the department and government to ensure the provision of a high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive, and equitable public education system.

About Our Opportunity

The School Counselling Consultant, under the direction of the Director of Student Services, will be accountable for the implementation and evaluation of the Comprehensive School Counselling program and practice in the public-school system.

Responsibilities also include development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of related policies/guidelines in the areas of academic and wellness through integrated practice supporting Regional Centres for Education (RCE)/Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP). In addition, this position will provide a liaison with RCEs/CSAP in educational and student support services as required. In this role, the consultant provides leadership and direction to RCEs/CSAP in keeping with the changing needs, roles, responsibilities, and expectations in the public education. 

Primary Accountabilities

The Consultant will work directly with Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial and with internal and external stakeholders such as other government departments, authorities, agencies, post-secondary institutions, professional associations, and nongovernment organizations and is responsible for:

• collaborating, leading, and managing professional learning and support for education entities for the implementation of inclusive policies, programs, and resource supports for all learners.
• supporting all teachers and support staff in an inclusive education system to improve student achievement and well-being.
• analysing data in relation to student achievement and well-being and designing, implementing, and monitoring responsive supports to inform and guide decision making.
• guiding, leading, and managing processes for supporting P-12 education system.
• researching, implementing, and evaluating programs, services, curriculum, and professional learning opportunities.
• supporting and ensuring that policies, programs, services, and curriculum are current, evidence-informed, and developmentally appropriate; and monitors for continuous improvement.
• playing a key role in advising and providing expertise to support the NS public school program and services based on evidence-informed practices as well as research into current population-level indicators and outcomes in achievement and well-being for all students.
• actively leading and participating in strengthening student outcomes by building partnerships, relationships, and integrated services delivery across government, agencies, and communities, as appropriate.
• representing the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development on committees with stakeholders to establish policies and protocols in relation to programs, services, and related legislation.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have a Master's Degree in Education (Counselling), plus eight (8) years of experience as a School Counsellor, including demonstrated competencies in developing and delivering professional development, programs, services and initiatives to enhance student success. 

Experience is required in working with teachers and regional centres for education and CSAP staff in the areas of school counselling, well-being, human rights education, equity, accessibility, and culturally responsive teaching.

You work well independently, and in team environments you apply the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusive practice to all areas of your work and will support your colleagues to do the same. You have extensive knowledge in the research principles of inclusive education, specifically school counselling. You can build productive relationships with non-governmental and governmental members (both internally and externally). When dealing with colleagues, you exercise tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

You are proficient using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), have strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy while balancing priorities.

In addition, you also possess the following:

• Knowledge of Nova Scotia’s Inclusive Education Policy and a Comprehensive School Counselling model that focuses on students' Well-being and Development, Learning and Achievement, Life Transition, and Career Planning.
• Extensive knowledge of the philosophical approaches/models related to inclusion, family-centred practice and community collaboration.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths for Nova Scotians.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.