Southridge acknowledges that we teach and learn on the unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation and the broader unceded territories of the Coast Salish people.

Southridge is an independent day school located in South Surrey, BC with 696 students enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12. We have a tradition of developing well rounded students with a balance of knowledge and goodness, inspiring students to go out into the world and make a difference.

Southridge is affectionately described as ‘a lighthearted place of serious purpose’ and we want you to know…it’s true! If you’re passionate about working in an energizing environment with colleagues that value building strong relationships, fostering strong minds and good hearts through student-centered teaching and learning, and community all while having fun, we want to hear from you!

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
SENIOR SCHOOL COUNSELLOR (FULL-TIME)

We are currently inviting applications for the position of Senior School Counsellor. This position will commence September 1, 2025.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Working as part of the school’s Student Support Services department, the Counsellor will provide one-on-one and small group counselling for students and will provide programming to educate students on overall well-being. In addition, this position will have primary responsibility for managing the portfolio of students in grade 8 to 12.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide a counseling program that informs, educates, and supports students in their socio- emotional health

• Perform short term counselling and crisis intervention for students (8 – 12) as needed
• Provide programming to educate students regarding well-being issues in Career-Life Education and Career-Life Connections classes, in individual meetings and in workshops
• Offer advice and counsel to parents in their support of the student
• Identify and support students who may be having socio-emotional issues in the school and engage them in counseling
• Consult with teachers and explore possible strategies and solutions for the concerns that arise to support students
• Maintain confidential records of interactions with students
• Assist the Learning Strategies Teacher in supporting students with special learning needs from a socio emotional perspective and writing IEPs
• Act as the primary advocate in supporting students with IEPs where mental health and chronic health concerns have been identified
• Guidance for teachers in identifying students who may require additional support and intervention

To proactively work to maintain a healthy school culture

• Identify areas of concern with students and develop strategies to improve the interactions between students
• To work with the Principal of the Senior School, the Vice Principal of Student Life and Assistant Head of School – Community Engagement in planning wellness themes for the school
• Create, facilitate and a support a weekly after school self-care program
• To implement restorative justice procedures following discipline incidents
• To assist with the monitoring of the school’s bullying policy, supporting the PSST platform, and to support the Senior School Principal in resolving bullying incidents

To develop a cohesive Student Services Department

• To meet regularly with the other members of the Student Services Department including the Learning Strategies Teacher, Director of University Counselling and Advisors as necessary
• To act as a coordinated and integrated support team to meet individual needs
• To act as a coordinated and integrated support team to meet group or grade level needs
• To facilitate the communication with parents from the integrated support team to offer consistent and coordinated advice in supporting their children

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s Degree in counseling psychology or equivalency
• Hold or plan on obtaining a Registered Clinical Counselor Designation
• Bachelor of Education degree
• Hold a valid BC teaching certificate
• Experience assessing students’ social and emotional needs and making the appropriate referral when necessary
• Working in a technology rich environment is an asset
• Must be highly collegial and a collaborative team member
• Desire to help students achieve personal success
• Effective interpersonal skills to establish connections, build trust and rapport with students and parents
• Proven work ethic and a high level of integrity
• A proven understanding of children developmentally
• Experience working with adolescents in a school environment is an asset
• Experience working in an independent school environment is an asset

VALUES:

The ideal candidate will be aligned with values and mission of Southridge, will want to be an active member of a vibrant school community, and will demonstrate a desire to make a difference in the world. They will be someone who:

• Is a lifelong learner
• Has excellent study, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Is a creative and independent thinker
• Has a positive attitude
• Seeks their passion
• Believes in the value of trust, tolerance, compassion, and respect
• Understands the sacrifice and reward of community service
• Has an appreciation of, and a desire for, lifelong physical activity and fitness
• Commits to personal wellness
• Appreciates the arts and their contribution to a richer life
• Can work effectively as part of a team

Southridge is excited to offer a competitive salary, with a pay scale the exceeds the Vancouver School District by 4%. Along with this, we have a comprehensive benefits package and a generous RRSP matching program, access to health and wellness activities including generous support for professional learning and development. The salary range for this position is from $71,213. to $116,179. Salary placement is based on years of teaching experience and educational accomplishments.

At the heart of our school is a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We strive to support an increasingly diverse community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please visit our page ‘How to Apply‘, where you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions for submitting your application through our online system. This posting will remain open until filled.

Learn More: Explore our website: southridge.ca to discover what makes our school a special place to work.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for consideration will be contacted.