Mental Health Professional

The Integrated School Support Program (ISSP) is an initiative that is funded through the Calgary Police Youth Foundation (CPYF) and has been created to provide a comprehensive and layered approach to support students from a holistic perspective. The goal of the program is to build resilience in children and youth, improve academics over both short and long-term and enhance pro-social behavior.

In partnership with the CPYF, Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Professional to work within the Ponoka Elementary School for a 3 year term.

Reporting directly to WCPS Director/Clinical Supervisor, the Mental Health Professional will provide a psychosocial perspective to assess, plan, and provide culturally sensitive counseling and therapy services to students experiencing mental health challenges.Assignment:

Full-time 1.0 FTE Mental Health Professional

10 Month contract position, which will be renewed annually for 3 years

Duties to commence August 28, 2024 and will continue until June 30, 2025

Assignment is located at the Ponoka Elementary School, in Ponoka

Qualifications and/or Assets: Masters degree in psychology; masters degree in social work; psychiatric nursing; or equivalent

Active registration and in good standing with relevant college as recognized by the Health Professions Act

Knowledge of therapeutic modalities (eg. CBT, DBT, ACT, Play Therapy, etc.)

Training in crisis intervention, assessment and case management skills

Completion of the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) Brain Story Certification within the first 12 months of employment

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Duties: Conduct psycho-social assessments to identify mental health needs

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans

Provide counseling and therapy using evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, play therapy, etc.

Monitor students progress and adjust treatment plans as needed

Provide reports and documentation of assessments for students

Assists staff with strategies for students encountering learning, behavioral, emotional and social difficulties - this would include in-class support for dysregulated students

Manage caseload - individual student appointments

Collaborate with external professional/agencies towards integrated understanding and support of students

May facilitate psycho-educational and therapeutic groups for children and families.

Advocate on behalf of the child and family as appropriate.

Work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team

Provide professional development opportunities for school staff

Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner

Builds and maintains positive, trusting relationships

Strong organizational skills and time management (multi-task and set priorities to meet various deadlines and maintain a flexible schedule)

Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records

Strong follow-through and attention to detail

Provide program evaluation and reports to CPYF

Able to work with minimal supervision

Conflict resolution and people management skills

Is honest and aware of professional or personal limitations and is willing to seek support when needed

Is flexible, open-minded, learns quickly and adaptable to change

Computer proficient Please quote the competition number in the subject line of your email message.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, including the name and contact information of 3 supervisory references, to:

Mrs. Barb Reaney

Email: barb.reaney@wolfcreek.ab.ca Director of Education Services,

Clinical Lead and Mental Health Supports Phone: (403) 783-5441, ext. 1302

Wolf Creek Public Schools

Fax: (403) 783-3140

6000 Highway 2A, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1P6 Please Note: The successful applicant will be required to provide, at his/her own expense, satisfactory and current vulnerable sector check within twenty working days of an offer of employment.