School Counsellor; Grades 7-12 – IB School

Position: School Counsellor (Grades 7-12) – IB World School
Location: Victoria

School Counsellor (Grades 7-12) – IB World School
St. Margaret’s School (SMS), an independent day and boarding school in Victoria, British Columbia, offers a unique environment to support girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in an IB Middle Years Programme‑candidate and Diploma Programme setting.

The School Counsellor provides comprehensive social‑emotional support and conducts classroom instruction within the IB‑aligned Social‑Emotional Education Program. The role collaborates with the Enrichment Coordinator, other counsellors, vice principals, boarding staff, and the management team to promote the personal, social, and academic growth of young women.

Core Competencies

Integrity & Trust

Service Orientation

Adaptability

Innovation

Resilience

Professional Knowledge

Communication & Collaboration

Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the school‑based team to meet learner needs in alignment with IB standards.

Initiate and coordinate school‑wide counselling and mental‑health wellness initiatives focused on the well‑being of young women.

Serve as primary contact for at‑risk girls, conduct initial interventions, and refer to community resources.

Assist parents and teachers with developmental and academic pressures unique to girls in the IB system.

Integrate guidance activities into classroom curricula, promoting IB Learner Profile attributes.

Help students resolve classroom concerns, develop advocacy and problem‑solving skills, and foster self‑agency.

Collaborate with the Enrichment Team to assess needs, set goals, and evaluate programme action plans.

Document measurable progress and analyse behavioural data.

Participate in transition planning across IB levels.

Act as liaison between the school, families, and the community.

Provide brief individual counselling and monitor social‑emotional needs of students.

Facilitate support groups tailored to the all‑girls environment.

Make referrals to community specialists, implementing their recommendations.

Adhere to ethical standards, laws, policies and procedures governing school programs.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Demonstrate expertise in the social‑emotional needs of girls in all‑girls schools and navigate academic pressure and social development.

Communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, support personnel and the wider community.

Required Education & Experience

BC Teacher certification.

Minimum 4‑year Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or a related field.

Master’s Degree preferred in School Counselling or Counselling Psychology.

Minimum 3 years counselling experience in an educational setting or social‑service agency, with at least one year as an internship.

Experience working with children/youth facing social or emotional challenges.

Experience working within a diverse team.

Experience interacting with students, families, staff, visitors and government agencies.

Experience supporting students with diverse backgrounds and identities.

Prior experience in an IB World School is highly desirable.

Experience in a single‑sex (all‑girls) educational environment is a significant asset.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of Safer School procedures and protocols.

Familiarity with adolescent health data and research for health, wellness, and social‑emotional education.

Understanding of educational software for reporting and attendance.

Knowledge of mental‑health screening tools and basic assessments.

Skill in managing complex student wellness needs, especially for young women.

Ability to respond to acute mental‑health concerns or crises and access external services.

Ability to negotiate with parents, teachers and support staff for holistic student wellness within the IB framework.

Ability to support delivery of social‑emotional programmes and adapt them to class composition.

Second language proficiency is an asset.

Valued Benefits
St. Margaret’s School offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, campus facilities including on‑site gym, rapid transit access, and a supportive professional community.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
St. Margaret’s School promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of work and learning. The workforce is intended to reflect the diversity of the student body and community. We encourage applications from historically excluded groups and provide accommodation support for candidates needing employment assistance or technical aids. Employees needing support can contact Human Resources at

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