26001 - Gilbert Paterson Middle School - Teacher Counsellor or FSLC

Gilbert Paterson Middle School - Teacher Counsellor or Family School Liaison Counsellor - Temporary (1 position)

Gilbert Paterson Middle School is looking to fill a temporary position with an expected start date of August 25, 2026, and will complete on June 29, 2027, or upon the return of the incumbent. The Gilbert Paterson team welcomes both Teacher Counsellors and Family School Liaison Counsellors to apply to this position to be considered.

The competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications received by May 13, 2026 at 10:00 am will be assured of careful consideration.

The School

Gilbert Paterson Middle School serves approximately 850 students and is a dual track English and French Immersion school. The Paterson community hopes to provide an inclusive learning experience that promotes the development of academic, social and emotional, physical, and artistic attributes for all students that come to our school. We are committed to a secure, positive, challenging and exploratory approach in cooperation with parents, students, staff and community at large.For more information on Gilbert Paterson, please visit the school's website at https://gp.lethsd.ab.ca/

The Division

Lethbridge School Division offers high quality learning experiences over a broad range of programs to meet the needs of learners. Lethbridge School Division embraces diversity in inclusive schools and is known for its innovative culture. The Division employs more than 1,200 staff and assists in serving the educational needs of over 12,000 students within 24 schools in the city of Lethbridge.

Mission

Lethbridge School Division is inclusive, forward-thinking and accountable for engaging students in quality learning experiences that develop strong foundations, innovative minds and responsible citizens.

For a complete overview of our division, you are encouraged to visit our website.

The City of Lethbridge

Lethbridge is located just two hours south of Calgary and close to the Rocky Mountains and U.S. border. It is a family-oriented and culturally vibrant community with many amenities of a larger city. Lethbridge has over 100,000 residents and is one of only a few cities its size with two post-secondary institutions - Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge. Lethbridge has a robust fine arts community and is renown for the breadth of recreation activities with outstanding facilities. Lethbridge offers more than 70 parks, 140 km of walking and running trails, playgrounds and sports fields throughout the city.

The City of Lethbridge is proud neighbor to the largest First Nation reserve by area in Canada. Kainai Nation (also known as the Blood or Kainaiwa), covers 1,342.9 km², and is located southwest of the city of Lethbridge, north of the town of Cardston, east of Pincher Creek, bordered on all sides of the Oldman, St. Mary and Belly rivers in Alberta. We are fortunate to learn from Indigenous communities and are committed to enhancing our understanding of the truths of our past so we can continue to move towards reconciliation.

Teacher Counsellor Position Information

FTE: 1.00 - Temporary

Professional Competencies

Lethbridge School Division is looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of effective Counselling practices and ability to apply them to a variety of contexts;
• Sound understanding of teaching context and contributing variables;
• Deep understanding of pedagogical approaches based on best practice;
• Understanding of classroom management strategies that contribute to a positive learning environment;
• Ability to establish effective relationships with students, staff and other stakeholders;
• The ability to use technology in meaningful ways for teaching and learning;
• Qualities of a reflective practitioner who engages in professional learning aligned with the TQS;
• Commitment to the school community with respect to professional relationships;
• A belief in collaborative practice and teamwork;
• Active contribution to school and student activity, and overall ability to develop effective relationships within the school and community.

Subjects

Gilbert Paterson Middle School is seeking a Teacher Counsellor to join their team and support their diverse community with a student first approach. The successful candidate will:

• Have previous experience working with youth (considered an asset);

• Builds trusting, authentic relationships with students by centering their lived experiences and identities, and offering support rooted in empathy, respect, and cultural responsiveness;
• Collaborate with educators, families, and community members to foster safe, affirming, and identity-affirming school environments for all students, particularly those who are targeted for marginalization;
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding Indigenous ways of knowing;
• Approaches counselling through a non-clinical, relational lens, prioritizing student voice and agency over diagnostic or deficit-based models;
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal professional growth and reflection with a learner mindset;
• Be committed to fostering collaborative working relationships.

• Has completed or is working towards a Masters Degree in Counselling, Applied Psychology or Educational Psychology.
• Previous Counselling experience wound be considering an asset.

Requirements

• Applicants must possess or be eligible to obtain an Alberta Teaching Certificate.
• Master of Counselling, Bachelor or Master of Social Work, or related degree.

Family School Liaison Counsellor Position Information

FTE: 35.00 hrs/wk (1.0FTE)

Gilbert Paterson Middle School is looking for empathetic, sensitive and patient individuals to work as the leader of a dynamic middle school team. The FSLC works as an integral member of the school’s counselling team to assist students with strategies to navigate social/emotional and mental health difficulties and to develop their full potential. Lethbridge School Division, embraces diversity and functions in a dynamic, innovative and fast paced environment.

What will you do?

The FSLC is responsible for building collaborative working partnerships between organizations, institutions and systems relevant to child, youth and family well-being. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in strategies for youth with mental health concerns/diagnoses, as well as experience working in a school setting is preferred.

School Administration will work with the successful candidate to develop a schedule.

FSLC staff have a working calendar that provides time off during some non-instructional days.

The salary range for the Family School Liaison position will be $68,000 - $84,500 depending on experience.

Requirements

Education and Experience Required:

• Post-secondary degree in one of the following: Bachelor or Master's degree in Social Work, Master's Degree in Educational Counselling, Master's Degree in Applied Psychology or Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology

Conditions of Employment

In order to ensure and maintain a safe and secure working and learning environment, applicants new to Lethbridge School Division who are offered employment must provide:

• A police information check; including Vulnerable Sector Check from Police Services or an RCMP detachment that does not have any charges or convictions.
• A satisfactory Intervention Record Check from South Region Alberta Child and Family Services.
• Proof of photo identification, may be a valid driver’s license, provincial identification card as issued by a licensed government registry office, valid passport or Nexus card. If one cannot be provided, a new card must be obtained and proof of application provided within three days of hire.
• Documentation of a valid Social Insurance Number in the employee’s legal name. If valid Social Insurance documentation in the current legal name can not be provided, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a new one within three days of hire.

Please note that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted regarding an interview.

Benefits

Lethbridge School Division not only provides an exceptional benefit package but also the opportunity to positively impact students and the Paterson community!