Guidance Counsellor

Position Title: Guidance Counsellor (Grade 7–10)

Department: Student Services

Reports To: Head of Guidance

Job Type: Full-Time

Start Date: September 2026 (or earlier, depending upon the successful candidate)

About Us

Hudson College is a JK–12 coed private school in Toronto dedicated to fostering academic excellence, character development, and holistic student growth. We pride ourselves on our tight-knit community, small class sizes, and a supportive environment where every student is known and valued as their authentic self. We are currently seeking a compassionate and strategic Guidance Counsellor to guide our Grade 7 to 10 students through their critical transitional years.

Position Overview

The Guidance Counsellor for Grades 7-10 plays a pivotal role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of our early adolescent students. This role involves easing the transition from middle school to high school, laying the groundwork for future academic success and career planning, and providing a safe, confidential space for students to navigate the personal and social challenges of adolescence.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising & Transition Support:

• Provide proactive, highly personalized guidance to families as they navigate key transition points at Hudson College, particularly Grade 6 into 7, and Grade 8 into 9
• Guide Grade 7 and 8 students through the transition into Hudson’s high school environment, ensuring they have the organizational and self-advocacy skills needed to succeed
• Design and deliver workshops and programs for Grade 7 and 8 students and their parents, responding to the variable needs of each cohort
• Assist Grade 9 and 10 students with academic goal-setting, course selection, early postsecondary exploration, and Guidance Dept. workshops/programming
• Monitor student academic progress, collaborating with teachers and learning resource specialists to identify and support students who may require academic interventions or accommodations
• Attend any school-sponsored field trips/events for Grades 7-10 (may include overnight excursions)
• Attend any school Open House events to help promote and provide information to prospective families about the school

Social-Emotional Counselling:

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counselling to address issues such as anxiety, peer conflicts, self-esteem, family dynamics, and stress management
• Design and implement preventative and proactive schoolwide wellness programs (e.g., anti-bullying, digital citizenship, mental health awareness, executive functioning skills)

Community Collaboration & Communication:

• Maintain open, proactive, and empathetic communication with parents and guardians regarding their child’s well-being and academic trajectory.
• Conduct parent education workshops on topics relevant to early adolescence (e.g., navigating puberty, social media use, building resilience).
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to cultivate a positive, inclusive school culture that aligns with the school’s core values.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education: Master’s Degree in School Counselling, Educational Psychology, Social Work, or a related field

Certification: Valid OCT certification and guidance qualification, e.g. OSCA

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in educational counselling, preferably within a private or independent school setting with middle or high school students. Expertise in working with diverse learners, including students who seek out academic enrichment and/or may require an IEP.

Skills: Deep understanding of the developmental, social, and emotional needs of 12 to 16-year-olds:

• Exceptional active listening, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills
• Familiarity with high school curriculum requirements and early post-secondary pathways
• Strong crisis-management capabilities and knowledge of community mental health resources.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful applicants will be required to provide a vulnerable sector/criminal background check.

Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Extended health care
• RRSP match

Work Location: In person