Careers at NLC

Additional Information:

For over 50 years, the Northern Lakes College vision has been to increase accessibility to educational opportunities. With 25 locations across northern Alberta, program sites throughout Alberta, and a unique Supported Distance Learning model, students can access quality educational opportunities without leaving their community. Students can study from the comforts of home, work, on the road, or from one of the many College locations. Northern Lakes College offers a variety of university transfer, diploma, and certificate programs, including Academic Upgrading, Business & Administrative Studies, Health & Human Service Careers, Pre-Employment & Apprenticeship Trades, Resource Technology, University Studies, and Continuing Education & Corporate Training certificates and courses. We support and promote professional development and wellness opportunities, and provide our employees with an attractive benefits plan and competitive salaries. The College service region offers numerous recreational activities for the entire family to enjoy!

Northern Lakes College has the following ongoing position available:

Counsellor
Salary: $72,468 to $94,920 per year
Location: Slave Lake
August 18, 2025 to Ongoing

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or a closely related field – Candidates currently completing their degree will also be considered
• Related counselling experience with adults.
• Related experience must include career and educational counselling, and personal counselling; career; and student wellness support. Experience in a post-secondary setting is preferred.
• Experience working in northern/rural communities, and proficiency in the Dene’ or Cree languages is considered be definite assets.
• Experience with using online counselling technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A clean criminal record check (vulnerable sector).
• A valid class 5 driver’s license.
• A combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Nature and Scope of Work:

Reporting to the Chair, Student Success, the Counsellor is a key member of Northern Lakes College’s student support team, dedicated to fostering student well-being, academic achievement, and personal growth. This role is integral to the College’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and holistic education, particularly within the unique context of northern and rural communities.

The Counsellor provides a variety of support services that address students’ academic, career, and personal development needs. The Counsellor works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure students receive timely and appropriate support throughout their educational journey.

Given the College’s distributed learning model, the successful candidate must be adept at using online platforms and virtual communication tools to engage with students across a wide geographic area. Occasional travel to campus locations and community sites is required to provide in-person support and build relationships with students and local service providers.

This position requires a high degree of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a student-centered approach, particularly in supporting Indigenous learners and those from diverse backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Educational supports

• Guide students in cultivating the skills and confidence needed for academic achievement by focusing on effective learning strategies, motivation, and self-regulation.
• Provide targeted support in developing study skills such as time management, note-taking, and exam preparation.
• Assist students in identifying and managing academic anxiety through practical techniques that promote focus, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Career Supports

• Guide prospective students and current students through career assessments, as needed.
• Discuss areas of interest, aptitude, and strength as it relates to career exploration.
• Assists in creating short-term educational and career plans.

Advocacy

• Guides students through college policies and processes, as needed.
• Assists students in understanding their rights and responsibilities as learners at Northern Lakes College.
• Works with students to draft personalized communication approaches that are clear, confident, and support their ability to self-advocate.

Personal Supports

• Offer short-term non-clinical supports for student mental health and wellness concerns.
• Liaises with community organizations to help students find ongoing assistance within their community.
• Refer students to outside agencies, as needed.
• Promote wellness to assist students in building on individual strengths.

Student Life

• Provide guidance on common student life challenges, including:
• Interpersonal communication
• Organization and time management
• Stress management
• Develop resiliency
• Conflict resolution

Additional Responsibilities

• Counsellors will also create and present workshops and sessions on mental health and wellness topics for students, staff, and faculty.
• Support staff and faculty in recognizing the signs of mental health concerns and provide information on how to proactively address concerns.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the NLC mental health framework
• Provide support during crisis situations involving students, while also being a liaison with colleagues in responding effectively and appropriately.

Successful candidate must provide College or University transcripts and a Criminal Record Check to Human Resources prior to commencement.

This position is covered under the Collective Agreement between Northern Lakes College and the Faculty Association of Northern Lakes College.

Please submit a resume quoting the reference number NLC-2225 to: Northern Lakes College, Human Resources, 1201 Main Street SE, Slave Lake, AB  T0G 2A3  or alternatively Fax: 780-849-5881

Closing Date: August 10, 2025

Note: Northern Lakes College thanks all applicants for their interest in employment; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.