Chief Payepot School is seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and culturally responsive Mental Health Therapist to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the mental health and well-being of students by providing culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based counselling services in a school setting. Working collaboratively with students, families, Elders, school staff, and community partners, the Mental Health Therapist will help foster resilience, emotional wellness, healthy relationships, and academic success while honouring First Nations culture, traditions, language, and community values.
If you are passionate about empowering children and youth, creating safe and supportive spaces, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of students, we encourage you to apply.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Principal, the Mental Health Therapist provides culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based mental health services to students, families, and school staff. The therapist supports students’ emotional, social, mental, and behavioural well-being while respecting and incorporating First Nations culture, traditions, language, and community values. The role promotes resilience, healthy relationships, and student success through prevention, early intervention, counselling, and collaboration.
Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Provide individual and group counselling for students experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, or mental health concerns.
- Conduct mental health and risk assessments and develop appropriate intervention plans.
- Provide crisis intervention and safety planning when required.
- Collaborate with parents, caregivers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, school staff, and community health professionals to support student wellness.
- Develop and deliver classroom presentations and workshops on topics such as;
- Anxiety and stress management
- Emotional regulation
- Healthy relationships
- Bullying prevention
- Grief and lost
- Suicide awareness and prevention
- Substance use prevention
- Participate in student support teams and case management meetings.
- Make referrals to external mental health, addictions, medical, or social service agencies when appropriate.
- Maintain confidential clinical records and documentation in accordance with professional standards and privacy legislation.
- Promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices throughout the school.
- Support school-wide wellness initiatives and positive school climate.
- Participate in professional development and community events as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:
- A graduate of a university or equivalent degree program in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or a related mental health field.
- Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the appropriate provincial regulatory body.
- Experience providing counselling services to children and youth.
- Experience working with First Nations communities is preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based approaches.
- Understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma, residential schools, and colonization.
- Expertise in verbal and written communication, facilitation, and presentations
- Possess certifications in first aid/CPR, non-violent crisis intervention, Mental Health First Aid
- Demonstrate a clear ability to respond to a crisis situation
- Must submit a current valid Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
DEADLINE: July 24, 2026 @ 4:30 PM
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter detailing your qualifications with your resume and three current work-related references:
Email: hr@piapotnation.com
ATTENTION: Human Resources
Piapot First Nation
General Delivery, Zehner SK S0G 1K0
We thank all those that apply, however, only those that are selected for an interview will be contacted. Piapot First Nation relies on The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment; therefore, please indicate your status on the cover letter.