Student Development Instructor – Life Orientation

The Student Development Instructor - Life Orientation (LO Instructor) plays a vital role in delivering the Life Orientation curriculum based on the CASEL framework for socio-emotional learning. This position involves providing both individual and group counseling to support students facing career and socio-emotional challenges. The instructor takes full responsibility for designing, planning, and executing the student development calendar, while also leading initiatives to promote mental health awareness and well-being among TCF College staff and students.

Key Responsibilities

Life Orientation (LO) Curriculum Delivery: Facilitate the LO curriculum using interactive, student-centered methods aligned with the five core competencies of the CASEL framework. Adapt session plans and instructional activities to address the socio-emotional learning needs, personal growth goals, and academic transition requirements of students. Continuously evaluate student engagement and socio-emotional progress to refine instruction and encourage resilience and responsible decision-making.

Career & Socio-Emotional Counseling: Conduct regular one-on-one and group counseling sessions to assist students in managing academic stress, interpersonal difficulties, and career uncertainty. Support students in self-discovery by helping them identify their strengths, values, and interests to guide their higher education and career pathways. Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethical standards in all counseling interactions and documentation.

Student Development Calendar Ownership: Take end-to-end ownership of the student development calendar, including the design, planning, scheduling, and execution of workshops, career sessions, guest lectures, and student engagement events. Ensure at least 95% schedule and quality accuracy across all planned activities. Assess the impact of events through post-session feedback and student outcome metrics.

Mental Health & Well-being Awareness: Design and implement mental health awareness campaigns, interactive workshops, and seminars for both students and staff. Equip college staff with the knowledge to recognize early signs of socio-emotional distress and apply supportive classroom interventions. Promote wellness practices, stress reduction techniques, and institutional support systems throughout the college community.

Collaboration & Institutional Alignment: Work closely with the College Leadership Team, University Admissions & Alumni leads, and instructional staff to integrate socio-emotional development into broader college programming. Align student development activities with key institutional goals related to student retention, academic performance, and tertiary transitions. Coordinate with external mental health professionals or career counselors for specialized student support when necessary.

Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling cases, workshop attendance, and socio-emotional development indicators. Prepare periodic reports and analytics on student development calendar targets, workshop outcomes, and mental health initiatives for management review.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Counseling, Education, or a related field from a reputable institution.
- Strong understanding and practical application of the CASEL framework, including Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.
- Excellent counseling skills with empathy, active listening, and career guidance tailored to adolescents and college youth.
- Proven ability to design, schedule, and execute student development calendars, events, and workshops with high accuracy.
- Sound knowledge of mental health strategies, stress mitigation techniques, and crisis referral processes.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, public speaking, and group facilitation skills.
- Proactive organizational skills for maintaining confidential case notes, student feedback, and tracking program performance metrics.

Experience

1 to 3 years of experience in youth instruction, socio-emotional coaching, student counseling, or workshop facilitation, preferably within the education or development sector.

This is a full-time, in-person position at TCF College. Applicants will be asked about their current and expected salary as well as total years of experience during the application process.