Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Affiliations
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Jim Leitch

Grand Forks,BC - British Columbia

Summary

As can be seen by this resume, I have quite a diverse background. My time spent in education, community mental health, and most recently as a clinical counsellor, have afforded me a deep and varied understanding of the human condition. There are few situations that I have not encountered. And I can attest to a success rate that I am extremely proud of. It is these experiences of success - the lives changed, the futures assured - that have kept me at it and loving every minute.

What I am no less proud of is my ability to relate to everyday people on a level that always seems to engender trust. This I attribute to my work years before entering the teaching and helping professions. I understand the world of the working man and woman, and I have no hesitations around sharing this fact and these experiences.

Overview

51
51
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Self Employed (solo Private Practice)
06.2023 - Current
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.

Instructor

Selkirk College
02.1997 - Current
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.

Teacher on Call

School District 51
09.1996 - Current
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.

Employability Workshop Facilitator

Community Futures (Work BC)
05.2006 - 09.2007
  • Remained adaptable by modifying workshop content or delivery style in response to participant feedback, ensuring maximum relevance and effectiveness.
  • Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
  • Monitored field trips and special events to maintain safety and increase attendee retention.
  • Facilitated dialogue between participants, family, and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.

Independent Living Services Provider

Interior Health Authority
04.1999 - 05.2004
  • Assisted clients in building a network of community relationships that fostered opportunities for social growth and inclusion.
  • Provided transportation to appointments, ensuring punctuality while prioritizing client safety during transit.
  • Managed medication administration accurately and responsibly according to individualized care plans and regulatory guidelines.
  • Ensured client safety and well-being by promptly responding to emergencies and escalating issues as necessary.

Coordinator - Mental Health Clubhouse

Boundary Family and Individual Services Society
02.1996 - 05.2004

Maintain a safe and stimulating getaway for individuals surviving chronic mental health problems

Design and implement psychosocial rehabilitation activities and programs

Maintain records and regularly meet and confer with the society, other mental health professionals, and community agencies

Engage in regular professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops

Provide one-on-one support to clients (consumers) experiencing acute mental health or community integration difficulties

Special Needs Coordinator

Sunshine Valley Little People's Centre
06.1993 - 09.1993

Provide guidance and support to staff and parents in a community preschool setting

Interact with the children and assist in assessing individual needs

Regularly confer with other staff and parents

Liaise with other community support services

School Child Care Worker

School District 51
09.1992 - 06.1993

Provide support to teachers, students, and parents in three small rural schools in the West Boundary region.

Engage in one-on-one personal counselling to students outside of the classroom setting who may be experiencing academic, personal, behavioural, or emotional difficulties.

Regularly confer with the school counsellor.

Establish effective rapport with students.



Carman Technician (welder/mechanic)

CP Rail
09.1977 - 05.1992

Provide maintenance and repair services on railway equipment (freight and passenger cars).

Inspect complete trains in a trainyard setting.

Monitor and maintain airbrake systems.

Confer with supervisors on upgrades and modifications.

Move freight equipment around the yard.

Provide first aid service and instruction.

Provide guidance and support to workmates through our volunteer peer support program



Computer Technician

NCR Canada
01.1974 - 07.1977
  • Linked computers to network and peripheral equipment.
  • Performed troubleshooting to correct computer hardware and software malfunctions.
  • Diagnosed and repaired hardware malfunctions, ensuring optimal computer functionality.
  • Enhanced system performance by conducting regular software and hardware updates.

Education

Indigenous Studies 100, 200

UBC
Vancouver, BC
05.2024

Couples And Family Systems

Yorkville University
Toronto, ON
04.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Education

UBC
Vancouver, BC
05.2010

Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology

University of Calgary
Calgary, AB
04.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC
04.1992

Skills

    Good listener

    Empathetic

    Good at building trust and rapport

    Responsible, reliable, conscientious, and ethical

    Positive attitude, enthusiastic, highly motivated

    Good sense of humour

    Optimistic

    Professional

    Well spoken - good with plain, down to earth language

    Respectful

    Approachable

    Creative

Languages

English
Professional Working

Affiliations

  • BCACC, APA, WorkSafe BC, BCGEU, BCTF, BC Ministry of Education and Childcare

Certification

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certificate of Qualification (BC teaching certificate)

Interests

  • Participating in local homelessness and relapse prevention initiatives
  • Following all college and community indigenization projects
  • Skiing
  • Motor cycle riding
  • International travel
  • Working out
  • Mountain bike riding
  • Boating

Timeline

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Self Employed (solo Private Practice)
06.2023 - Current

Employability Workshop Facilitator

Community Futures (Work BC)
05.2006 - 09.2007

Independent Living Services Provider

Interior Health Authority
04.1999 - 05.2004

Instructor

Selkirk College
02.1997 - Current

Teacher on Call

School District 51
09.1996 - Current

Coordinator - Mental Health Clubhouse

Boundary Family and Individual Services Society
02.1996 - 05.2004

Special Needs Coordinator

Sunshine Valley Little People's Centre
06.1993 - 09.1993

School Child Care Worker

School District 51
09.1992 - 06.1993

Carman Technician (welder/mechanic)

CP Rail
09.1977 - 05.1992

Computer Technician

NCR Canada
01.1974 - 07.1977

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certificate of Qualification (BC teaching certificate)

Indigenous Studies 100, 200

UBC

Couples And Family Systems

Yorkville University

Bachelor of Arts - Education

UBC

Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology

University of Calgary

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Simon Fraser University
Jim Leitch