Ongoing negotiations delay hiring of counselor at Juhani Ahon Upper Secondary School in Iisalmi

Ongoing employee negotiations in the North Savo welfare area have delayed the hiring of a school counselor at Juhani Ahon Upper Secondary School in Iisalmi. The school principal expressed confusion as to why the institution, which serves over 700 students, has not yet secured a new counselor after the previous employee’s contract ended. The most recently hired counselor left at the end of August, and the school has been without a dedicated counselor intermittently for the past year.

During this time, other counselors from the area have filled in a few days a week. Principal Auli Halonen stated, “It’s not that there aren’t willing individuals to work here, but we can’t fill the positions.” Halonen is concerned that young people are not receiving the low-threshold support they need at school, noting that many students are experiencing mental health issues.

She warned that this lack of support at the grassroots level will inevitably lead to increased pressure on specialized healthcare services as cases become prolonged and more complex.

Margit Lappalainen, the area’s psychosocial student welfare services manager, acknowledged the situation is unlawful. “We are aware of the situation. The school should have a counselor present five days a week,” she said.

A resolution is anticipated following the conclusion of the welfare area’s negotiations on November 7. Plans are in place to hire a counselor for Juhani Ahon School as soon as possible. Lappalainen added, “We are waiting for permission to advertise the counselor position.”