Youth Counsellor, Nexus (Substance Use Services Program)

Vancouver

START DATE: ASAP
REPORTS TO: Coordinator, Nexus

Summary of Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Youth Counsellor provides a range of intervention and counselling services to youth who are adversely affected by their (or others’) use of alcohol and drugs.

 

The Counsellor must be prepared to work with youth who are in crisis situations. Due to the availability and needs of the youth, work may often be conducted outside normal office hours.

Job Duties

  • Participates as a constructive and integral member of the Nexus Team including consultation, sharing of information and expertise, and participation in weekly staff meetings.
  • Assesses youth and family needs and assists youth in establishing goals.
  • Provides one-to-one counselling services.
  • Provides crisis intervention services.
  • Provides outreach services in the community.
  • Provides support for youth while they are in the program and, as appropriate, provides follow-up support to youth upon leaving the program.
  • Responsible for case management, including evaluation of youth progress.
  • Discusses case planning and concerns with members of the team as well as with other professionals in the community while strictly respecting confidentiality.
  • Maintains a thorough knowledge of community resources to meet youth and families’ needs.
  • Provides liaison, education, and advocacy to other professionals, other agencies, and the community.
  • Participates in staff training sessions and public education forums, seminars, and conferences relevant to specific program areas.
  • Participates in the evaluation of programs and the collection of data.
  • Maintains up-to-date records and completes all required documentation.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

  • Clear Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).
  • S.W. or B.A. in relevant social science program plus one year’s experience working with adolescents and/or families.
  • Experience working with youth who use substances, experience homelessness, or are involved with the justice system or MCFD.
  • Knowledge of adolescent development.
  • Knowledge of intervention strategies related to substance use, suicide prevention, abuse and neglect of children and youth, etc.
  • Knowledge of relevant counselling techniques and therapies used with youth and parents, including peer counselling.
  • A flexible and self-motivated team player who can work independently, and as part of a cohesive team.
  • Experience in assessment and documentation.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
  • Personal maturity, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • A clear driver’s abstract and use of a reliable vehicle insured for business use ($2 million liability).
  • First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Knowledge of services in Vancouver for adolescents in general and substance use specifically, is an asset.

Note

BGC South Coast BC has two full-time (37.5 hour per week) Youth Counsellor openings. Positions includes a starting salary of $52,650.00 per annum, group benefits at six months, pension at one year, three weeks paid vacation leave in first year, paid sick and personal leave, paid birthday off and up to 5 days statutory holiday substitution days per year to celebrate/recognize religious, cultural, and/or personal days that are important to the employee where those days are not currently recognized as statutory holidays in BC/Canada).

Thanks in advance to all persons who apply for this position. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Apply Now



    BGC recognizes the value and importance of building and sustaining a culturally diverse environment and commits to intentional efforts to reflect that (along with our values) in all that we do. BGC has always been committed to diversity, and we believe that articulating our commitment to it in this way will support the ongoing evolution of this in our work going forward.

    For employees, participants, volunteers, donors, and the community, we demonstrate that commitment through:

    • Recruitment, employment, development, and promotion practices that are barrier free
    • Encouraging representatives of diverse identities (race, national or ethnic origin, language, spiritual beliefs, age, gender, sexual identity, marital status, family structure, political beliefs, mental or physical ability, or socioeconomic status) to apply for available positions, participate in programs, and/or engage with BGC
    • Making decisions based solely on an individual’s qualifications, merit, performance, and organizational needs