Youth and Family Counsellor

Foundry Ridge – Meadows is seeking a Youth and Family Counsellor to provide assessment, counselling, referral, and follow-up services to youth and families facing challenges related to mental health and/or substance use. The Youth and Family Counsellor will offer single-session brief walk-in counselling services aimed at reducing risk, promoting positive lifestyle choices, and fostering stronger connections, stability, and attachment within the community. This role is part of the integrated service delivery model (Foundry), which involves ongoing collaboration with Primary Care, Youth and Family Substance Use Services, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), and other community partners and resources as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or in a related human services field, with specialized training or experience in the area of mental health. 

Additional Requirements:

• Clear Criminal Record Check is required.

• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.

• Valid and unrestricted Class 5 BC Driver’s License with access to a safe and reliable vehicle.

• Clear Driver’s Abstract (provided annually).

• Position requires Union Membership.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to use solution focused counselling techniques and approaches 

• Knowledge and experience with brief and comprehensive assessment, counselling, and treatment approaches

• Knowledge and experience in maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries, and following a professional code of ethics

• Demonstrated ability to work constructively and cooperatively in a team setting

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge and experience in integrated case management practices 

• Knowledge and experience with case recording practice

• Knowledge of community resources for youth and families

• Demonstrated ability to form a mutually respectful partnership with persons served, and their families, in which they are helped to gain skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face

• Demonstrated ability to accept the differences they will find among their clients

• Accept clients’ rights to self-determination and individuality, and must not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, socio-economic status, political affiliations, or national ancestry

• Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change

• Have the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner, and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members. 

ACCOUNTABILITES

• Use solution-focused counselling techniques and approaches to effectively address the mental health and/or substance use concerns of youth and families, fostering positive change and promoting healthy decision-making.

• Perform brief and comprehensive assessments, design tailored treatment plans, and deliver appropriate counselling services that meet the needs of youth and families, ensuring effective support and progress.

• Maintain confidentiality, adhere to a professional code of ethics, and establish and respect appropriate boundaries while working with youth and families to build trust and ensure a safe environment.

• Work constructively and cooperatively within a team setting, engaging with interdisciplinary partners such as Primary Care, Youth and Family Substance Use Services, MCFD, and other community resources to provide holistic support to clients.

• Implement integrated case management practices by maintaining accurate case recordings, coordinating services, and ensuring a seamless process for youth and families accessing support through                            community resources.

• Build and maintain mutually respectful partnerships with clients and their families, empowering them with the skills and confidence needed to address challenges and make informed decisions.

• Demonstrate acceptance of diversity by respecting clients' rights to self-determination, providing services that are free from discrimination, and supporting the individuality and growth of each person served.