PEACE Counsellor-Temporary

Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) invites you to join our team as a PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) Counsellor.

About Us:

Kelowna Women’s Shelter has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980.  Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, outreach services, PEACE program, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary:

The PEACE Counsellor provides psycho-educational support, advocacy, and empowerment services to children and youth (ages 3–18) who have been impacted by domestic abuse and offers support to non-offending parent/caregiver. The PEACE Counsellor also delivers individual and group programming and collaborates with community partners to promote safety and resources and referrals.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Delivery:

• Provides psycho-educational individual and group sessions for children and youth exposed to violence.
• Uses developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed methods (e.g., art, play, storytelling, multimedia) to help children/youth identify and express feelings, build coping skills, and develop safety plans.
• Provide support to non-offending parent/caregiver, including education on the impacts of violence on children.
• Ensure play and meeting areas are maintained in a clean, organized condition.
• Program delivery is based on an inclusive, trauma-informed, response based and person-centered approach.
• Responsible for managing risk with children and youth, including identifying risk to self or others, and risks of harm to children. When risk is identified, consulting with others as needed, escalating these concerns to direct supervisor, and following established processes and documentation.

 Intake and Assessment:

• Receive referrals and conducts PEACE program intake assessment to determine safety risks, readiness for group participation, and support needs.
• Assess the program needs and resources of the child/youth and family.
• Develop individualized person-centered service plans.
• Recommend alternative resources and referrals where necessary. 

 Advocacy and Education:

• Advocate for children/youth and families within community systems and assist with referrals to appropriate services.
• Provide presentations, group-based programming, and participate in public awareness activities about services and issues of abuse as requested.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Ensure case management documentation and program information are maintained in an accurate, timely, professional, and confidential manner, meeting KWS, Funder, and sector standards
• Analyzes outcome data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, informed consent, and relevant legislation (e.g., Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA)).
• Completes post service delivery surveys with children/youth and/or their families.

Training & Development:

• In-depth working knowledge and application of the BCSTH PEACE Toolkit
• Participates in ongoing PEACE program training and professional development to maintain best practices.
• Maintain familiarity with legislation, regulations, policies, and best practices related to abuse and child protection.

 Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with community resources to assist children and their caregivers in accessing resources to meet identified needs.
• Attends and participates in team member and other meetings.

 Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child & Youth Care, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years’ recent experience providing counselling to children and youth.

Additional Requirements:

• A suitable Criminal Records Check for working with vulnerable people.
• Intermediate First Aid and Child Care First Aid
• Membership in the BC Government and Services Employee’s Union is required.
• A valid BC Driver’s license.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work purposes is required.

Location: Kelowna

Hours of Work:

30 hours/week, some evenings and weekends required.

Pay: $38.48/hour

Benefits:

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Long Term Disability
• Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store Discount

Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to create safer, more empowered communities. Apply now to be a part of our dedicated team at Kelowna Women’s Shelter.

How to Apply?
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Join us in making a difference!

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.