Summary of Responsibilities

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

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

JOB DUTIES

• Participates as a constructive and integral member of the Odyssey II 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.
• Manages and maintains a safe and supportive drop-in environment.
• May facilitate support groups for youth and/or their families.
• 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 plus one year’s experience working with adolescents and/or families.
• Experience working with youth who use substances, are unhoused, 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.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS 

• Knowledge of services for adolescents in general and substance use specifically.

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) term position (September 2024 to April 2025). Compensation and benefits include a starting salary of $52,650.00 per annum, 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).

CLOSING DATE

Position will remain open until filled.

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

As it connects to our organizational core values, BGC encourages staff to show up as their best selves, including mutual respect, integrity, and accountability.

BGC’s CORE VALUES:

• BELONGING – We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships.
• RESPECT – We ensure that everyone – children, youth, families, volunteers, staff – is heard, valued, and treated fairly.
• ENCOURAGEMENT & SUPPORT – We encourage and support every child and youth to play, learn, and grow to achieve their dreams.
• WORKING TOGETHER – We work together with young people, families, volunteers, our communities, and government.
• SPEAKING OUT – We speak out for children, youth, and families so that we can make our world better. 

BGC Equitable Employer Statement

BGC values building and sustaining a culturally diverse environment and commits to intentional efforts to reflect that (along with our other values) in all that we do. BGC is committed to provide employees with an equitable opportunity hiring process and work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to hire, train, and engage people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who experience systemic barriers. Employment decisions are based on the individual’s qualifications, merit, lived experience, and knowledge. 

Equity means treating folks based on their needs. It differs from equality, where everyone is treated the same, regardless of need. Equal circumstances do not yet exist in our society, so BGC practices ethics of equity in all aspects of our organization. Systemic oppression in society has marginalized folks based on identity and culture, and we commit to countering these dynamics.