QVCC is committed to employment equity, inclusion and reconciliation. We strongly encourage applicants who are Indigenous to apply for this position.

Job Title: Indigenous Youth and Family Counsellor (Victoria High School)

Reports to: Executive Director. Site Supervision from School Principal or Designate.

Role:
The Indigenous Youth and Family Counsellor (IYFC) provides identification and intervention in the areas of counselling, skill development, advocacy, and support services to vulnerable children/youth and their families. Children/youth who are vulnerable are those who are experiencing familial, emotional, behavioural, and/or cultural issues which significantly limit their capacity to function effectively within their family, school, and/or community. This position is specifically for Indigenous students and their families. As a result, it requires the knowledge, skills and abilities that will create culturally appropriate and effective approaches with Indigenous youth and family members. This includes the capacity and awareness required to work with urban Indigenous people in the territories of Lekwungen speaking (Songhees and Esquimalt) peoples (and other local nations).

Goals of the Youth and Family Counselling Service:
The IYFC aims to have students:

a) Remain enrolled and connected with an education program

b) Maintain, repair, and encourage healthy attachments to family and other significant adults

c) Develop healthy social relationships and positive self-worth

Responsibilities:
• Assesses the individual needs of children/youth/family in the areas of family capacity, emotional stability, school functioning, peer relations and community profile
• Provides Individual, group, and family counselling
• Life skills training which may include social skills development
• Crisis management intervention
• Conflict resolution, mediation, and advocacy
• Culturally appropriate practice
• Outreach with youth and their families
• Works collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team of school administration, counsellors, teachers and other school staff
• Conducts preventative interviews (i.e., health promotion, drug and alcohol education)
• Facilitates students’ transitions and connections with a new school or work placement
• On-going consultation and liaison with administration, teaching staff, and community professionals (integrated case management)
• Refers child/youth and their families to community resources when appropriate. (Follow reporting procedures outlined in the various inter-ministry handbooks.). Assists with system navigation where needed
• Maintains documentation detailing service plans, outcome measures, community contacts and referrals
• Acts as/consults with case manager as needed to ensure service plans/goals have been met
• Connects students to and promotes recommended Indigenous Education department initiatives
• Participates in other related activities when required and approved by the Executive Director

Education and Requirements:
• *A degree in Child and Youth Care or Social Work (or equivalent), with related experience working with vulnerable youth and their families. *Indigenous applicants will also be considered with an alternative combination of education, skills and experience that would qualify them for the Indigenous Youth and Family Counsellor role.
• The means and ability to do outreach to students and families
• Will have a clear Criminal Record and Abuse registry check
• If employment is offered, membership with the South Vancouver Island School Based Youth & Family Counsellors Association is available and required

Hours of Work and Other Contract Terms:

• 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, including all hours that school is in session and Professional Development Days.
• This position starts as soon as possible

Benefits and Remuneration:
• $31.30 – $34.10 per hour, depending on years of equivalent school-based experience as reflected in the Quadra Village Community Centre wage grid.
• Paid vacation during school Winter and Spring closures, equivalent to FTE schedule*.
• *YFCs who start after November 1 in the current school year will be paid 8% on their regular pay instead of receiving partial pay during the Winter and Spring closures.
• Comprehensive benefits package including Extended Health, Dental, AD&D, Life Insurance, and matching RRSP contributions, effective after 3 months
• Immediate Enrolment in the Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Paid training and development applicable to role

Closing Date: Open until filled

Please email your cover letter and resume to with the subject line “Indigenous YFC (Vic High)”. Candidates are encouraged to detail what specifically makes them suitable for an Indigenous YFC role. Alternatively, applications may be dropped off at or mailed to 901 Kings Rd., Victoria, BC V8T 1W5. Though we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thanks for your interest in working with us!
At Quadra Village Community Centre, we value our dedicated staff team and pride ourselves in being a good organization to work for and making a difference in the community.