Youth and Family Counsellor
Young Moms Program (Victoria)
Classification: Term Contract (12 month maternity leave)
Placement: Early to mid-August 2025 (to be negotiated)
Salary Range: $31.50 to $33.75 per hour ($57,330 - $61,425 annually, plus benefits)(35-hr work week)
Benefit Plans: Yes (see below)

Nature and Scope:
The Y Young Moms Program (YMP) is a transitional supportive housing program, which supports young mothers (aged 16-29) and their (pre-school aged) children, in 10 self-contained units. The YMP counselling and parenting program uses a harm reduction, strength based and trauma informed approach to support young women to develop their parenting and life skills while building resilience and reducing risk.

The counsellor provides a wide variety of supportive services including: facilitating group programming; screening prospective residents for program admission; individual counselling, developing goal plans and providing emotional support; parent assessment and support; child development assessment; daily living activities support; crisis intervention; harm reduction and risk assessment; liaise with community agencies; and reconnecting to the community. Further information is available here: Community Health - YMCA-YWCA Vancouver Island (vancouverislandy.com).

The successful applicant for this position will contribute their skills and abilities to a highly dedicated and collaborative team. The standard 35-hour work week is from Sunday to Thursday; some flexibility is required to meet the needs of our clients. This permanent full-time position is entitled to a YMCA-YWCA individual membership; 15 days paid vacation; paid sick days (18 per year, accrued); and a cost-shared benefits package (after completion of the probationary period) which includes:

• Health Care, Drug Plan, Dental, Vision, EAP
• Extended Health Care, LTD and Life Insurance

Further benefits are outlined in the Personnel Policies.

Major Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with a person centered, trauma-informed, solution focused problem solving and motivational counselling approach
• Participate in the development of service plans for young families with multiple service needs related to mental health issues, substance recovery, family violence, poverty, abuse, or neglect
• Promote and develop young women's personal growth and independence; monitor and support clients' well-being and goals
• Promote and develop young women's parenting skills through assessment and child development education, positive parenting, and attachment-based parenting
• Facilitate access to community resources through referrals and advocacy
• Group programming: facilitate parent drop in, weekly discussion circles, community dinners etc.
• Assist with intake and screening process for program placement: program tours, intake interviews, reference checks, program orientation
• Provide effective crisis management and conflict resolution including active listening, problem solving, respectful limit setting and re-framing
• Adhere to all YMCA-YWCA policies and procedures

Qualifications:

• Degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, counselling, psychology or a related discipline
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of applicable legislation
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with multi-barriered youth; experience supporting young, at-risk families is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of childhood developmental stages and parenting strategies
• Experience working with trauma impacted individuals and an understanding of mental health and substance use issues
• Experience with group facilitation preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team and with other professionals
• Possess strong skills in advocacy, mediation, counselling skills, and effective interpersonal skills; effective communication skills
• Valid BC Driver's License (Class 5) with a safe driving record, and a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C required
• Clear Police/RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required (prior to start date - not required at the application stage)

Competencies:

• Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
• Communication
• Coaching and Development
• Problem solving and Conflict Resolution
• Planning and Organization
• Initiative