Join Our Team as a Group Counsellor!

Are you driven by the profound impact you can make in the lives of those affected by sexual trauma? Sanare Centre is seeking a dedicated Group Counsellor to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, the Group Counsellor is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating therapeutic group sessions for individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, psychological, or social challenges that result from being impacted or experiencing sexual violence. This role involves creating a structured, supportive, and inclusive environment where participants can explore personal issues, develop coping strategies, and build interpersonal skills.

The Group Counsellor works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic and client-centered trauma and violence informed care. This is a full-time position of employment (up to 36.25 hours per week). Sanare Centre is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse groups to apply.

Position Responsibilities

Group Facilitation & Therapy

- Design and/or implement structured group therapy sessions using evidence-based and/or promising practices (e.g., CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care).
- Facilitate psychoeducational, process-oriented, and skills-based groups tailored to the needs of specific populations (e.g., youth, adults, addiction recovery, trauma survivors).
- Promote group cohesion, trust, and mutual respect among participants.
- Monitor group dynamics and intervene appropriately to manage conflict, emotional distress, or disruptive behavior.

Client Assessment & Support

- Conduct intake assessments and screen clients for group readiness and appropriateness.
- Identify individual goals and track progress within the group setting.
- Provide brief individual support or crisis intervention as needed before, during, or after sessions.
- Refer clients to individual therapy or additional services when appropriate.

Documentation & Reporting

- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of group attendance, session content, client progress, and clinical observations.
- Prepare reports for internal use or external stakeholders as required.
- Responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting program specific data for evaluation purposes.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and legal regulations (e.g., HIPAA, PHIPA, HIA).

Collaboration & Professional Development

- Participate in case conferences, supervision, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Collaborate with case managers, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to coordinate care.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, training, and certification to maintain clinical competence.

Qualifications

Education, Credentials, & Experience

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related mental health field.
- Active licensure or registration (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, RSW) as required by provincial/state regulations.
- Minimum of 2–3 years of experience facilitating therapeutic or support groups in a clinical, educational, or community setting.
- Experience working with diverse populations and presenting issues (e.g., trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, grief).

Skills & Competencies

- Strong group facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
- Deep understanding of group development stages and therapeutic techniques.
- High emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- All employees are required to fulfill the areas of their job description. Other organizational and team needs may require the assignment of additional duties as is delegated.

Work Environment & Conditions

- May involve evening or weekend hours depending on group schedules.
- Work may be conducted in-person, virtually, or in hybrid formats.
- Exposure to emotionally charged situations; must maintain professional boundaries and self-care practices.

Additional Assets (Preferred but Not Required)

- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
- Experience with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, or crisis intervention.
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Other Requirements
- Willingness to travel to rural/remote service provision in satellite locations.
- Physically able to meet the requirements of the job including some lifting of audio-visual equipment, display boards and the like.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Reliable vehicle with adequate insurance of a minimum of $1,000,000 liability with the ability to transport clients.
- A satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Child/Youth Check.
- Proof of professional registration.
- Proof of educational credentials.