SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Youth and Family Counsellor provides time-limited, goal-oriented counselling and therapeutic support for youth with mental health issues and their families. The Youth and Family Counsellor also provides therapeutic interventions and parenting support for parents. Services are provided in BGC offices, in the client’s home, and/or in a community setting. The Youth and Family Counsellor supports/empowers the youth and/or family in identifying, understanding, and overcoming personal/family problems, and in establishing and achieving realistic goals.

JOB DUTIES

•       Provides counselling and outreach services youth ages 13-19 and their families referred by MCFD or Child & Youth Mental Health.

•       Assesses youth and family needs and establishes goals to develop a service plan with the participation of the client.

•       Develops and implements a treatment plan and delivers therapeutic interventions.

•       Plans, prepares, and conducts group and/or individual counselling sessions with clients.

•       Provides follow-up support to client upon leaving the program as appropriate.

•       Responsible for case management including evaluation of clients’ progress.

•       Maintains up-to-date records on clients; provides progress reports to the Coordinator and the MCFD. Completes all required documentation.

•       Connects client to other team members as needed.

•       Advises other professionals involved with the client when further evaluation or more intensive treatment is required.

•       Discusses case planning and concerns with clinical supervisor, members of the team, as well as with other professionals in the community, strictly respecting client confidentiality. 

•       Participates as a member of the BGC Family Counselling team including consultation, sharing of information and expertise, and participation in intake meetings.

•       Participates in establishing a positive, healthy, and safe team that fosters individual and team growth.

•       Provides consultation among BGC staff members and to those working with clients, i.e., coworkers, social workers, probation officers, and other professionals.

•       Maintains a thorough knowledge of community resources to meet clients’ needs.

•       Delivers community presentations and collaborates in planning prevention programs.

•       Participates in staff training sessions and public education forums, seminars, and conferences relevant to specific program areas.

•       Participates in program evaluation (provides suggestions to modify programs and proactively participates in planning and implementing changes as needed.

•       Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS 

•       Clear Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).

•       A master’s degree in counselling, social work, or a related field.

•       At least one year of related work experience including direct program delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems.

•       Knowledge of adolescent development.

•       Demonstrated working knowledge of therapeutic intervention strategies related to mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, child protection, etc.

•       Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant clinical modalities and strategies used with children, youth, and parents.

•       Knowledge of group process and skilled in the use of facilitation techniques.

•       Experience in assessment and documentation.

•       Knowledge of relevant government legislation and policy.

•       Good organizational and time management skills.

•       Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).

•       A team player who is flexible, motivated and can work independently, and as part of a cohesive team.

•       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.

This is a part-time (22.5 hours per week) salary position ($38,317.50 to start), with group benefits at six months, pension after one year, 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).

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.