Freedom Quest is thrilled to announce the development of a dedicated Clinical Team specifically designed to serve young people across the West Kootenay Boundary region. This exciting initiative represents a significant step forward in ensuring accessible, compassionate, and specialized care for our youth. We look forward to hearing from you!

Youth Substance Use and Family Counsellor (Boundary)

• Hours/week: ​32 hours/week
• Wage: $38/hour
• Primary Office Location: Grand Forks
• Areas Served: Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Greenwood, Rock Creek, Midway, and surrounding areas

Position Summary
The Youth Substance Use and Family Counsellor provides evidence-based counselling and treatment services to youth aged 12-19 experiencing moderate to severe substance use concerns, including concurrent disorders. This position works collaboratively with youth, families/caregivers, and community partners to develop and implement participant-centered care plans that support recovery, wellness, and improved health outcomes across multiple life domains.

Key Competencies

• Clinical Excellence
• Relationship Building
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Adaptability and Innovation
• Reporting

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Service Delivery
• Collaboration and Care Coordination
• Family and Caregiver Support
• Program Development and Quality Assurance
• Transportation and Outreach
• Administration and Other Duties

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities

Education

• Master's degree in a relevant healthcare field such as social work, psychology, nursing, or equivalent (REQUIRED)

 
Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience working in child and youth mental health services
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working in substance use services
• Experience providing a wide range of community-based mental health and substance use services
• Demonstrated experience with youth-centered, harm reduction approaches
• Demonstrated experience working with LBGTQ2S+ youth and their families
• Experience and confidence driving in all seasons

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of best-practice approaches to youth substance use interventions
• Understanding of concurrent disorders and integrated treatment approaches
• Proficiency in evidence-informed therapeutic modalities
• Ability to work from a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens within an ecological framework
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice principles
• Understanding of harm reduction principles and recovery-oriented care
• Strong assessment, crisis intervention, and case management skills
• Willingness to engage in life-long learning and self-reflexivity practices to understand Indigenous worldviews and the important role of culture in facilitating healing.
• Recognition that colonization continues to impact the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples. This includes recognizing the role of trauma and offering trauma-informed care.
• Competence in budget management and financial tracking
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and report writing
• Strong organizational and time management abilities

 
Other Requirements

• Valid BC Class V Driver’s License (REQUIRED)
• Satisfactory Driver’s Abstract (REQUIRED)
• Satisfactory Driver Factor Report (REQUIRED)
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification (REQUIRED)
• Reliable Vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage (REQUIRED)
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check for working with children and vulnerable adults (REQUIRED)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASSET)
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical supervision (REQUIRED)

For instructions on how to apply for this position, please visit the agency's website: https://www.freedomquestyouthservices.ca/work-with-us.html