JOB OPPORTUNITY: Youth Counsellor

Youth Counsellor – Competition # 4-21

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER VANCOUVER (FSGV)

We are a community-based, not-for profit organization with approximately 80 social services programs and 420 employees across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. We provide counselling and other essential services to the most vulnerable people in our communities. For over 90 years, we’ve inspired and supported those who need help reaching their full potential. We work to ensure children are nurtured, youth find optimism, adults feel empowered, and parents make choices that build strong families.

Our values are:

• Innovation
• Integrity
• Diversity
• Optimism
• Excellence

We provide a supportive workplace for our staff and professional, effective services for our clients, including counselling, therapy, advocacy, education and community services.

HERE’S WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER

As the Youth Counsellor, you will provide counselling, support and guidance to individual youth and their families, facilitate discussions and workshops, collaborate in recreational programming with our Community Partner, City of New Westminster Parks and Recreation (Youth Services), and liaise with community agencies.  You will also help ensure that programming is connected to other youth services in New Westminster.

This position is 7 hours per week, ideally 2 late afternoons/evenings per week, reporting to the Program Manager of Counselling & Trauma Programs at FSGV. Please note this position requires late afternoon and/or evening work, as well as other hours from time to time. This position is co-located at the Youth Centre at Century House in New Westminster. Currently all services are being provided virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

WHAT YOU BRING

You are quick on your feet, with an easy smile, a sense of humour and a ton of energy to keep up with the youth.  You’re also a skilful counsellor with a gift for building rapport with young people in their vulnerable moments. You are confident in yourself, your skills and your intuition, grounded in solid experience in the field. You know how to assess a situation and respond proactively to reduce harm and risk, and provide viable options for moving forward. You know how to both provide support and ask for it.  You have clear personal and professional integrity and boundaries and follow best practices and ethical principles

Education and training:

• Masters Degree in Social Work or Counselling Psychology
• Membership in governing body (RSW or RCC)
• Demonstration of relevant ongoing training and development a strong asset

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience working specifically with low, medium or high risk adolescents and youth
• Minimum 3 years providing counselling (preferably with youth and families)
• Experience working with clients from a wide variety of socioeconomic, educational and ethno-cultural backgrounds
• Proven ability to work as a part of a professional team in a cooperative, supportive and congenial manner
• Experience with complex and volatile situations involving youth; demonstrated capacity to stay calm, respond quickly, with clarity and according to legislative requirements.
• Proven ability to develop programs to address mental health and well-being for youth
• Experience liaising with community partners to support youth
• Experience providing relevant education and skill-building tools to youth

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of other youth serving agencies in New Westminster and other resources available for youth
• Familiarity with the legal system/legislation pertaining to child protection, the duty to warn criteria and the Personal Information Protection Act
• Knowledge of adolescent development and issues involved with youth at risk
• Organizational, analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to take initiative and be innovative

YOUR KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Provide counselling for youth (and their families), including assessment and referrals as needed.
• Establish trusting, non-judgmental rapport with youth.
• Lead and/or coordinate visiting presenters from the community on issues relating to health and wellness and other topics such as employment skills, health and hygiene, bullying, etc.
• Participate in the general population of the Youth Centre, partnering with the Parks and Recreation staff in making the Centre a safe and comfortable place for all youth.
• Contribute to an effective working partnership with community partners and participate with staff, partners and youth in ongoing program review and development.
• Ensure the program is integrated into the continuum of New Westminster Youth Services by participating in community outreach, networking and planning activities.
• Seek appropriate consultation as necessary for clinical work and operate according to agency policies and accreditation standards and legal statutes.
• Meet administrative expectations of program, including record-keeping and data collection.
• Actively participate in receiving clinical supervision and attend regular team meetings

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

FSGV offers purposeful careers, serving the most vulnerable members of our community. This role offers you the opportunity to make a positive impact in our community. We provide a comprehensive compensation package, with pension and generous extended health benefits for our regular staff.

FSGV supports career development, offering mentorship and professional advancement in a supportive environment. We recognize the importance of work-life balance, wellness and a safe, inclusive and welcoming workplace that values diversity and respect for all.

Work Hours: 7 hours per week (preferably over 2 days)

Term:  n/a

Location:  This position is co-located in the New Westminster Youth Centre at Century House, but services are currently being provided virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

HOW TO APPLY

If this* describes you, please submit your application to us through our website:

https://fsgv.ca/careers/?gnk=job&gni=8a7883a8766d9a530176f432bddb5534&gns=Work+In+Non+Profits 

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Thank you for your interest.

FSGV is committed to the principles of diversity. We encourage applications from qualified people of all genders expressions and identities, sexual orientations, visible minorities, Indigenous persons and persons with disabilities.

Start date: week of March 8^th, 2021

Pay grade: GS 11 Step 1   $29.62 per hour

If you require a disability-related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please email your resume and cover letter (indicating the competition number #4-21 in email subject line) outlining your interest and relevant experience to your contact information to for follow-up.

**if you are an internal candidate, please indicate “Internal Candidate” in the Comments section at the bottom of the online application**