Calgary is a complex city filled with incredible opportunities and dynamic challenges for those who call it home.

For over 110 years, carya has worked diligently to meet the evolving needs of Calgarians by providing members of our community with the tools they need to be stronger, more connected, and more resilient.

Today we offer over 40 programs for individuals and families at all stages of life. From providing mental health supports to fostering multi-generational wellness and strong families – carya’s dedicated team of professionals plays an essential role in ensuring a vibrant and healthy future for all Calgarians.

About the Role

Carya is searching for a Family Counsellor to join our awesome team known for clinical excellence to engage individuals in creating change in their lives and communities.

Reporting to the Clinical Supervisor, this individual will work with individuals and their families to discover their full potential and build flourishing relationships with their families and community. Key responsibilities include:

• Counselling
• Collaboration
• Work in a Variety of Settings
• Caseload Management

Who You Are

• A reflective clinician, who is open to feedback and ongoing learning
• A collaborator who values engaging networks of support
• A pro-active self-starter who likes to support change and growth in others
• An excellent communicator who listens deeply

What You’ll Do

• To provide direct counselling service to families of children aged 0-18 in a variety of settings including families homes, in the community and onsite at carya
• Effectively engage clients focusing on growth, development and positive change using the Functional Family Therapy model, follow ethical guidelines and respect the client’s uniqueness and right to self-determination while keeping in mind a child’s right to be protected
• Manage an active caseload and be willing to see clients, made up of primarily families. Caseload composition will vary according to the needs of the community, funder requests and needs of the agency
• Manage cases including assessment, intervention and closure as well as documentation of the process
• Keep abreast of relevant literature and research, to ensure service delivery according to best practice, ethical guidelines and meet adherence and fidelity requirements for FFT
• Utilize supervision regularly and to work holistically and collaboratively with all partners involved
• Ensure that service is delivered according to policy and procedure guidelines and performance standards
• Must be available to deliver service at least two evenings per week and be flexible and creative in meeting client needs

In alignment with the Society’s mission and the systemic nature of our work, some portion of a counsellor’s time is to be committed to community engagement and development. As a member of the Counselling Team, you will engage with children, youth, couples and families in a client-directed way, in the context of their community.  These positions will be focused upon family systems interventions, specifically using the Family Functional Therapy Model (FFT & FFT CW), as well as group modalities.  Flexibility, an ability to engage and work within the community, an interest in working with family structures, as well as being skilled in, or a willingness to be trained in, evidence-based practices are necessities. The FFT program also runs in collaboration with Kindred (formerly Catholic Family Service) and so collaborative and partnership approaches are required. 

What You Bring

This is a position that requires a combination of formal education and experience related to community development work, family work, social work, or a related discipline and

• A Master’s degree is expected (MSW, MA, Med., MSc) in psychology, social work or related disciplines, including training/experience in methods of group education and related developmental/family/group dynamic theory, as well as previous experience working with families and people of all ages in a counselling environment
• Must have a professional registration with ACSW, CCPA or CAP
• Experience or training in Attachment would be an asset
• Skillful use of therapeutic modalities and clinical supervision, as well as, the ability to collaborate with other professionals and to do community development work is essential
• Must be able to travel throughout the city - a reliable vehicle is required (mileage reimbursement is provided). Must be available to work two evenings a week to accommodate working with busy families.
• Skills in case management, assessment, intervention, collaboration, teamwork, presentation and group work
• A passion for working to create change with families
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible in time, place of work and engagement strategies, innovative and client-centered
• A demonstrated ability to work both as a member of a team as well as independently
• Certification with the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative’s Core Brain Story
• Completion of the Natural Supports Framework Training an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Success in this position requires the following competencies: critical thinking, collaboration, cultural humility, adaptability, ownership and quality of work, a participant orientation and mission driven.  

Please note: applicants are encouraged to present with a current Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Review and a Child Intervention Record Check.

Why Join Team carya

When you join team carya, you are joining over 100 passionate professionals who exemplify our values of Community, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect, and Stewardship. Our employees are the heart of our organization and work collaboratively to meet the unique and evolving needs of over 40,000 Calgarians.

At carya, we take care of our people and proudly provide our employees with:

• Exceptional work life balance including paid vacation time off, personal time off each month and office closures during the year.
• A supportive and flexible work environment that includes professional development opportunities and hybrid work when
• A focus on health and wellbeing including access to virtual mental and physical health supports, employer paid extended health benefits, dental benefits, an annual health spending account and Employer matched RRSP contributions
• Recognition that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

The Family Counsellor will receive a comprehensive total compensation package including:

• Annual salary of $59,999 - $73,790 per annum
• Employer paid premiums for extended health benefits and 50/50 share of dental premiums
• Up to 7% RRSP matching
• Annual Health Spending Account
• Three (3) weeks paid vacation pro-rated to start date and eligible for use in the first year of employment
• Monthly Personal Time Off (PTO) day
• Paid office closure days between Christmas and New Year and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Discretionary Day of Observation each year for use on a day that is of personal significance
• Access to bereavement leave
• Agency provided property as needed by the role

Closing Date

Until Suitable Candidate is Found

How to Apply
Please submit a PDF of your cover letter and résumé, with job title in the subject line, to: . We thank all those who expressed their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Equal Employment Opportunities, Requesting an Accommodations Statement and other Employment Statements

Carya is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued, but prioritized. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neuro-diversity, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other non-merit based or legally protected grounds.

Carya is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact HR by email at HR@caryacalgary.ca in advance of your interview.

The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable sector clearance and a Child Intervention Record Check.

carya – Nurturing the Potential in Every Calgarian.