Adoption Kinship Counsellor

Carya; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three weeks paid vacation pro-rated to

Employer-paid extended health coverage

Health Spending Account (annual)

RRSP matching after 6 months

Office closure days

Job summary

Carya in Calgary seeks a Family Counsellor to support children, youth, and families through adoption and kinship processes. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, attachment-based, and play-based therapy, with a focus on collaborative care and ethical practice.

Candidates bring a master’s degree in social work or psychology, 2+ years of counselling experience with children/youth, and proficiency with Microsoft 365. Police checks are required.

Qualifications

• . Master’s level education in psychology or social work required.
• . 2+ years counselling experience with children/youth preferred.
• . Knowledge of trauma, attachment-based approaches and family systems is expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling to children and families in adoption or kinship placements.
• Use trauma-informed, attachment-focused and play-based approaches with psychoeducation.
• Manage caseloads, assessments, interventions, referrals, closures and documentation.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners and supervise, as needed.

Skills

Compassion

Collaboration

Communication

Time management

Education

Master’s degree (MSW/MA/M.Ed./MSc/MC) in psychology, social work or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Word, Teams, Outlook)

Job description

Location:Central Commons, 800-1000 7 Ave SW

Full Time Regular:37.5 hours per weekSalary:$60,000 - $77,000

As a member of theAdoption Kinship Counsellingteam, theFamily Counsellorwill support children, youth, and families by providing guidance and stabilization throughout the adoption and kinship process.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Location:Central Commons, 800-1000 7 Ave SW

Full Time Regular:37.5 hours per weekSalary:$60,000 - $77,000

As a member of theAdoption Kinship Counsellingteam, theFamily Counsellorwill support children, youth, and families by providing guidance and stabilization throughout the adoption and kinship process.

WHO YOU ARE

• You approach every child and family with compassion, curiosity, and respect, creating a safe space where healing and growth can take root.
• A reflective and resourceful practitioner, you balance empathy with strong clinical judgment, ensuring each intervention is thoughtful, ethical, and effective.
• You believe in the power of collaboration, working alongside families, colleagues, and community partners to build trust, resilience, and lasting connections.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Counselling and Therapeutic Support

• Provide counselling to children and families involved in adoption or kinship placements.
• Use trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and play-based approaches, offering psychoeducation to support growth and resilience.

Case Management and Ethical Practice

• Manage a varied caseload, conducting assessments, interventions, referrals, closures, and documentation.
• Uphold ethical standards, client self-determination, and children’s safety, while adhering to agency policies and performance expectations.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, case workers, and groups to coordinate care.
• Engage in supervision, stay informed on best practices, and provide flexible service delivery, including evening availability.

WHAT YOU BRING

• A master’s degree (MSW, MA, M.Ed., MSc, MC) in psychology, social work or a related discipline.
• Membership in good standing with either College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA).
• A minimum of 2 years of counselling experience, including psychotherapeutic work with children and youth. Specific training will be provided to the successful candidate as needed.
• Experience or knowledge in trauma, grief and loss, neurodivergence, therapeutic parenting, and attachment-based approaches and the children’s services system are an asset.
• Training or experience with Circle of Security Parenting and Theraplay are considered assets.
• Skillful use of therapeutic modalities and clinical supervision, as well as the ability to collaborate with other professionals to enhance natural and professional supports is essential.
• Effective presentation, facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Positive attitude and a strong commitment to high-quality service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Completion of Natural Supports Framework is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 with a focus on SharePoint, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to effectively manage calendars and email communications.

The successful candidate must provide a satisfactory Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (PICVSS) and a Child Intervention Record Check (IRC).

• A PICVSS and/or IRC completed within the last 3 months will be accepted.
• A PICVSS and/or IRC completed more than 3 months ago will need to renewed, even if it was completed within the last 3 years.

WHY JOIN TEAM CARYA

Be part of a community of over 100 passionate professionals who live our values of Respect, Kindness,

Creativity, Collaboration, Belonging, and Wellness. Together, we make a difference in the lives of more than

40,000 Calgarians every year.

At Carya, we offer:

• Exceptional work-life balance. We empower our team to thrive by valuing rest and renewal. Enjoy ample time off, including three (3) weeks paid vacation pro-rated to start date, personal days, and office closure days, so you can bring your best self to work and beyond.
• Comprehensive benefits. We invest in your wellbeing and future. You have the opportunity to enrol in employer-paid extended health coverage, including an annual health spending account, after three (3) months, as well as co-pay dental and an RRSP matching program after six (6) months. This support helps employees stay healthy, focused, and confident.
• Flexibility and support. We prioritize the growth and development of our team. Our collaborative environment encourages learning, skill-building, and taking initiative, empowering you to make a meaningful impact every day.
• A culture of belonging. We value your unique strengths and perspectives. By celebrating diversity and fostering inclusion, we create a workplace where everyone can contribute fully and feel empowered to succeed.

CLOSING DATE

Until a suitable candidate is found.

Equal Employment Opportunities, Requesting an Accommodation, and Other Employment Statements

Carya is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We are 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, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, 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 People & Culture by email at HR (at) caryacalgary.ca in advance of your interview.