Clinical Counselor

Organization Summary:

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Social Work Manager, the trauma-specialized Clinical Counsellor will work as a mental health professional in the Indigenous Diversion Centre trained to understand the impact of trauma on program participants and provide a safe and supportive environment for healing, recognizing the complexities of trauma and its effects on the mind and body. The Clinical Counsellor will work closely with participants to provide culturally appropriate support and services, focusing on addressing systemic and personal traumas that leave the individual vulnerable to criminalization.

This position demands a high level of social facilitation, relationship-building, and experience with Indigenous participants. The position requires strong anti-oppressive communication and must adhere to strict confidentiality and professional standards that are aligned with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) or their registered governing body (BCACC or CCPA).

The Diversion Centre is designed to divert Indigenous peoples away from the harmful criminal justice system, supporting those who have been charged with an offence or those released from the Prince George Regional Correction Centre (PGRCC). The BC First Nations Justice Council is committed to reforming the criminal justice system and restoring Indigenous legal traditions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a steady but sustainable caseload to support participants in the program.
• Report to and take directions from the Associate Director of Northern Healing and Diversion and the Social Work Manager.
• Provide culturally informed support for Indigenous individuals involved in the criminal justice system, focusing on trauma informed approaches that address criminogenic factors.
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to identify criminogenic factors, mental health needs, and trauma history to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Facilitated one-on-one counselling sessions and group therapy for individuals with diverse backgrounds that focus on criminogenic risk factors, mental health, emotional regulation, and behavioral change.
• Create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals feel secure and can trust the process.
• Work collaboratively with participants, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey.
• Working closely with their assigned social workers, helping participants rebuild a sense of control and agency in their lives.
• Assess and address risk factors for reoffending, and work with clients to develop strategies for improving decision-making and reducing recidivism.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, including social workers, cultural workers, legal professionals, and community service providers, to ensure holistic care for clients.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients about mental health, addiction, and the impacts of trauma, emphasizing self-awareness, culture and healing, and empowerment.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records.
• Monitor and evaluate participant progress, adjusting support plans as needed.
• Ensure all services are delivered in a manner that is respectful of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• Master’s degree in social work, mental health or related field, or a combination of experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in clinical counselling, preferred with First Nations individuals, cultural focuses and processing trauma.
• Registered or eligible for registration with a recognized professional regulatory body (e.g., BCACC, CCPA, or BCCSW).
• Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and the impacts of settler colonialism, with a strong focus on trauma-based practices.
• Training and experience in trauma-informed counselling services with a theoretical approach that compliments addressing systemic harms such as narrative therapy and somatic approaches.
• Training and experience that focuses on behavioural changes that address criminogenic factors such as CBT and DBT.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software.
• Support participants with significant life trauma while maintaining healthy work-life boundaries.
• Work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work in a new program that will evolve and course-correct over time.
• Valid BC class 5 Driver’s License, the use of a vehicle and ability to travel.
• A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.

Reporting: Social Work Manager

Location: Prince George

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Pay Range: $90,000-$105,000 - salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Hours: Full-time (35hours / week); Mondays to Fridays

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.