Family Counsellor

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS); Surrey; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living wage employer

Generous vacation & sick time

Health benefits coverage

Pension program

Professional development

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is seeking a Family Counsellor for the Immediate Response Program. The role requires brief intervention mediation and counselling for families with parent-teen conflict, using strength-based approaches and trauma-informed care.

The position involves home visits, a 35-hour workweek, and flexibility for evenings or weekends. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required to meet families where they are.

Qualifications

• Experience using brief intervention methods.
• Strong understanding of youth and family development.
• Knowledge of addictions, mental health, and trauma-informed practices.
• Familiarity with government legislation related to youth services.
• Ability to respond to crisis using agency protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provides advocacy, support and counselling to youth and families in a safe environment using evidence-based interventions.
• Develops individual service plans and support goals to meet participant needs.
• Develops, supports and facilitates groups for participants and families.
• Liaises with social workers and other professionals.
• Ensures coordination and ongoing communication with leadership and support networks.
• Maintains appropriate group and individual case files and documentation.
• Identifies, addresses and resolves issues related to agency policy and procedures, emergencies, service provision, and facilities where applicable.

Skills

Brief intervention

Youth development

Addictions

Trauma-informed

Crisis response

Team collaboration

Cultural inclusion

Communication

Job description

Pacific Community Resources Society is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities. Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact our HR department at [e-mail]. Personal information will be kept confidential.

Last Date To Apply

September 24, 2026 - Reopened

About PCRS

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is a large not-for-profit agency that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from Vancouver to Hope. We work with youth and vulnerable adults in the areas of education, employment, housing, substance use and mental health, and youth and family support services. We are CARF Accredited and a Certified Living Wage Employer.

About The Program

The Immediate Response Program (IRP) provides brief, family‑centred intervention and support services to families with youth ages 13–18 who are referred by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) due to identified parent‑teen conflict. Using a brief intervention model, the program offers timely, focused support aimed at de‑escalation, improving communication, and strengthening relationships within the family. IRP works collaboratively with families to stabilize situations, address immediate concerns, and support practical problem‑solving strategies that reduce conflict and promote safety and positive family functioning.

Hours & Conditions of Work

• Regular Full Time
• 35 hours weekly
• This position requires the counsellor to meet participants in their homes. A valid drivers licence and use of a personal vehicle are required.
• Flexible work hours including later evenings up to 9:00pm and weekends may be required, to meet families when they are available.

Position Summary

Wage Grid 23

The Family Counsellor is responsible to provide brief intervention mediation and counselling to families referred for parent-teen conflict. The Family Counsellor will use evidence based brief intervention and strength-based methodologies to support goals indicated by the funder. They will have the ability to balance methodologies with relationship-based practice all within a strength-based, trauma-informed approach. They will also lead and facilitate groups when required.

This position requires a sound theoretical understanding of family systems, mediation, communication, abuse and neglect, and normal and delayed child and family development as well as a solid working knowledge of Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) policy and procedures. This position requires a sound understanding of adolescent development, mental health, addictions, and trauma informed practices. They will have strong assessment skills and be able to report any child protection concerns if they arise. This requires a solid understanding of the effects and indicators of child abuse.

Responsibilities

• Provides advocacy, support and counselling to youth and families in a safe environment using evidence-based interventions
• Develops individual service plans and support goals to meet participant needs
• Develops, supports and facilitates groups for participants and families
• Liaises with social workers and other professionals
• Ensures coordination and ongoing communication with leadership and support networks
• Maintains appropriate group and individual case files and documentation
• Identifies, addresses and resolves issues related to agency policy and procedures, emergencies, service provision, and facilities where applicable
• Works within applicable Act/Regulations and roles of government and funders
• Responds to participant complaints and address concerns through identified complaint procedures

Competencies & Knowledge

• Skilled in brief intervention methods.
• Sound understanding of youth and family development.
• Sound understanding of addictions, mental health and trauma informed practices.
• A thorough knowledge of relevant government legislation.
• Ability to respond to crisis scenarios using agency protocols and ethics.
• Effective team collaboration skills.
• Experience creating and working within a culturally inclusive environment for staff, partners, and participants.
• Strong verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, often conflicting priorities.

What We Offer

• Equitable & Transparent Base Pay – we are a Certified Living Wage Employer
• Generous paid vacation, personal and sick time; additional paid time off for life events
• Additional paid holidays (ex. Easter Monday, Boxing Day)
• Health Benefits Coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums - including extended health and prescriptions, dental, vision and paramedical care
• Disability and Life Insurance Coverage
• Employee & Family Assistance Program including preventative health & counselling
• Membership in the Municipal Pension Plan with generous employer contributions
• Flexible schedules and earned day off program
• Full-day agency orientation and extensive training, with regular ongoing performance evaluations
• In-house digital and classroom learning opportunities; staff funding for professional development
• Opportunities to use your voice & participate in committees on policy, wellness, safety, JEDI and more

Eligibility varies depending on employment terms and role requirements – details for this specific opportunity will be provided on request.