Youth and Family Counsellor, Family Counselling and Parent Programs

BGC South Coast BC; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Vancouver seeks a Youth and Family Counsellor to provide therapeutic support for youth facing mental health challenges. The role involves delivering counselling services and establishing treatment plans in collaboration with families and other professionals. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant Bachelor's degree and have practical experience in community service. Strong communication skills and a team-oriented approach are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• At least one year of relevant work experience in community social services.
• Knowledge of relevant government legislation and policy.
• First Aid and CPR certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Provides counselling and outreach services for youth ages 13-19 and their families.
• Develops and implements treatment plans and delivers therapeutic interventions.
• Responsible for case management including client progress evaluation.

Skills

Knowledge of adolescent development

Excellent communication skills

Good organizational and time management skills

Knowledge of therapeutic intervention strategies

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree in counselling, social work, or related field

Job description

Summary of Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Youth and Family Counsellor provides time‑limited, goal‑oriented counselling and therapeutic support for youth with mental health issues (and their families) and provides therapeutic interventions and parenting support for parents. Services are provided in BGC offices, in the client’s home, and / or in a community setting. The Youth and Family Counsellor supports / empowers the youth and / or family in identifying, understanding, and overcoming personal / family problems, and in establishing and achieving realistic goals.

Job Duties

• Provides counselling and outreach services youth ages 13-19 and their families referred by MCFD or Child & Youth Mental Health.
• Assesses youth and family needs and establishes goals to develop a service plan with the participation of the client.
• Develops and implements a treatment plan and delivers therapeutic interventions.
• Plans, prepares, and conducts group and / or individual counselling sessions with clients.
• Provides follow‑up support to client upon leaving the program as appropriate.
• Responsible for case management including evaluation of clients’ progress.
• Maintains up‑to‑date records on clients; provides progress reports to the Coordinator and the MCFD and completes all required documentation.
• Connects client to other team members as needed.
• Advices other professionals involved with the client when further evaluation or more intensive treatment is required.
• Discusses case planning and concerns with counselling supervisor, members of the team, as well as with other professionals in the community, strictly respecting client confidentiality.
• Participates as a member of the BGC Family Counselling team including consultation, sharing of information and expertise, and participation in intake meetings.
• Participates in establishing a positive, healthy, and safe team that fosters individual and team growth.
• Provides consultation within BGC staff members and to those working with client’s , coworkers, social workers, probation officers, and other professionals.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of community resources to meet clients’ needs.
• Delivers community presentations and collaborates in planning prevention programs.
• Participates in staff training sessions and public education forums, seminars, and conferences relevant to specific program areas.
• Participates in program evaluation. Provides suggestions to modify programs and proactively participates in planning and implementing changes as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Clear Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).
• A Bachelor of Arts degree in counselling, social work, or a related field.
• At least one year of related relevant work experience including direct program delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community‑based programs and related provincial and community support services systems.
• Knowledge of adolescent development.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of therapeutic intervention strategies related to mental health, substance abuse, suicide prevention, child protection, etc.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant clinical modalities and strategies used with children, youth, and parents.
• Knowledge of group process and skilled in the use of facilitation techniques.
• Experience in assessment and documentation.
• Knowledge of relevant government legislation and policy.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• A team player who is flexible, motivated and can work independently, and as part of a cohesive team.
• Personal maturity, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• A clear driver’s abstract and use of a reliable vehicle insured for business use ($2 million liability).
• First Aid and CPR certification.