Clinical Counsellor

About the Company:
Orca Lelum is committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment rooted in Indigenous ways of being. Dedicated to the well-being of youth, we empower individuals aged 12 to 18 to reclaim their strength, resilience, and cultural identity. Guided by the principle of Nutsamaat Shqwaluwun - people working together with one heart and one mind, our holistic programs prioritize substance use recovery, wellness and trauma healing. We offer medically supervised withdrawal management and residential treatment in a 10-week program, aiming to instill a sense of purpose and connection that extends beyond treatment.

What’s in it for you?

Join us at Orca Lelum, where you not only contribute to a thriving organization but also become part of a community driven by cultural values and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Experience the fulfillment of working in a First Nations-led environment that values your well-being and growth. Additionally, you get:

- A four-day work week for permanent part time and full-time employees OR
- A four - on, four -off schedule for medical staff
- An excellent benefits and pension program for eligible employees;
- Paid vacation days and wellness days for eligible employees; and
- Comprehensive training and professional development provided.

Job Summary:
As a clinical counsellor, you will play a crucial role in providing therapeutic support to youth, facilitating individual and group sessions, and implementing intervention programs. This position requires strong clinical skills, the ability to assess and address a variety of problems, and the commitment to making a positive impact on the well-being of youth. Having a strong background in counseling, a deep understanding of youths’ mental health issues, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team is essential for this role.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Client Assessment:
a. Conduct interviews to gather case histories and assess youths’ needs and concerns.

b. Evaluate youths’ emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

c. Provides clinical assessments and screenings to determine the best therapeutic modality to address the youth’s clinical needs

d. Support staff and clients with assessments as needed upon discovery of the presence of suicide risk and mental health related issues.

e. Develop and implement individualized wellness plans based on assessments.

2. Counseling and Intervention.

a. Develop and implement counseling and intervention programs to assist youth in setting and achieving their goals.

b. Provide culturally sensitive individual and group counselling sessions for youth on a need basis.

c. Provide immediate crisis intervention and support to youth in times of emotional distress.

d. Mediate and facilitate group sessions using a trauma informed approach to address collective trauma and other topics regarding addiction recovery.

e. Ensure all youth in care have a wellness plan that maximizes rehabilitation and utilizes relevant community supports that are developed in partnership and coordinated with the youth and caregiver/family.

3. Collaboration:
a. Work closely with other clinicians, medical staff, and wellness staff to create integrated treatment and wellness plans.

b. Collaborate with Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers to incorporate traditional healing methods into counseling sessions.

c. Collaborate with community agencies and partners to identify additional or alternative services.

d. Provide referrals to external resources based on youths’ needs.

4. Program Evaluation:
a. Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions.

b. Monitor youths’ progress in resolving identified problems and achieving defined objectives.

5. Discharge, Follow-Up and Reporting:
a. Participating in discharge planning and follow up;
b. Develop and implement wellness plans to ensure a smooth reintegration of youth into their families and communities.

c. Follow up on the results of counseling programs and youths’ adjustments.

6. Facilitate Sessions:
a. Conduct monthly training sessions for front
- line staff, sharing insights, and best practices in youth mental health, addiction recovery, and cultural competence.

b. Foster a collaborative and informed team environment by promoting continuous learning and skill development among staff members.

7. Pre
- opening duties:
a. Actively participate in advisory discussions to contribute insights and suggestions for program development.

b. Be an integral part of the advisory table, offering valuable perspectives on organizational initiatives.

c. Assist the program and wellness manager with building and writing the 10- week program.

d. Prepare program related policies and documents as directed by the program manager.

8. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

- Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
- Or a