Primary Youth Counsellor

_For full job posting, visit the careers page on our website bgcsvi.org _

**Position Details**

**Wage**: $21.50/hour
**Status**: Full Time
**Hours**: 40 hours per week
**Schedule**: Tuesday 3pm-11pm; Wednesday: 1pm-9pm; Thursday: 11am-7pm; Friday: 3pm-11pm; Saturday: 3pm-11pm
**Location**:Staff Resource in Saanich and various locations throughout Greater Victoria

**Benefits**:Extended Health coverage including dental, prescriptions, optical, life insurance, critical illness, long-term disability
**Opportunities**: Professional development, supportive work/life balance, training and development, career opportunities and advancement
**Start Date**:December 17, 2024

**Position Summary**

The Primary Youth Counsellor (PYC) will work as part of a Full Time Attendance Program (FTAP) team to provide intensive substance use recovery and education-based programming to adjudicated male youth ages 13 to 18 years old in a staff supported resource. In this alternative to custody program, the PYC intervenes with youth at an integral time in their lives, having a dramatic and positive impact on their life trajectory. The PYC provides programming and services to reduce youth exposure to harm or risk while increasing their personal safety and independence. The PYC promotes participant rights, safety, dignity, respect, self-esteem, and privacy.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Maintain a caseload of 2-3 adjudicated youth from intake to follow-up as assigned including comprehensive assessment, service planning and collaborative case management
- Implement and participate in a day-program that combines; academics, individual and group counseling, substance use counseling and education, experiential life skills development, community based recreational activities, employment preparation and independent living readiness education
- Provide supervision and support to youth in all aspects of the FTAP including detox and stabilization at the staffed supported residence
- Support youth to participate in the development and implementation of individualized short-term goals
- Utilize appropriate crisis management strategies in the event of a crisis
- Engage youth and their family in transition planning
- Provide support to and engagement with the youth’s contracted care family in alignment with the youth’s service plan
- Perform daily housekeeping and meal preparation duties
- Work collaboratively with Youth Probation Officer, Youth Forensic Services, MCFD and other professionals, as appropriate

**Desired Qualifications**
- Must have current Class 5 Driver’s license, clean drivers abstract and reliable vehicle
- Relevant post-secondary degree with a focus on Criminal Justice, Child and Youth Care, Social Work or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working with youth and their families experiencing complex trauma
- Enhanced training and experience in therapeutic approaches to youth problematic substance use, motivational interviewing and utilizing trauma informed practice modalities
- Demonstrated experience providing crisis counseling with youth and families
- Able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated computer and file management skills
- Verifiable proof of COVID-19 double vaccination
- Current First Aid CPR certification
- Experience working in a staffed resource is an asset
- Group facilitation and curriculum development is an asset

**To Apply**
- In the first line of your cover letter, please use our tag line “Opportunity Changes Everything”
- We thank all who apply. In align with our mission, we strive to create safe, supportive places and welcome all to apply.

**Important Note Regarding COVID-19**
- This is a front-line position working in direct contact with youth, and it is considered safe according to governmental guidelines for pandemic outbreaks.
- As an organization we are taking the necessary precautions and adhering to all Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) recommendations on sanitization and social distancing in close proximity.
- This position requires double COVID-19 vaccination
- Interested by the opportunity but not sure how to make it fit? Start the conversation and let’s discuss options Please feel free to reach out with inquiries or for more information via the careers page on our website bgcsvi.org _
- **In alignment with our 5 Core Values, BGC South Vancouver Island is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming diversity and inclusivity in all practices within the organization **_
- **BGC South Vancouver Island acknowledges the Lkwungen, W̱SÁNEĆ, T’sou-ke, MÁlexeŁ and Scia’new people, whose traditional territories we live and work upon each day **_

Pay: $21.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to