Peace Counsellor

Who We Are

Elkford Women’s Task Force Society collaborates, advocates, and educates in the prevention of intimate partner violence. We are a charitable, non-profit society established in 1991 who are dedicated to strengthening and supporting women, children, and families by providing programs and services and by collaborating with community partners in a rural environment. The Society currently operates the Elk Valley PEACE Program for children witnessing violence, Elk Valley Women’s Transition House, Elk Valley Homeless Prevention Program for women fleeing violence, Child & Youth Mental Health Outreach Mild - Moderate, Elkford Childcare Centre, Elkford Play School, Elkford Early Years, and Griz Kids Care school-age childcare.

Employment Opportunity:
The Elkford Women’s Task Force Society is looking to fill a temporary full-time (35 hours per week) maternity leave vacancy as a PEACE Counsellor starting November 3, 2025, for 14 months or until the return of the incumbent. The opportunity to continue employment on a part-time basis of 10-15 hours per week upon the return of the incumbent is possible.

Program Overview - The Elk Valley Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment (PEACE) Program is dedicated to supporting children and youth who witness intimate partner violence, most commonly male violence perpetrated against women. Elk Valley PEACE also supports children and youth experiencing difficult parental separation. It includes:

- Free community-based support programs for children and youth between the ages of 5 and 18 residing in the Elk Valley.
- Communication with and support to parents who have experienced violence and/or guardians.
- School prevention activities, in particular the Violence is Preventable (VIP) program.

Position Role - The PEACE Counsellor will provide individual and/or group psycho-educational support services in an age appropriate manner that:

- Support children and youth to label and express their feelings.
- Assist children and youth in understanding healthy ways of dealing with anger and expressing anger.
- Support children and youth to recognize that they are not at fault for the actions of others.
- Teach children and youth safety skills.
- Encourage healthy conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Acknowledge loss and separation.
- Facilitate understanding of abuse and myths about intimate partner violence.
- Explore other violence related issues such as violence in the media and on social media platforms.
- Encourage self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Provide communication, information, and referrals for support to the parent who has experienced violence.

Position Duties - The PEACE Counsellor will be required to:

- Provide individual and/or group psycho-educational supports to children between 5-11 years of age who have witnessed violence and/or who may be experiencing a difficult parental separation.
- Receive self-referrals, parental referrals, and referrals from community agencies.
- Provide screening to determine child/youth’s suitability to program.
- Recognize when a child’s needs exceed the psycho-educational methods of the program and where appropriate provide referrals to a service that better suits child’s needs.
- Provide intake and complete necessary documentation to open a client file.
- Maintain client files including required documentation and case notes.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Communicate with and provide resources and information to the supporting parent regarding how to support their child.
- When requested provide referral information to parents regarding services for the parent.
- Occasional transportation of children/youth to assist with them accessing program services.
- Collaborate with elementary/secondary schools and community partners to build relationships and provide education and awareness regarding the Elk Valley PEACE program.
- Provide VIP (Violence is Preventable) program in schools as requested.
- Provide services in a manner that is non-judgmental, safe, and supportive.
- Participation in local inter-agency, regional and provincial committees.
- Participation in clinical supervision with a counsellor external to the Elkford Women’s Task Force Society.
- Participation in training opportunities as appropriate.
- Participation in team meetings and work collaboratively with PEACE team.
- Position will often require working with clients in schools or community locations throughout the Elk Valley.
- Working remotely is permissible when appropriate.

Position Requirements
- Completion of a diploma, degree or master’s level education in a related field such as Child & Youth Care, Psychology, Child Development or Social Work.
- Successful completion of a criminal record review.
- Clear drivers abstract.
- Ability to deliver services in a confidential, respectful, caring, and non-judgmental manner.
- Understanding of violence against woman and intimate partner violence.
- Understanding of relevant legislatio