Youth Substance Use Services Counsellor, Full-Time Temporary Medical Leave Coverage

About the Organization

Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society (Impact Society) is a community-based non-profit organization that supports youth and families in navigating challenges related to substance use, mental health, and wellness. Our approach is rooted in compassion, harm reduction, and the belief that every young person has the capacity for growth, connection, and change.

We work in collaboration with community partners such as Foundry Abbotsford, Abbotsford School District, and Fraser Health to provide accessible, youth-centered counselling and outreach support that meets youth where they're at—whether that's in the community, at school, or online.

The Role

The Youth Substance Use Services Counsellor provides one-to-one and group-based counselling, outreach, and advocacy for youth ages 12–24 who are engaged in substance use or are affected by the substance use of others.

This position focuses on building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and collaboration. Counselling modalities are flexible and may include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural approaches, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, or other evidence-informed and trauma-informed practices that support harm reduction and recovery goals.

The counsellor will receive referrals from community partners, conduct assessments, develop care plans, and work closely with other counsellors, outreach workers, and health and social service providers to ensure coordinated support for each youth.

Employment Details

• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• 28.92 per hour
• Hybrid position based in the Fraser Valley, BC (requires regular in-person attendance, including some evenings and occasional weekends)
• Comprehensive, 100% employer-paid benefits package after three months (including health, dental, paid personal, and vacation time)
• Six-month term covering a medical leave, with the possibility of early end or extension depending on the return of the incumbent
• Reports to the Director of Counselling

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling to youth aged 12–24 who use substances or are affected by the substance use of others
• Engage in outreach-based counselling, meeting youth in community, school, and family settings
• Receive and manage referrals, complete assessments, and develop collaborative care plans
• Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records in alignment with professional and organizational standards
• Participate in regular supervision and team meetings with the Director of Counselling
• Collaborate with community partners such as Foundry Abbotsford, Abbotsford School District, and Fraser Health to coordinate care and facilitate referrals
• Support youth in accessing community resources, harm reduction supports, and wellness opportunities
• Contribute to program development, evaluation, and case consultations as needed

Qualifications and Attributes

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• Minimum of two years of experience providing counselling or outreach to youth or young adults
• Knowledge and application of evidence-informed counselling approaches (motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, etc.)
• Strong understanding of harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and youth engagement principles
• Lived or living experience with substance use or recovery is considered an asset
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience working with community partners and navigating referral networks
• A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search are required; a history of a criminal record will be reviewed case by case and does not necessarily preclude employment
• Valid Class 5 driver's license and reliable personal transportation

Our Approach

Impact Society's counselling program is built on respect, collaboration, and authenticity. We meet youth where they're at—both literally and emotionally—and work from a place of non-judgment and empowerment. Our counsellors use a person-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction lens, supporting youth to define and pursue their own goals for wellness.

To Apply

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and approach to youth counselling to:

Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.90 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Work from home

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Abbotsford, BC V2T 4Y2