Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellor, Psychological Intervention Program

What You Will Do

Providence Health Care's Mental Health Program is now hiring a temporary Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellor to join their team, supporting primarily inpatient units, with some outpatient work. Please note this position is until March 2027 or the return of the incumbent.

This position works as part of an interprofessional team to provide clinical services to adults with, and affected by, mental health and substance use concerns. Assesses clients, determines referral needs, provides online individual counselling, group and family interventions, education, and liaises with community resources. Formulates and implements treatment plans and provides comprehensive case consultation and follow-up support on treatment decisions in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team. Participates in team and/or local committees, internal and external case conferences and quality improvement activities. Collaborates with other community service providers and related disciplines to provide education and training related to mental/substance use. Provides input into the development, evaluation and delivery of services.

• Provide counselling and therapeutic interventions:
  Deliver individual, group, and family counselling using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care. Support clients in addressing mental health and substance use challenges through brief interventions, crisis support, and psychotherapy.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and care planning:
  Complete comprehensive assessments, develop treatment and care plans with client input, and coordinate services in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members and community partners.
• Facilitate referrals and community connections:
  Connect clients and families with appropriate community supports, recovery programs, and rehabilitative services. Advocate for access to resources and help clients navigate systemic barriers.
• Support education, evaluation, and collaboration:
  Contribute to staff, physician, and student education; participate in committees, case conferences, and program evaluation; and maintain accurate clinical documentation in line with organizational and legislative requirements.

What You Bring

Education

• Masters' Degree in a relevant health related discipline such as Social Work, Clinical Counselling, or Clinical Psychology from an accredited university.
• Two (2) years' recent, related experience working with adults across the mental health and substance use continuum including experience with interventions and evidence based treatment modalities, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must have experience with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
• Eligible for registration with affiliated professional body.
• Social Work background and experience an asset

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of the broad range of issues pertaining mental health and substance use issues, psychiatric diagnosis, and related evidence-based best treatment practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community response procedures, general counselling principles and intervention techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Systems Theory and an ability to incorporate this into mental health assessments and interventions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Acts such as Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, Health Care Consent Act, Freedom of Information Act, Child, Family and Community Service Act, pertinent regulations, policies and procedures, and other statutory duties.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments that include mental health and substance use standardized frameworks and tools.
• Demonstrated skill in crisis intervention with families, and therapeutic skills in individual, group and family interventions.
• Ability to create and maintain trusting relationships with youth and families as they define themselves.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with others in a multicultural environment, independently and as part of an interprofessional team and understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers to support service delivery including delivering services online and working with related word processing and database management software applications.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary:
  The salary range for this position is $ $52.81 per hour, depending on experience.
• Growth opportunities:
  We welcome individuals at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for professional development and growth.
• State-of-the-art facilities:
  The new St. Paul's Hospital and health campus will be the most innovative approach to the delivery of integrated care in B.C. and Canada, designed to appropriately address the future health needs of patients, families, and our communities. From hospital care to primary and community health solutions, the new St. Paul's Hospital and health campus will continue to lead innovations in care, research, and teaching. The new St. Paul's Hospital is expected to open in 2027.
• Inclusive culture:
  We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents.
• Meaningful impact
  : Your dedication and expertise will directly impact the lives of individuals struggling with mental health and substance use concerns.
• A comprehensive
  health benefits package
  including dental, vision, and life insurance as well as pension.

Who We Are:

Providence Health Care is one of the largest faith-based health care organizations in Canada. For the people at Providence, living our Mission, Vision and Values means providing British Columbians with compassionate, socially just, exceptional and innovative care every day.

From our humble roots 129 years ago, Providence has grown into globally renowned research, teaching, and care organization. As individuals within a mission-driven organization, we choose to be part of Providence Health Care because we value the organization's long commitment to social justice and compassionate care, and its commitment to the process of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Curious about working at PHC and the culture of our teams? Check out the videos and articles below to learn more and meet some of the members of the team you'd be joining:

2025 PHC Mission Awards - Mental Health Social Worker Lucky Pickering -

Working at PHC -

A Heart for Healing in Geriatric Psychiatry

Supporting the whole patient Complex Intervention Response Team (CIRT)

Reproductive Health: Supporting New Parents Through Compassion and Education

Eating Disorders: Food, freedom, and healing in eating disorder recovery

Foundry: Helping young people thrive through connection and creativity

For more details about your day to day in the role, please see the job posting on our careers site.

We acknowledge that Providence Health Care and the new St. Paul's Hospital site is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.