Youth & Family Counsellor at Lansdowne Middle School

. The FGCA is a non-profit charitable society governed by a Board of Directors. We are a multi-faceted community centre and neighbourhood house that runs licensed childcare (preschool, out-of-school care and daycare) and community programs and services for individuals of all ages and stages.

Job Title: Youth and Family Counsellor, Lansdowne Middle School

Position Type: Seasonal part time, 0.8 FTE (start date until June)

Anticipated Start Date: January 5, 2025

End date: June 26, 2026, expected date of recall September 8, 2026

Hours of work: 28 hours per week, Tuesday to Friday. Hours generally following the school schedule.

Wage Range: Starting wage $31.30-$32.20 per hour, depending on education.

Vacation and Benefits: Paid vacation during winter and spring breaks. Eligible for extended medical, dental, Life, Critical Illness, LTD and AD&D after 3 month probationary period. (70% employer paid). Eligible for RSP matching contributions after 3 months (up to 3% of gross pay). For additional employment benefits see opportunities

Reports to: Vanya McDonell, Co-Executive Director. Onsite supervisor is Lansdowne Principal.

Overall Position Objectives

The role of the Youth and Family Counsellor is to provide identification and intervention in the areas of counselling, skill development, advocacy, and support services to vulnerable children and youth and their families. Children and youth who are vulnerable are those who are experiencing familial, emotional, behavioural, and/or cultural issues which significantly limit their capacity to function effectively within their family, school, and/or community. Lansdowne Middle School is a large, dual-track (English and French Immersion) school with two campuses. This position will serve the 'North Campus,' which houses all grade 7 and 8 students at Lansdowne.

Specific Job Duties and Responsibilities

• To act in a non-curricular/non-teaching capacity in the school and in the community by providing counselling and support services to students and their families;

• To provide a range of formal and informal interventions and services in the school to students and their families;

• To provide individual, family, and group counselling for at risk students identified in the school

• To be available for crisis interventions when identified as necessary by school based case management team;

• To be an advocate and support, consistent with the outcome goals, for students and their families within the school environment;

• To participate in school based activities such as school-based case management teams, case conferences, and staff meetings and to keep accurate and current case documentation concerning assessment, client goals, service actions and case evaluation;

• Initiate preventative interventions (i.e. health promotion, mental health strategies, parenting, drug and alcohol education);

Qualifications (Education / Skills/ Abilities)

• A degree in Child and Youth Care or Social Work or a related field, with related experience working with vulnerable youth and their families;

• The means and ability to do outreach to students and families;
  • Will have a clear Criminal Record and Abuse registry check;

• Membership with the South Vancouver Island School Based Youth & Family Counsellors Association within one month of employment

Please find a full Job Description on our website

The FGCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law. The FGCA is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage applications from people who are experiencing barriers to equity. If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process please contact Pippa Davis, Office Manager at or Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Please forward your resume and cover letter to Vanya McDonell via email at and include "Youth and Family Counsellor" in the subject line. We thank all applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $31.30-$32.20 per hour

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person