Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals and families by providing
accessible, culturally responsive counselling services. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment that
respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. Seabird Island is seeking a Family Counsellor to provide culturally grounded, trauma-informed support to individuals and families as part of a multi-disciplinary team to enhance emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing in the community. The Family Counsellor travels to Bands served by Seabird Island Health Services to ensure accessible care and strengthen community relationships.

The Family Counsellor focuses on direct support, group facilitation, crisis response, and connection to resources, as well as building relationships, facilitating healing activities, and offering guidance. As a Family Counsellor, the emphasis is on supportive listening, workshops, skill-building, referrals, and community-based wellness practices, within the scope of their education, training, and any professional registration or legislative requirements associated with counselling.

This is a term contract with an end date of March 31, 2026.

What You'll Do

Community Engagement & Direct Support

• Build trusting relationships with individuals, families, and youth through culturally responsive, trauma-informed support.

• Provide one-on-one and group mental health and addictions counseling to referred clients, within the
  scope of their education, training, and any professional registration or legislative requirements that apply.

• Facilitate one-on-one, group, and community healing activities and mediation, including workshops, circles, and supportive conversations.

• Support individuals and Recovery Home clients in recovery journeys, offering encouragement, guidance, and connection to resources.

• Assist families in addressing challenges, promoting healthy relationships, and strengthening connections.

• Provide immediate crisis intervention for suicide attempts, collaborating with community professionals and ensuring follow-up support.

• Provide crisis support by ensuring safety, offering immediate guidance, and connecting to appropriate services.

• Help community members access housing, employment, medical, and social supports, reducing barriers to care.

• Guide clients toward treatment programs by providing information, completing intakes, and assisting with required documentation.

Program Support & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential charting and records of activities, progress notes, and required reports.

• Contribute to program planning by identifying community needs and recommending activities.

• Prepare monthly activity calendars and reports as required.

Workshops & Outreach

• Develop and submit a monthly calendar detailing planned activities and time allocation.

• Develop a two-month advance calendar outlining workshops and community activities. Facilitate
  workshops on wellness topics such as (but not limited to) communication, coping strategies, anger management, and life skills.

• Collaborate with external agencies and internal teams to coordinate referrals and supports.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in team meetings, clinical supervision, and consultation.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure accessible, holistic care.

• Demonstrate behaviors, actions and attitudes that are consistent with our vision, mission and values.

• Provide opportunities for the enhancement and development of positive cultural identities of the clients and communities served.

• Ensure appropriate communication and consultation with Direct Supervisor at appropriate times.

• Ensure effective and professional communications with all internal and external service providers.

• Share information according to privacy and/or confidentiality guidelines.

• Work respectfully, positively, professionally and collaboratively with team members.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role

• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.

• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

• Act in accordance with Code of Ethics and maintain confidentiality at all times to protect the privacy of staff, families and communities.

What You Bring

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred. Relevant diploma or degree in Human Services may be considered.

• Registration with a recognized professional body (e.g., BC Association of Clinical Counsellors) is preferred.

• Training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience providing counseling services to First Nations individuals, youth, couples, and families.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience providing supportive counselling, group facilitation, healing circles, or community outreach.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience counseling, recovery programs, and referral processes for treatment services.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.

• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics,
  healing practices, and community wellness approaches.

• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

• Excellent communication skills and relationship-building skills.

• Commitment to confidentiality, respect, and cultural safety.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

How to Apply

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.