Mental Health Addictions Counsellor
Top Benefits
About the role
PERMANENT FULL-TIME POSITION IN NORTH VANCOUVER & SQUAMISH VALLEY (Onsite)
CLOSES: Open Until Filled
Be Part of Something Meaningful!
Are you a passionate mental health professional who thrives in a culturally grounded, holistic approach to care? Squamish Nation’s Yúustway Health & Wellness Division is looking for a Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor to support individuals and families on their healing journeys. This role is rooted in Indigenous Cultural Safety and community-based wellness, offering an opportunity to work in alignment with Squamish values while promoting hope, recovery, and empowerment.
What You’ll Do
- Provide compassionate, culturally safe counselling and support services for individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
- Conduct client assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement recovery-oriented interventions.
- Facilitate crisis intervention, case management, education, and referral services tailored to community needs.
- Engage with clients and families using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
- Support harm reduction, overdose prevention, and safer substance use strategies that align with Squamish community values.
- Collaborate with a holistic care team including Elders, Counsellors, Social Workers, and external partners.
- Contribute to community events, education initiatives, and health promotion programs.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation through electronic medical records and reporting systems.
- Support program development through community needs assessments and continuous improvement feedback.
- Participate in committees, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
- A combination of education and experience in mental health, social work, addictions counselling, psychology, or a related field.
- Knowledge and experience working with First Nations communities, with a commitment to Indigenous Cultural Safety in practice.
- Strong counselling, case management, and crisis intervention skills.
- Understanding of concurrent disorders, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery principles.
- Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- High emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients and families.
- Flexibility, creativity, and a holistic perspective in supporting wellness and healing.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in the field of mental health and addictions.
- Cultural awareness and deep respect for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw values, language, and traditions.
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
- A valid BC Driver’s License Class 4 or 5 Class
Why Work With Us
- Impactful Work – Be part of a team dedicated to serving the community through Na estétx̱ w sḵwálwen cht (Trust), Na estitkw sḵwálwen cht (Security), Na esḵw’úḵw’ulh sḵwálwen cht (Purpose) and Na eslhílhkw’is sḵwálwen cht (Belonging)
- Professional Growth – We invest in our people with training, mentorship, and career development
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Values – Be part of an organization that values Úxwumixw (community/peoples), snew̓íyelh **(**guiding through teachings), wenáxws (respect) and inclusivity.
As a dynamic community organization, we understand the importance of employing enthusiastic and talented people to work together. We know that our future strength and growth is very much dependent on our key resources – our people. With a variety of programs and services, we offer career paths that fit many areas of expertise, backgrounds, and interests. Along with competitive compensation and benefits, we foster an environment that values diversity through the respect and appreciation of each person for their individual attributes.
Salary: $75,000 - $112,500
Candidates are typically offered compensation between the beginning to the midpoint of the range. We are committed to providing a fair and equitable package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.
Benefits: We offer extended medical and dental, pension matching, supplementary savings, and a professional development budget.
Join us in building a future rooted in culture, values, and community strength. Your work matters here. #Workwithpurpose
*Please note selected candidates will be required to complete background checks. If you have concerns regarding any incidents that will be reported on your Criminal Record Check, please let us know in advance to ensure we can work together on a plan that works for the nation and you as the applicant*
About SQUAMISH NATION
THE NATION TODAY The Squamish Nation is a vibrant and dynamic Coast Salish Nation, with a strong culture, rich history and bright future.
The Squamish Nation has existed and prospered within our traditional territory since time immemorial. We are Coast Salish people. Our language is the Squamish language. Our society is, and always has been, organized and sophisticated, with complex laws and rules governing all forms of social relations, economic rights and relations with other First Nations. We have never ceded or surrendered title to our lands, rights to our resources or the power to make decisions within our territory.
The modern era of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw was declared on July 23, 1923 through the “Prayer of Amalgamation.” This was the result of eight years of discussion, planning and a legal agreement signed by the 16 Skwxwú7mesh Chiefs. This document was the instrument to declare that the traditional governance of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, our People and lands, is still in place. The hard working Squamish Nation people of the time laid the groundwork for the growth and development of the society we enjoy today.
The Skwxwú7mesh stelmexw (Squamish People) continue to reside in the area now described as the lower Mainland of British Columbia. The largest proportion of Squamish Nation members reside on several urban reserves in the city of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and the municipality of Squamish, B.C.
The Nation’s population is scattered among nine communities stretching from North Vancouver to the northern area of Howe Sound. Over 60% of the more than 3,600 Squamish Nation members live on-reserve and membership is determined by guidelines set out in the Squamish Nation Membership Code.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY The Squamish Nation is a leader in the field of First Nations economic development. The Squamish Nation’s sources of revenue are taxation, leases and Squamish-owned businesses, such as:
Mosquito Creek Marina Lynnwood Marina North Vancouver Smoke Shop at Mosquito Creek Squamish Valley Gas LP Superstore Gas Bar, North Vancouver Capilano River RV Park, West Vancouver Northwest Squamish Forestry LP The Park Royal Shopping Centre, International Plaza, and Greater Vancouver Storage Sewage Plant, are a few examples of existing tenants on Squamish Nation lands.
In addition to revenue generated from existing leases and businesses, the Squamish Nation plans to develop various parcels of lands, including proposed developments at Seymour, Capilano, Kitsilano, Chekwelp and Stawamus. Proceeds from new developments will support ongoing programs and services for Squamish Nation membership, as well as acquire new lands, provide infrastructure, and provide finance options for member housing.
TREATY NEGOTIATIONS From the time of the arrival of the first Europeans in the Lower Mainland area, the Squamish Nation has asserted our right to the land and resources in the territories that we have inhabited for thousands of years.
The Squamish Nation is seeking a resolution for the long outstanding claim to our traditional territories. Squamish Nation’s Statement of Intent to negotiate was accepted by the British Columbia Treaty Commission December, 1993. This is the first of six stages of the British Columbia Treaty Commission’s process. Presently, Squamish Nation is in the third stage of the process.
Mental Health Addictions Counsellor
Top Benefits
About the role
PERMANENT FULL-TIME POSITION IN NORTH VANCOUVER & SQUAMISH VALLEY (Onsite)
CLOSES: Open Until Filled
Be Part of Something Meaningful!
Are you a passionate mental health professional who thrives in a culturally grounded, holistic approach to care? Squamish Nation’s Yúustway Health & Wellness Division is looking for a Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor to support individuals and families on their healing journeys. This role is rooted in Indigenous Cultural Safety and community-based wellness, offering an opportunity to work in alignment with Squamish values while promoting hope, recovery, and empowerment.
What You’ll Do
- Provide compassionate, culturally safe counselling and support services for individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
- Conduct client assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement recovery-oriented interventions.
- Facilitate crisis intervention, case management, education, and referral services tailored to community needs.
- Engage with clients and families using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
- Support harm reduction, overdose prevention, and safer substance use strategies that align with Squamish community values.
- Collaborate with a holistic care team including Elders, Counsellors, Social Workers, and external partners.
- Contribute to community events, education initiatives, and health promotion programs.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation through electronic medical records and reporting systems.
- Support program development through community needs assessments and continuous improvement feedback.
- Participate in committees, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
- A combination of education and experience in mental health, social work, addictions counselling, psychology, or a related field.
- Knowledge and experience working with First Nations communities, with a commitment to Indigenous Cultural Safety in practice.
- Strong counselling, case management, and crisis intervention skills.
- Understanding of concurrent disorders, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery principles.
- Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- High emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients and families.
- Flexibility, creativity, and a holistic perspective in supporting wellness and healing.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in the field of mental health and addictions.
- Cultural awareness and deep respect for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw values, language, and traditions.
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
- A valid BC Driver’s License Class 4 or 5 Class
Why Work With Us
- Impactful Work – Be part of a team dedicated to serving the community through Na estétx̱ w sḵwálwen cht (Trust), Na estitkw sḵwálwen cht (Security), Na esḵw’úḵw’ulh sḵwálwen cht (Purpose) and Na eslhílhkw’is sḵwálwen cht (Belonging)
- Professional Growth – We invest in our people with training, mentorship, and career development
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Values – Be part of an organization that values Úxwumixw (community/peoples), snew̓íyelh **(**guiding through teachings), wenáxws (respect) and inclusivity.
As a dynamic community organization, we understand the importance of employing enthusiastic and talented people to work together. We know that our future strength and growth is very much dependent on our key resources – our people. With a variety of programs and services, we offer career paths that fit many areas of expertise, backgrounds, and interests. Along with competitive compensation and benefits, we foster an environment that values diversity through the respect and appreciation of each person for their individual attributes.
Salary: $75,000 - $112,500
Candidates are typically offered compensation between the beginning to the midpoint of the range. We are committed to providing a fair and equitable package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.
Benefits: We offer extended medical and dental, pension matching, supplementary savings, and a professional development budget.
Join us in building a future rooted in culture, values, and community strength. Your work matters here. #Workwithpurpose
*Please note selected candidates will be required to complete background checks. If you have concerns regarding any incidents that will be reported on your Criminal Record Check, please let us know in advance to ensure we can work together on a plan that works for the nation and you as the applicant*
About SQUAMISH NATION
THE NATION TODAY The Squamish Nation is a vibrant and dynamic Coast Salish Nation, with a strong culture, rich history and bright future.
The Squamish Nation has existed and prospered within our traditional territory since time immemorial. We are Coast Salish people. Our language is the Squamish language. Our society is, and always has been, organized and sophisticated, with complex laws and rules governing all forms of social relations, economic rights and relations with other First Nations. We have never ceded or surrendered title to our lands, rights to our resources or the power to make decisions within our territory.
The modern era of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw was declared on July 23, 1923 through the “Prayer of Amalgamation.” This was the result of eight years of discussion, planning and a legal agreement signed by the 16 Skwxwú7mesh Chiefs. This document was the instrument to declare that the traditional governance of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, our People and lands, is still in place. The hard working Squamish Nation people of the time laid the groundwork for the growth and development of the society we enjoy today.
The Skwxwú7mesh stelmexw (Squamish People) continue to reside in the area now described as the lower Mainland of British Columbia. The largest proportion of Squamish Nation members reside on several urban reserves in the city of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and the municipality of Squamish, B.C.
The Nation’s population is scattered among nine communities stretching from North Vancouver to the northern area of Howe Sound. Over 60% of the more than 3,600 Squamish Nation members live on-reserve and membership is determined by guidelines set out in the Squamish Nation Membership Code.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY The Squamish Nation is a leader in the field of First Nations economic development. The Squamish Nation’s sources of revenue are taxation, leases and Squamish-owned businesses, such as:
Mosquito Creek Marina Lynnwood Marina North Vancouver Smoke Shop at Mosquito Creek Squamish Valley Gas LP Superstore Gas Bar, North Vancouver Capilano River RV Park, West Vancouver Northwest Squamish Forestry LP The Park Royal Shopping Centre, International Plaza, and Greater Vancouver Storage Sewage Plant, are a few examples of existing tenants on Squamish Nation lands.
In addition to revenue generated from existing leases and businesses, the Squamish Nation plans to develop various parcels of lands, including proposed developments at Seymour, Capilano, Kitsilano, Chekwelp and Stawamus. Proceeds from new developments will support ongoing programs and services for Squamish Nation membership, as well as acquire new lands, provide infrastructure, and provide finance options for member housing.
TREATY NEGOTIATIONS From the time of the arrival of the first Europeans in the Lower Mainland area, the Squamish Nation has asserted our right to the land and resources in the territories that we have inhabited for thousands of years.
The Squamish Nation is seeking a resolution for the long outstanding claim to our traditional territories. Squamish Nation’s Statement of Intent to negotiate was accepted by the British Columbia Treaty Commission December, 1993. This is the first of six stages of the British Columbia Treaty Commission’s process. Presently, Squamish Nation is in the third stage of the process.