START DATE: August 5, 2025
REPORTS TO: Coordinator, Odyssey II

Summary of Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Youth Counsellor provides a range of intervention and counselling services to youth and/or their families who are adversely affected by their (or others’) use of alcohol and drugs.

The Counsellor must be prepared to work with youth who are in crisis situations. Due to the availability and needs of the youth, work often has to be conducted outside normal office hours.

Job Duties

• Participates as a constructive and integral member of the Odyssey II team including consultation, sharing of information and expertise, and participation in weekly staff meetings.
• Assesses youth and family needs and assists youth in establishing goals.
• Provides one-to-one counselling services.
• Provides crisis intervention services.
• Manages and maintains a safe and supportive drop-in environment.
• May facilitate support groups for youth and/or their families.
• Provides outreach services in the community.
• Provides support for youth while they are in the program and, as appropriate, provides follow-up support to youth upon leaving the program.
• Responsible for case management, including evaluation of youth progress.
• Discusses case planning and concerns with members of the team as well as with other professionals in the community, while strictly respecting confidentiality.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of community resources to meet youth and families’ needs.
• Provides liaison, education, and advocacy to other professionals, other agencies, and the community.
• Participates in staff training sessions and public education forums, seminars, and conferences relevant to specific program areas.
• Participates in the evaluation of programs and the collection of data.
• Maintains up-to-date records and completes all required documentation.
• Performs related duties specific to portfolio as required.

Requirements

• Clear Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).
• S.W. or B.A. in relevant social science plus one year’s experience working with adolescents and/or families.
• Experience working with youth who use substances, are unhoused, or are involved with the justice system or MCFD.
• Knowledge of adolescent development.
• Knowledge of intervention strategies related to substance abuse, suicide prevention, abuse and neglect of children and youth, etc.
• Knowledge of relevant counselling techniques and therapies used with youth and parents, including peer counselling.
• Knowledge of services for adolescents in general and substance abuse specifically an asset.
• A flexible and self-motivated team player who can work independently, and as part of a cohesive team.
• Experience in assessment and documentation.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Personal maturity, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• A clear driver’s abstract and use of a reliable vehicle insured for business use ($2 million liability).
• First Aid and CPR certification.

This is a full-time (37.5 hrs./week) salary position ($52,650.00), with group benefits at six months, pension after one year, three weeks paid vacation leave in first year, paid sick and personal leave, paid birthday off and up to 5 days statutory holiday substitution days per year to celebrate/recognize religious, cultural, and/or personal days that are important to the employee where those days are not currently recognized as statutory holidays in BC/Canada).

Note

As it connects to our organizational core values, BGC encourages staff to show up as their best selves, including mutual respect, integrity, and accountability.

Thanks in advance to all persons who apply for this position. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.