Are you passionate about walking alongside women in recovery and ready to make a meaningful impact through counselling, community, and Christ-centered care?

As a Counsellor, Recovery, your primary role will be to provide individual counselling and facilitate group sessions for the program participants of the Joanna Home Program as needed. In this role you will be a part of the screening and assessment process as well as collaboration and treatment planning with the Social Worker, Supervisor, Joanna Home and Director. You will seek to model the love and care of Christ, exhibiting grace and truth, as we nurture a community environment that fosters healing and growth. You will walk alongside our residents in a woman-centered, strength-based fashion, with trauma-informed care, empowering our residents to take responsibility for their recovery. At the same time, you will teach classes and lead group sessions that foster effective learning. The Counsellor, Recovery will partner with other agencies and support networks to best support our Program participants, and work actively to stay informed of current, evidenced-based research, actively involved in program evaluation and quality assurance approaches that are based on Best Practices in BC. You will be a role model for the Joanna Home program participants and staff and strive to enhance guest care and services that are consistent with Union Gospel Mission’s Vision and Core Values.

Due to the nature of the participants we serve, only female candidates will be considered for this position

This is a permanent, part-time (22.5 hours per week) position. The starting range for this position is $36.96 to $40.38 per hour.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Model Christ in word and deed.

• 60 % - Individual counselling/coaching sessions, including spiritual mentoring as appropriate.

• 15% - Lead group programming, from Women & Families Curriculum, consistent with Biblical principles, as well as daily devotionals and group discussions with Program participants.

• 15 % - Participate in Case Management and Treatment Planning meetings ensuring adherence to the Twelve Core Functions and other treatment planning mandates as all necessary documentation. This includes facilitating appropriate community referrals and supports for program participants in coordination with Case Management.

• 5 % - Participate in professional development training and education, as suggested and approved by Counselling Supervisor and/or Manager.

• 5 % - Attend Joanna Home meetings and perform other duties as assigned.

• Participate in UGM seasonal events (e.g. Christmas hampers and major meals).

• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.

• Perform other duties as required.

KSA’s

• Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement, Core Values, and Statement of Faith.
• Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
• Master’s Degree in Counselling or a Social Work degree from a recognized, fully accredited university.
• RCC and CCAC certification is preferred.
• Consideration may be given to alternate combinations of lived experience and education.
• Experience counselling clients with addiction and life issues, one-on-one and in a group setting.
• Excellent knowledge of alcohol & drug addictions and mental health disorders, and the ability to assess concurrent disorders.
• Experience working in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community.
• Experience with Indigenous clients would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with highly sensitive and confidential material and situations.
• Good English skills (verbal, reading and writing).
• Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Able to effectively identify and solve problems and follow through on initiatives.
• Ability to work independently; self-motivated, disciplined, manages time effectively.
• Valid Class 5 drivers’ license is preferred.
• Accurate record keeping.
• Completion of UGM’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and all other mandatory training, including First Aid training/certification and Naloxone training/certification.
• Willing to provide vaccination information.
• Technical Competency—Trauma-Informed Care (Level 3): Help identify negative events that have impacted the client’s functioning, and develop interventions that emphasize safety, choice, and personal control

Working Conditions

• Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.

• Physical Requirements

Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking or reaching for up to 50% of the time. Employee is required to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard for up to 60% of the time.

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work

This position works a rotation of day and evening shifts. Some weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.

• Hazards

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working occasionally in unhealthy conditions, including exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check.