Job Description

Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAVS)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Quw'utsun Territory

Posting Number:

Internal/External

Posting Date:

September 2025

Closing Date:

Open until filled

Position Title:

PEACE: Child and Youth Counsellor

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to the Clinical Program Supervisor

Hours, Location & Compensation

Hours:

24 hours per week

Temporary

: Until 2026 Jan 15

Location:

246 Evans Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1P8

Start Date:

Immediate

Hourly Wage:

$30

About CWAVS

For over 40 years, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAVS) has walked alongside women, children, youth, and families in the Cowichan Valley. Our work is grounded in respect for the unceded Quw'utsun Territory where we live and work. We strive to uphold relational accountability, cultural safety, and trauma-informed practice across all of our programs, which include housing, counselling, victim services, prevention education, and community advocacy.

Program Overview

The

PEACE Program

(Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling, and Empowerment) holds space for children and youth who have witnessed or experienced violence. Services are offered in ways that honour each child's lived experience -- whether in-office, in community, or on the land.

Our approach recognizes the resilience of children and families while also acknowledging the harms of colonialism, family violence, and systemic inequities. Counsellors co-create safety with children, youth, and caregivers, weaving in stories, teachings, and supports that nurture healing, balance, and stronger relationships.

Why Join Us

Walk with Purpose:

Support children and youth in their healing journeys, helping them to feel seen, safe, and connected.

Collective Care:

Be part of a team that honours staff wellness through supports like a weekly

self-care hour

and reflective supervision.

Grounded Benefits:

Receive employer-contributed

RRSPs

and a comprehensive benefits package (after probation).

Relational Growth:

Learn and share knowledge within a

multidisciplinary team

and alongside Elders, knowledge keepers, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

Provide

trauma-informed, culturally safe counselling

to children and youth (individual and group). Walk alongside caregivers with

support and psycho-education

, strengthening family safety and healing. Facilitate

prevention and education workshops

aligned with PEACE program values. Engage in

safety planning, risk assessment, and advocacy

for children and families. Deliver services in ways that

reduce barriers

, including outreach and land-based approaches. Keep clear records, case notes, and reports that respect confidentiality and accountability. Collaborate with colleagues, schools, Elders, and community partners in the best interests of children and youth. Participate in

team reflection, consultation, and program development

.

Qualifications & Lived Experience

Bachelor's degree in Child & Youth Care or related field, with learning in family systems and child development theories. 2-4 years' experience supporting children and youth, including one-to-one and group facilitation. Experience working with caregivers to support family healing. Strong understanding of family violence and its impacts on children, youth, and caregivers. Ability to practice from trauma-informed, client-centred, and family systems approaches, with openness to land-based and cultural teachings. Cultural humility and the ability to build relationships across diverse traditions, beliefs, and protocols. Capacity to meet children and youth both in-office and in community. Strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently and collectively in a team environment. Experience in women's organizations and/or non-profits is an asset. Satisfactory criminal record check (vulnerable sector). Valid Class 5 driver's licence (unrestricted).

CWAVS Values & Commitment

CWAVS is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples, as well as individuals from equity-seeking communities, persons with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

CWAVS also holds a

human rights special program exemption under the BC Human Rights Code

, which allows us to give preference to Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) applicants for this position.

We welcome applicants who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a commitment to relational healing and community accountability. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact us.

How to Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to:

humanresources@cwav.org

Title: [External- name] - Application Temp PEACE Counsellor

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00-$31.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24 per week

Work Location: In person