Job Description

Youth Substance Use Counsellor

DEWY (Day/Evening/Weekend for Youth), Foundry Surrey

Regular Full Time (35 hours weekly

|

Grid 13 ($30.86 - $32.18/hour)

|

Reporting to: Sam Magnusson, Team Lead

Pacific Community Resources Society is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities. Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact our HR department at hr@pcrs.ca. Personal information will be kept confidential.

Opportunity

The DEWY team works to carry out the strategic objectives of Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) to ensure the provision of effective and efficient services to our participants.



The Youth Substance Use Counsellor is a member of a recovery-oriented day-treatment program serving Fraser Health regions. Under the direction of the DEWY Team Lead, this position provides supportive counselling services to youth ages 13-19 who are participating in the DEWY program. The primary role is to support participants in engaging with program components, including recreational activities, one-to-one supportive counselling, and group counselling.



DEWY counsellors co-lead and coordinate core program groups, organize and facilitate recreational activities, and provide support to participants involved in alumni activities. The position requires a sound understanding of adolescent development, substance use theory, motivational interviewing, and the effects of trauma. Skills in recreation and life skills instruction are an asset.

This position is site-based, and generally works regular daytime hours, with occasional evening and weekend shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

Provide individual counselling and support services to youth in relation to their substance use. Support drop-in counselling with Foundry Surrey. Screen, process, and accept referrals, complete intake and orientation processes for youth as per policy, complete assessments and develop service goals in collaboration with participant and referral source, as per policy. Document and maintain case notes utilizing the agency's database system. When required, develop, implement, and facilitate group sessions that are relevant to local needs. Provide services at local youth services hubs and community partners in consultation with program team lead. Engage in case conferencing regularly with team lead and report critical incidents immediately. Function as a positive role model and assist participants in developing values of honesty, self-assertiveness, and respect for others, a democratic viewpoint, Maintain health and safety of self, participants, and community; manage inappropriate behavior and emergency situations according to agency policy and practice. Consult with community members as required; represent PCRS professionally. Collaborate with other professionals for service goal development, group sessions and referrals.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or Bachelor's Degree in Child & Youth Care or other related field, plus 2 years direct experience. Substance Use/Addiction Counselling training. Combination of experience and education is considered. Experience providing youth alcohol and substance use services within a biopsychosocial - spiritual framework. Knowledge of learning disabilities (including FASD, ADHD), barriers to support, substance use theory, motivational interviewing theory, the effects of abuse and trauma, and indigenous culture. Criminal record check including the vulnerable sector. Basic First Aid certification (OFA Level 1 equivalent) Class 5 driver's license Use of own personal vehicle (mileage paid) with Business Insurance Driver's abstract must be submitted. Excellent computer skills and administrative capabilities.

About PCRS

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is a large not-for-profit agency that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from Vancouver to Hope. We work with youth and vulnerable adults in the areas of education, employment, housing, substance use and mental health, and youth and family support services. We are CARF Accredited and a Certified Living Wage Employer.



We are grateful to operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the x?m ??kw?y??m (Musqueam), Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish), S?l?ilw?ta?/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Qw'?ntl'en (Kwantlen), se'mya'me (Semiahmoo), sc??wa??n m?stey?x? (Tsawwassen), q?ic??y (Katzie), k?ik?????m (Coquitlam), qiqeyt (Qayqayt), mathxwi (Matsqui) and Sto:l? Nations.

Our Vision

Everyone thriving in strong, healthy communities!

Our Mission

To inspire healthy and inclusive communities through leadership and collaboration.

Our Values

Advocacy, Diversity and Inclusion, Empowerment, Service Excellence, Stewardship, Well-being

We Offer Our Staff

Equitable Base Pay - we are a Certified Living Wage Employer Generous paid vacation time, personal time, sick time; additional paid time off for life events Additional paid holidays, ex. Easter Monday, Boxing Day
Extended health, prescription, dental & vision care plan, with 100% Employer-Paid Premiums
Disability and Life Insurance Coverage
Employee & Family Assistance Program including preventative health & counselling
Membership in the Municipal Pension Plan with generous employer contributions
Flexible schedules and earned time off program
Full-day agency orientation and extensive training, with regular ongoing performance evaluations In-house digital and classroom learning opportunities; staff funding for professional development
Opportunities to use your voice & participate in committees on policy, wellness, safety, EDI, etc.

Eligibility will vary depending on terms and role requirements - details for this posting will be provided on request.*