Youth Substance Use Counsellor

Under the direction of the DEWY Team Lead, the position provides substance use supportive counselling services to program participants aged 13 – 18. Their primary role is to support participants in engaging with program components, including recreation activities, one-to-one supportive counselling and group counselling. The Youth Substance Use Worker will organize and facilitate recreation activities, organize and participate in assigned core program groups, and provide support to participants and alumni. The position works within the strategic objectives of Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) to ensure the provision of effective and efficient services to the participants. The position is expected to provide services a minimum of two evenings per week, and two Saturdays per month.

This position works flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
This is a site-based position currently working out of the City Centre Youth Hub in Surrey and hybrid working is not permitted.

Responsibilities

• Assist in process of screening, accepting referrals along with intake and orientation processes as per policy.
• Provide recovery-orientated counselling support for youth offering both insight and practical goal focused strategies through group and one-to-one counselling.
• Assist with development and updating of a range of recreational activities and connection with local community which support recovery.
• Document and maintain case notes utilizing the agency’s data base system as per policy.
• Contribute to Team Performance.
• Liaise with community members as required; represent PCRS professionally.
• Carry any occasional additional duties as may requested by your Team Lead.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other field plus 2 years’ experience, or bachelor’s degree in child and Youth Care or a relevant discipline plus 2 years direct experience. Substance use/Addiction Counselling training. Combination of experience and education is considered.
• Experience providing youth alcohol and drug services within a biopsychosocial –spiritual framework.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities (including FASD, ADHD), barriers to support, addictions theory, motivational theory, the effects of abuse and trauma, and aboriginal culture.
• Criminal record check including the vulnerable sector.
• Occupational first-aid certificate and CPR.
• Class 5 driver’s license and driver’s abstract with Business Insurance, and use of own personal vehicle.
• 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.

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

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.