The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd.·Calgary, Alberta
The Family Counsellor provides therapeutic support and case management to individuals impacted by family violence using a trauma-informed approach. They are responsible for conducting assessments, facilitating group programs, and collaborating with the team to develop community support and discharge plans.
About Us: About Us:
The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Long Term Care and Assisted Living seniors care communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families.
Putting people first is a way of life at The Brenda Stafford Foundation. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.
The Brenda Strafford Foundation – Heart Home Network (“HHN”) serves women and children impacted by family violence through providing a safe shelter and housing complimented by comprehensive support services for all participants. HHN offers a continuum of care designed to help families develop their potential and transition to safe and healthy lives in the community upon their departure.
Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job, they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of the BSF.
Place people at the heart of our mission Embrace quality and innovation with enthusiasm Engage with respect and empathy Act with compassion and understanding
Make a meaningful impact through small acts Deliver exceptional service Understand and celebrate individual uniqueness Be present and attentive Support and respect personal aspirations Bring joy to others Empower and honor choices Create a homelike atmosphere
As a Family Counselor, you will play a vital role in supporting participants through their journey towards healing and stability.
Your responsibilities will include:
Counselling: Provide individual therapeutic support and counseling to adults impacted by family violence from a harm reduction and trauma informed lens.Managing risk with clients, including identifying risk to self or others, and/or risks of harm to childrenManage and maintain participant files through regular meetings, case notes, and engagement (case conference meetings)Plan and facilitate group counseling and supportive programs relevant to needs of participantsConduct family interventions targeted to enhance stability and well-beingAdminister tools and instruments related to assessments, monitoring, and evaluations of participants and their needs.Support a range of inhouse programming designed to address participant needsProvide comprehensive and ongoing assessments to provide referrals to appropriate community supports, housing assistance, and mental health systems advocacy (This is carried out mainly by case managers, however counsellors are involved detecting these needs and support case manager, regarding mental health, counsellors can refer clients to specialized services if is need it)Co-create community support and discharge plans with participants and other team members.
Case
Management
Support: Use case management contacts (i.e. check ins about housing, income, legal, school/childcare, health appointments etc.) as a low-barrier touch point to build trust, normalize help-seeking, and hold informal, supportive conversations that connect back to counselling goals.Complete structured assessments; develop and update holistic service plans linking counselling goals to practical needs (housing stability, legal advocacy, parenting support, income benefits, etc.).Track progress toward program goals, anticipate barriers, problem solve collaboratively, and celebrate milestones to sustain client engagement.
Complete all administrative duties relevant to participant services.Establish and maintain appropriate participant and HHN documentation, record keeping, and statistics.Participate in the professional design, development, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of the program activitiesMaintain resource and referral guides for both local and regional programs that assist families and individualsWork closely with the Community
Services
Team to monitor and evaluate program impactsWhy
Join Us: At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.
Minimum of an undergraduate Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related discipline Registered with appropriate provincial organization as per degree is an asset Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI) certification is required Current CPR and First Aide Certification Four (4) plus years of experience working with children and youth with complex needs in the field of human services, or combination of related expertise and education Knowledge of outcome measures and reporting requirements is considered an asset Effective written and oral communication and creative presenting skills Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills Extensive knowledge of community and regional resources and services Able to work from an intersectional approach to reduce barriers for families who are experiencing high levels of crisis Takes initiative with leading and managing projects from conception to implementation Strong professionalism and confidentiality skills with a commitment to excellence Excellent time management skills Schedule flexibility to meet participant needs Valid driver’s license of six (6) years with clean drivers abstract of three (3) years, is an asset Required to pass police security clearance and child intervention check Fluency in a second language is an asset
In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act, a criminal record check is required for successful candidates. Diversity and Inclusion: The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees. Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a place where your work will truly matter, apply today and become a vital part of our compassionate team!
Candidates must hold at least an undergraduate degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related discipline. A minimum of four years of experience working with children and youth with complex needs is required, along with Non-violent crisis intervention certification.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Alberta are often driven by ongoing demand for support workers who can assist clients in community and residential settings. This type of position is competitive because employers commonly look for relevant postsecondary training, a valid Class 5 driver’s license, reliable transportation, and comfort with aquatic activities and pets. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and save time on original job-description research.
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