The John Howard Society of North Island·Courtenay, British Columbia
The counsellor assists clients in assessing situations and creating plans to address substance use while providing individual, family, and group therapy. They also facilitate community prevention activities, manage cases, and collaborate with other organizations to ensure integrated support.
This position includes a comprehensive 100% employer-paid benefit package, enrolment in our defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan), and three weeks of paid vacation.
Please note this is a temporary position, covering a leave of absence that is estimated to last for up to 15 months.
Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada and at our organization on an ongoing basis.
The John Howard Society of North Island welcomes applications from all qualified applicants including but not limited by those of any gender, race, orientation, or disability. Multilingual skills and multicultural competence are assets. The John Howard Society of North Island is an employment equity employer.
Two completed, acceptable criminal record checks are required. One from the Criminal Records Review Program through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and one from the Canadian Criminal Record Search of the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records, the Canadian Police Information Centre, and the Police Information Portal.
This position requires union membership with Health Sciences Association.
All union JJEP/Paraprofessional positions are subject to wage grid levels. Positions begin at Step 1 and are increased to Steps 2 through 4 based on number of hours worked.
The Youth and Family Counsellor – Substance Use assists clients to assess situations, create plans, and take actions so they can meet goals related to their own or a family member’s substance use. By establishing supportive and trusting relationships with youth, the counsellor aims to reduce risk, promote positive choices for a healthier lifestyle, and support youths’ connections, stability, and attachment to family and community. The counsellor is also available to the community as an information resource and consultant.
The requirements listed below detail the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential duties of the position.
Demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
Have the ability to form a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face.
Have the ability to accept the differences they will find amoung their cients.
Accept clients’ rights to self-determination and individuality, and must not discriminate on the basis of Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, socio-economic status, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.
Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
Have the ability to work respectfully in partnership with other team members, including referring authorities.
Recognize the value of a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.
Have the ability to recognize persons with special needs and adjust the way service is provided or make referrals as appropriate.
Have the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner, and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.
Have basic computer and Internet skills.
Other job requirements
Some driving is required to attend meetings, pick up a youth, or meet with clients in the community. The counsellor must have a valid driver's licence and safe, reliable, properly insured transportation (as per Society policy).
The counsellor must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate client needs, groups, meetings, and crises.
The counsellor must understand the values of family-centered services, and must have a commitment to young people's safety and family stability.
The counsellor should be open to employing an outreach approach. This could include taking part in physical or outdoor activities.
The counsellor will follow the Code of Ethics and Mission Statement of The John Howard Society of North Island. The counsellor will also abide by the relevant rules and regulations set out by the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Please attach a cover letter and 3 references to your application.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a human services field and possess at least two years of experience working with high-risk youth. Additionally, candidates must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass two comprehensive criminal record checks.
Market context
In British Columbia, behavioral-health roles often reflect ongoing demand in acute care, community mental health, and integrated service settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for current BC nursing registration, recent experience with acute mental illness, and comfort working on multidisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit against the original posting, then tailor your application to show relevant mental-health and team-based experience.