Assess the emotional and behavioural presentation of children and youth with psychiatric disorders..
Provide supportive counselling, developmental support, psychosocial interventions, and assistance with activities of daily living..
Contribute to patient care plans, treatment strategies, and intervention development with the interprofessional team..
Plan, initiate, implement, and facilitate therapeutic and recreational group programming..
Continuously assess and adapt individual and group programming to patient needs and unit dynamics..
Support family and caregiver relational development through dyad interventions and psychoeducational groups..
Support community integration and social skills development through recreational and therapeutic activities..
Transport patients using the Centre's passenger van and complete vehicle inspections and related records.
Youth and Family Counsellor, Mental Health Program, Adolescent Psychiatry BC Children’s Hospital Vancouver, BC What you’ll do
Assess patients’ emotional and behavioural presentation, through the application of developmental theory, skills in Child and Youth Care, and trauma informed care. Communicate this assessment to the primary nurse and/or interprofessional team using appropriate methods including written documentation as per agency standards.
Support children and youth in lifespan development activities in the context of their psychiatric disorder, through supportive counselling, strategic interventions, psychosocial development, and guidance in activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and therapeutic meal support.
Participate and contribute to patient care plan development, treatment strategies and intervention development with the assigned primary nurse and the interprofessional team by methods such as reviewing patient progress, discussing potential changes with team, and adjusting care strategies accordingly. Implement treatment team strategies and interventions as approved by the primary nurse and interprofessional team.
Participate in program development with consideration to patient needs and plan, initiate, implement and facilitate therapeutic and recreational group programming in a manner that fosters socialization skills, play skills, self-regulation and continued growth and development in children/youth as assigned
In collaboration with inter-professional team members provides support and continual assessment and evaluation to adapt individual and group programming to meet changes in the milieu and patient dynamics as assigned. Communicate this assessment to the primary nurse and/or interprofessional team using appropriate methods including written documentation as per agency standards.
Enhance family/caregivers capacity for relational development by methods of child/parent dyad interventions and psychoeducational groups.
Assist in community integration and social skills development by acting as a role model to organize and actively participate in activities (such as recreational outings to the gym, park, and swimming facilities), driving the agency vehicle as required, and others activities as assigned.
Drive patients to designated locations as scheduled by operating the Centre’s passenger van. Assist clients with embarking and disembarking the vehicle. Conduct inspections of vehicle by checking oil, gas and fluid levels, tire condition and ensuring that lights and signals are functioning; clean interior and exterior of vehicle after use; and maintain records of distances travelled, gas expenditures and inspections. Recommend vehicle and equipment repairs as required. What you bring
Qualifications
Baccalaureate in Child and Youth Care, or a Baccalaureate of Arts with a Major in Psychology or Clinical Counselling, that includes course content relevant to Child and Youth Mental Health such as Infant, Child, and Adolescent Development, Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Group and Family Processes.
Two (2) years’ recent related experience working in a child and youth setting.
Group planning and facilitation for children with Mental Health challenges and/or developmental difficulties.
Valid Class 4 driver’s license.
Current CPR certification.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BCCH contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system. Core Competencies
Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Requirements
Baccalaureate in Child and Youth Care, or a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology or Clinical Counselling with relevant child and youth mental health coursework..
Two years of recent related experience working in a child and youth setting..
Experience planning and facilitating groups for children with mental health challenges or developmental difficulties..
Valid Class 4 driver's licence..
Current CPR certification..
Knowledge of child and youth growth and development, mental health disorders, trauma-informed care, attachment, and self-regulation..
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, organize work, manage conflict, and adapt to unexpected events..
Commitment to Indigenous cultural safety, anti-racism, equity, and understanding the impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism.
Baccalaureate in Child and Youth Care
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology or Clinical Counselling and relevant Child and Youth Mental Health coursework
Problem solving
Trauma-informed care
Supportive counselling
Written and verbal communication
Child and youth development
Conflict management
Interprofessional collaboration
Mental health assessment
Indigenous cultural safety
Child and youth counselling
Anti-racism and equity-focused practice
Class 4 vehicle operation
Psychosocial development
Group planning and facilitation
Therapeutic and recreational programming
Family and caregiver interventions
Attachment and self-regulation strategies
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Professional development opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package
WorkPerks discount program
Holistic wellness resources
Generous vacation entitlement and accrual
Psychological health and safety programs
13 annual statutory holidays
Access to more than 2,000 in-house courses
Flexible work options may be available depending on position
Posting details
Employment type
Temporary, Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$45 - CA$56/hr
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia
Posted
Aug 25, 2026
Application
Employer website
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). Skills & Knowledge
Broad knowledge of the normal growth and development of children and youth
Basic knowledge of mental health disorders in children and youth.
Broad knowledge of Trauma Informed Care including Collaborative Problem Solving.
Broad Knowledge of Attachment and Self Regulation Theory and Strategies.
Broad knowledge of and demonstrated ability in recognizing and managing transference and counter transference.
Expert knowledge of and demonstrated ability in engaging and supporting group processes, individuals, and the unit milieu.
Demonstrated initiative in providing and participating in age appropriate activities.
Demonstrated ability to problem solve, adjust to new or unexpected events, and to deal effectively with conflict situations.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to organize work.
Demonstrated ability to apply computer skills and operate related equipment.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. What we bring Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more. Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (until February 14, 2027 or until return of incumbent) Wage: $44.85 - $56.02/hour Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 2N9 Hours of Work: Monday – Friday; 0830-1630 Requisition # 203163E What we do BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) provides care for the most seriously ill or injured children and youth from across British Columbia. BCCH is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA and BCCH is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study. Attention current employees of PHSA: You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca. The internal job posting expires on September 4, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days. If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.
Market context
Behavioral health roles remain in steady demand
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.
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