Youth & Family Addiction Counsellor

Island Health·Duncan, British Columbia

CA$45 - CA$56/hrTemporary Full Time On Site 2-5 yrsPosted 1 hour ago

Practice for this role

Youth & Family Addiction Counsellor · CA$45 - CA$56/hr

How this role compares

Computed from live listings

+12% vs. median posted rate for behavioral health roles in Duncan, British Columbia (CA$40.19/hr)

22 similar openings in the Duncan area · median CA$40.19/hr

CA$26.42/hr · p10p90 · CA$45.15/hr

this role: CA$44.85/hrmedian CA$40.19/hr

Shaded band: the middle 50% of posted behavioral health roles in Duncan, British Columbia rates. This role sits in the 84th percentile.

About the role

Pay for this role is about 12% above the Duncan, British Columbia median for behavioral health roles.

Provide intake, assessment, intervention, education, treatment, consultation, and referral for youth experiencing substance use, concurrent, or behavioural health concerns..

Work with youth, families, caregivers, and support networks..

Develop individualized goals and plans to reduce harms associated with substance use and behavioural health issues..

Provide individual, family, and group counselling..

Support positive change, independence, and recovery-oriented outcomes..

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary health and human services team..

Travel between multiple sites as required.

Close Date Sep. 11 2026 Location Cowichan Lodge/ACT (CLRC) - Duncan, BC V9L 4H2 CA (Primary) Work Area (FBA Only) Multi-Site No Travel Requirement Travel between multiple sites may be required Shift Start Time/End Time 08:30 - 16:30 Days Off Weekend/Stats Vacancy Type Temp FT Salary Range (Hourly Rate) $44.85 - $56.02 Paid FTE 1.0 Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS 75 Planned Start Date Sep. 28 2026 Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY) Feb. 28 2027 Pending Return of Incumbent Yes CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check) Yes

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at VIHA; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reporting to the Program Coordinator and working as a member of a multidisciplinary health and human services team the Youth and Family Addiction Counsellor provides intake, assessment, intervention, education, treatment, consultation and referral for clients experiencing alcohol and drug, concurrent concerns or other behavioural health issues. The Counsellor works with youth, their families, caregivers and other supports to provide individual assessment of each youth's particular situation, assists each youth to set goals and develop plans which minimize the harms associated with substance use and/or other behavioural health issues in order to maximize their capacity to develop and work towards the goals which have been identified.

Qualifications

Education, Training And Experience Baccalaureate Degree in a health or human services related discipline, including counselling content, from an approved post-secondary institution. Two (2) years recent experience in a counselling role with youth where substance use is a major issue. Understanding of alcohol and drug issues relating to youth, substance use assessments, treatment methodologies, strength-based case management, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics. Knowledge of and experience with a range of emotional, behavioural and mental health issues specific to the youth and family population. Knowledge, skill and experience with individual, family and group counselling. Travel is a requirement of this job. Travel arrangements must meet the requirements of the program. Skills And Abilities
Demonstrated understanding congruent with the range of services and treatment of alcohol and drug issues, from misuse to dependency.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in a health or human services-related discipline with counselling content..

Two years of recent counselling experience with youth where substance use is a major issue..

Knowledge of youth and family substance use, mental health, behavioural health, assessment, treatment methodologies, and intervention strategies..

Experience with individual, family, and group counselling..

Knowledge of counselling approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and the Transtheoretical Model of Change..

Strong verbal and written communication skills..

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team..

Ability to travel between multiple sites..

Ability to operate a personal computer and Windows-based software..

Criminal Record Check required.

Baccalaureate degree in a health or human services-related discipline, including counselling content, from an approved post-secondary institution.
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Problem solving
Case management
Crisis intervention
Treatment planning
Written and verbal communication
Clinical supervision
Ethical decision-making
Transtheoretical Model of Change
Multidisciplinary teamwork
Individual counselling
Group counselling
Substance use assessment
Addiction counselling
Family counselling
Youth counselling
Strength-based case management

Posting details

Employment type: Temporary, Full Time
Work arrangement: On Site
Experience: 2-5 yrs
Salary: CA$45 - CA$56/hr
Location: Duncan, British Columbia
Posted: Sep 2, 2026
Application: Employer website

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.