Location: This position is based at Individual Learning Center (Saanichton campus)
Current Shift: 8:30am- 4:11pm Monday to Friday
(Includes 1/2 hour unpaid lunch) 10 months per year while regular classes are in session
Additional minutes per day are included in the ‘Current Shift’ schedule above, which staff are expected to work daily in lieu of the spring break closure week in order to allow employees in continuing and temporary assignments to be paid their regular pay during the spring closure week as per Letter of Understanding -Spring Closure Week.
Pay Rate: $49,678.12
End Date: June 25, 2026 or return of incumbent, whichever comes first
This posting is for the Take a Hike program partnership with SD63. This position requires flexible hours that may include overnight excursions and/or weekends.
Successful candidate must have a vehicle and be able to transport students on occasion.
Assets:
· Forty (40) hour certification in Wilderness First Aid
· Experience in overnight wilderness excursions in mountain and coastal environments
· Certification and/or experience in rock climbing, paddling, swimming, and travel in higher-risk terrain
· Experience supporting students in senior secondary level academics
Within the Take a Hike program, the successful applicant will act as the program Youth and Family Worker with key responsibilities in the following areas:
· Support teachers with managing classroom behaviour and academic engagement
· Support the maintenance of a structured, respectful, and focused learning environment
· Bridge the gap between students' academic and social-emotional needs by building strong relationships, providing mentorship, and reinforcing positive behaviour
· Play a supportive role in working with the program Teacher, Mental Health Counsellor and families
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION
Youth and Family Counsellor
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the School Administrator and working as part of the School Based Team, provides assessment, case planning, and intervention for students at risk or experiencing severe social, emotional behavioural, mental, and/or developmental disorders and/or difficulties. Acts in a non-teaching capacity as a consultant to staff, students, parents, the school district and members of community agencies. Works in a variety of settings including school, client family home or appropriate community location.
DUTIES
- Designs, implements, and monitors interventions and provides counselling to students and their families (may be individual, family and/or group counselling for identified students)
- Recognizes the legislated responsibilities that are required in the capacity of a Youth and Family Counsellor
- Assesses student’s family, school, and community functioning and determines how it affects the student and vice versa
- Responds to emergent issues and concerns by assessing the situation, identifying the most appropriate response and recommending resources and assistance where necessary
- Intervenes in crisis situations, determines, develops and implements appropriate management strategies
- Develops and facilitates workshops, lectures and/or presentations for students, staff and/or parents
- Determines working relationships with school staff, community agencies, and appropriate ministries based on individual student needs
- Establishes regular communication with families and/or guardians
- Establishes direct lines of communication and maintains effective liaison with community agencies, including MCF, Probation and Police Services, Mental Health and community based youth serving organizations
- Consults and liaises with school, family and community resources as determined in collaboration with the School Based Team (school based team meetings may be initiated by the Youth and Family Counsellor)
- Acts as a consultant/team member to school and community based committees/teams (i.e. staff meetings, Student Reviews, IEP reviews, case management updates, critical incident teams, risk assessment, intake, forensic, and probation conferences)
- Acts as a referral source to and for the school, family and/or community services
- Prepares written reports, forms, documents and reports as needed
* Performs other assigned duties which are within the area of knowledge and skills required by the job description
QUALIFICATIONS
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care or Social Work, Master’s in Counselling or Psychology)
- Three years’ experience in school or community environment
- Basic knowledge of psychiatric and developmental disorders affecting children and adolescents
- Knowledge and ability to counsel students and/or families individually and in groups (small or large)
- Knowledge and ability to respond to multicultural and ethnic sensitivities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to gather and assess information from a variety of sources
- Ability to assess a situation and determine appropriate action
- Ability to organize and participate in activities with students
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member
- Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s license
* Or an equivalent combination of training and experience
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Sound knowledge of current community and agency resources
- Familiarity with School Act, Community Services Act, and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Working knowledge of the medications prescribed to identified students
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $49,678.12 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-06-11
Expected start date: 2025-09-02
