Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor

Position Title: CHILD & YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH COUNCELLOR

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Manager, Social Services

Job Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Social Services, the Child & Youth Mental Health provides direct clinical counselling and support services to Haisla children and youth (ages 0-18) experiencing mental health challenges. The Counsellor works collaboratively with families and other service providers to promote emotional, psychological, and social well-being among children and youth. Services include individual counselling, group work, family support, and prevention and wellness programming. The Counsellor uses a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and healing.

The Counsellor also serves as a key resource to build community awareness and reduce stigma related to mental health, through education and outreach in the Haisla community.

Organizational Status

The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 2023+ people, with approximately 700 living in Kitamaat Village. We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide clinical counselling services to children and youth ages 0-19 with mild to moderate mental health concerns, using culturally appropriate and evidence-based practices.
• Conduct intake assessments to identify presenting issues, strengths, and client/family needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the client, their family, and other service providers.
• Provide supportive counselling to families/caregivers to strengthen their capacity to support their child/youth’s mental health and well-being.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and workshops to promote coping skills, resilience, and social connections among children and youth.
• Participate in case coordination with internal Haisla Nation departments and external agencies (e.g. MCFD Child & Youth Mental Health, School District, Primary Care Providers, FNHA).
• Respond to crisis situations, providing immediate support and linking to emergency services as needed.
• Support a land-based healing approach by integrating Haisla culture and traditions into counselling and wellness activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records, case notes, assessments, treatment plans, and statistical reports, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Support community education and outreach activities to increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma.
• Engage in professional development to maintain knowledge of best practices in child and youth mental health.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, Social Work, or a related clinical field.
• 5+ years of experience providing mental health counselling services, with a focus on children and youth.
• Clinical registration (or eligible for registration) with a recognized provincial regulatory body (e.g. RCC, RSW, CCC).
• Demonstrated knowledge of child/youth mental health issues, trauma-informed care, and Indigenous approaches to healing.
• Strong clinical assessment, counselling, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous children, youth, and families.
• Experience integrating traditional and land-based healing practices into clinical work is an asset.
• Knowledge of community resources and services related to mental health, addictions, and family support.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Strong documentation and organizational abilities.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid BC driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening.

Why Join Us?

We are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Extended health and dental coverage
• Pension matching up to 5.5%
• 10 days of standard vacation
• 5 days of paid self-care days
• 10 days of paid sick leave
• 10 paid days during the Christmas office closure
• 5 days of other leave for personal matters (e.g., medical appointments or household emergencies)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Cultural leave and wellness initiatives

Salary Range: $40.14/hr - $49.58/hr

Position Type: Full-time

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.