Community Counsellor, Men's Recovery (Temporary, Full-Time)

Would you like to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of our clients in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community by screening, assessing, counselling, and delivering workshops for them? 

The Counsellor, Recovery, will provide Men’s Recovery group and individual counselling as needed and will work collaboratively with other outside service providers as required.  You will work in a mutually supportive, professional counselling team to ensure excellent client care.  In addition, the Counsellor is actively involved in program evaluation and quality assurance approaches that are based on Best Practices in BC.  If you have a master’s degree in counselling and have excellent knowledge of alcohol & drug and mental health disorders, and the ability to assess concurrent disorders, then this may be the position for you.  

You will frequently deal with clients in crisis situations, brought about by diverse problems.  There will be other staff nearby to assist as required. 

This position is temporary, full-time (37.5 hours per week for 1 year) contract. For a copy of the full job description, click here.

The wage for this position is $33.52 - $40.38.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements. In addition our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled para-medical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team.  If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• 30 % - Individual coaching and/or counseling sessions, including spiritual mentoring as appropriate.


• 30% - Plan and lead classes and group sessions, such as Anger Management and Self Awareness, consistent with Biblical principles.  Lead Bible studies/discussions and devotionals with clients. 


• 15% - Participate in team meetings, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of program activities. 


• 15% - Cooperate with staff from other departments; support team management.  Network with outside agencies.


• 10% - Analyze and screen intake applications.

• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement (see www.ugm.ca) and Statement of Faith.


• Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.


• Master’s degree in a therapeutic field (eg: Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or any related discipline). Experience working within an A&D recovery program would be an asset.


• RCC designation is preferred but not required. Willingness to work towards RCC is required.


• Supplemental certifications (eg: Trauma level 1 and 2) are highly beneficial.


• Knowledge of alcohol & drug and mental health disorders and the ability to assess concurrent disorders would be an asset.


• Other combinations of lived and worked experience may be considered.

• Experience in residential work is preferred.


• Experience working in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community (Low-income/First Nations) experience would be an asset.


• Excellent time management and administrative skills.

• Strong Emotional Intelligence skills, such as interpersonal sensitivity and tact, influence, good judgment. 

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, ethically, regarding sensitive matters regarding the organization and its clientele and to deal with highly sensitive material and situations.

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with tact, diplomacy and good judgment.  Ability to de-escalate tense situations which could erupt in aggressiveness or violence.


• Good English skills (verbal, reading and writing).


• Accurate record keeping.


• Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).


• Complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Course.


• Technical Competency—Trauma-Informed Care (Level 3): Help identify negative events that have impacted the client’s functioning, and develop interventions that emphasize safety, choice, and personal control.

• Health and Safety Qualifications for Program/Shelter Staff
  
  
  
  • Solid understanding of health and safety protocols specific to program/shelter environments, including infection control, personal hygiene standards, and safe handling of potential hazards.
  
  
  • Previous experience working in environments with vulnerable or high-needs populations, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for residents.
  
  
  • Completed, or willing to complete, relevant health and safety training, including nonviolent crisis intervention: handling mental health crises and de-escalation, first aid, naloxone, suicide prevention or specialized safety courses.
  
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. 

• Physical Requirements

Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking or reaching for up to 50% of the time. Employee is required to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard for up to 60% of the time. The employee is required to see, talk and hear. 

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work

This position works a rotation of day and evening shifts. Some weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.

• Hazards

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working occasionally in unhealthy conditions, including exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check.