Youth Substance Use Counsellor

Wage Grid 13

Last Date to Apply:

July 31, 2026

About the Program

The Day, Evening, Weekend for Youth (DEWY) program supports youth (ages 13-19) who wish to address their substance use by providing them with a community treatment program. The program combines a mixture of therapeutic group process, intentional recreation activities and individual counselling. Working from evidence -based practice, the four pillars of DEWY’s approach to supporting recovery include mindfulness practice, relapse management, values-based living and enhancing motivation towards recovery.

Hours & Conditions of Work

• Term Full Time


• 6 Month Term, possibility of extension


• 35 hours weekly


• Working Hours - Generally regular daytime hours, with availability to work some evenings and weekends.

Position Summary

The Youth Substance Use Counsellor position provides supportive counselling services to youth. The primary role is to support participants in engaging with program components, including recreational activities, one-to-one supportive counselling, and group counselling.

The Youth Substance Use Counsellor co-leads and coordinates core program groups, organizes and facilitates recreational activities, and provides support to participants involved in alumni activities. The position requires a sound understanding of adolescent development, substance use theory, motivational interviewing, and the effects of trauma. Skills in recreation and life skills instruction are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provides individual counselling and support services to youth in relation to their substance use


• Supports drop-in counselling with associated PCRS programs


• Reviews, processes, and accepts referrals, complete intake and orientation processes for youth, complete assessments and develop service goals in collaboration with participant and referral sources


• Maintains documentation and case notes utilizing the agency’s database system which can include reportable incidents


• Develops, implements, and facilitates group sessions that are relevant to local needs


• Provides services at local youth services hubs and community partners, in consultation with program leadership


• Engages in case conferencing regularly with program leadership


• Functions as a positive role model and assist participants in developing values


• Follows agency guidelines to ensure the safety of self, participants, and other staff


• Consults with community members and stakeholders as required; represents PCRS professionally


• Collaborate with other professionals for service goal development, group sessions and referrals

Competencies & Knowledge

• Knowledge of neurodevelopmental differences and learning disabilities (including FASD and ADHD), barriers to accessing support, substance use theory and recovery-oriented approaches, motivational interviewing, the impacts of trauma and abuse, and Indigenous cultures and perspectives


• Competence with computer skills and administrative capabilities


• Substance use counselling training