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.