We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to assist Kilala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative in the role of Registered Clinical Counsellor (0.3 FTE). Kilala Lelum aims to provide access to primary care, Allied Health services, and Elder-led cultural care to new and existing members of the Cooperative through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.
Job Summary:
The Registered Clinical Counsellor (0.3 FTE), working within an interdisciplinary care team that includes Indigenous Elders, Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, and Outreach Workers, will deliver a plan of care and provide direct care activities to members within an integrated health service delivery model.
Responsibilities:
- Establish, maintain, and enhance therapeutic relationships based on respect, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and harm reduction principles.
- Provide counselling services to members (patients) accessing KL for primary care, Allied health, or Cultural Wellness services.
- Conduct culturally-informed mental health and addiction assessments; provide treatment planning and crisis intervention; assist members in setting goals.
- Coordinate a plan of care and support transitions between services; demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the roles of other health disciplines in care.
- Act as a resource for the KL team by providing information and support based on theory and practice related to members’ complex health care needs.
- Demonstrate listening and information seeking skills that promote communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving.
- When appropriate, be responsible for the coordination of member services and/or the referral of members to internal and external supports or other health care providers.
- Potential to facilitate or co-facilitate groups promoting mental wellness.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Experience and knowledge of Indigenous ways of being and Indigenous culture would be extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to complete required.
- Desire to work with residents of the DTES and provide exceptional service; awareness of the particular challenges faced by the DTES; knowledge of community resources as well as Indigenous health, harm reduction, and social and community services.
- Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Social Work, or equivalent, from a recognized university program supplemented with three (3) years’ experience providing treatment services to adults with mental health and/or addiction issues, including two (2) years’ experience with lndigenous community health services and health promotion issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Current full registration with the BCACC or the ACASW.
- Knowledge of: mental health issues and treatment modalities, including Indigenous healing modalities; substance use and addictions treatment, preferably involving local treatment options; psychopharmacology (indications and side effects); and psychotherapeutic and counselling skills, with emphasis on evidence-based interventions with trauma and attachment disruption in populations experiencing historical oppression.
- Ability to be culturally safe, culturally appropriate, and respectful with KL members.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and maintain good working relationships within the team and with community partners.
- Experience with clinical charting would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of appropriate legislation, government policies and processes, and acts that relate to and impact members.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
- Training and/or experience with EMDR or DBT modalities would be an asset.
Working Conditions:
Primary location will be 626 Powell Street in KL’s Primary Care clinic as well as occasional opportunities for outreach.
Supervision Provided:
This position will receive support from the Allied Health Lead and members of the Allied Health team, including Counsellors and Social Workers, as well as the Primary Care Co-Leads, Administrative Lead, and Executive Director.
Clinical supervision is provided by an outside contractor. The successful candidate will have support from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, and regular supportive, collaborative team meetings with colleagues.
Additional Information:
- Days of work TBD
- Hourly salary will be based on the Health Sciences Professional Grid, commensurate with local health authorities.
- Priority will be given to candidates who are Indigenous.
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
- Robust extended health and dental benefits available to qualifying staff.
To Apply:
Please note: This role has been posted to ensure broad visibility, though we expect to fill it internally.
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should outline your interest in the role, how your background and experience make you a good fit, and your current availability. Incomplete applications (those without a cover letter) will not be considered.
KL Model of Service:
