Join us as a Youth Substance Use Counsellor in Nakusp!

 Position Summary 
​Job Title: Nakusp Youth Substance Use Counsellor
Team: Staff Team
Reports to: Youth Substance Use Counsellor Coordinator
Hours/week: 24 hours/week until March 31, 2024 then 14 hours/week until contract end
Hourly wage: $24/hour
Office Location: ​611 Broadway St., Nakusp, BC, V0G 1R0
Communities Served: Nakusp & surrounding Areas
Contract dates: 12 month contract beginning in September
​
Application Deadline: currently open
Send resume and cover letter to: work@freedomquestyouthservices.ca

Agency Summary
Freedom Quest provides free, community-based, client-centered, low-barrier, confidential, voluntary, and non-judgmental services and programming to youth who are, or who are risk of being, adversely affected by substance use in the West Kootenay Boundary Region. Freedom Quest’s services and programming support these young people in experiencing new opportunities, overcoming barriers, preventing further adversity, building positive relationships, and developing the confidence and skills for life.
 
Position Summary
The Nakusp Youth Substance Use Counsellor is anticipated to allocate their time to the tasks below, however, they have the flexibility to manage their own schedule and task list according to the needs of their clients as well as to the needs of the agency and the contract. The Nakusp Youth Substance Use Counsellor is invited to communicate to their supervisor any changes to the following task list according to their actual experience of the position.
 
One-on-One Counselling Services
  • intake
  • assessment
  • referrals
  • transportation
  • case management
  • crisis intervention
  • outreach
  • life skills
 
Community Engagement
  • attend, contribute, and/or host local interagency meetings
  • join & participate in local advisory committees
  • attend, host, and/or facilitate educational presentations
  • host community support groups as needed
 
Recreation
  • coordinate with Freedom Quest’s Recreation Coordinator
  • assess individual and community recreational needs
  • facilitate youth engagement in recreational activities
  • participate in recreational activities
 
Administration:
  • manage program budget
  • collect program data
  • participate in strategic planning initiatives
  • participate in fundraising activities
  • seek out and participate in training opportunities
  • perform duties in accordance with Freedom Quest’s Policy Manual
  • prepare statistical, outcome, and narrative reports
  • attend general staff meetings
  • engage in and prepare for clinical supervision
  • inform community partners about Freedom Quest programs and services
  • maintain current & accurate client files and other records
 
Knowledge Skills, and Abilities
Education
  • A degree in child and youth care, social work or related field. A combination of education and experience that would be equivalent may be accepted.
 
Experience
The following professional experiences are considered assets. Applicants with less experience may still be considered.
  • Three years of experience working with youth who are adversely affected by substances 
  • Experience working in a one-on-one and/or counselling capacity using a variety of therapeutic theories, modalities, and tools
  • Experience working from a harm-reduction, client-centred, strengths-based, attachment and trauma-informed approach
  • Experience working with youth in an outdoor/wilderness setting
  • Experience working with groups
 
Other Requirements
  • Valid Class V Driver’s License – required (Class IV, unrestricted preferred)
  • Valid First Aid Certification – required
  • Reliable Vehicle – required
  • Criminal Record Check – required
  • Recent ASIST certification (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) – preferred