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PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Clinical Counsellor for our Clinical Counselling team, working out of our Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam locations with travel to other offices within the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position requires BCGEU membership.

The Clinical Counsellor provides clinical counselling after assessing clients’ social, psychological, emotional and/or behavioural issues; clients may have FASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The employee will develop therapeutic approaches and interventions based on the individual’s specific needs.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday based on a flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 35 working hours per week. Flextime scheduling arrangements allow employees to pick the start/end times of their shifts to meet client needs. Shifts must include the program's core hours of 12:00PM- 2:00PM (the daily straight-time maximum is 10 hours).

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in counselling, counselling psychology, psychology, social work or a related field.
• One of the following designations: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, or Registered Social Worker (RSW) designation from British Columbia College of Social Workers.
• One (1) year of recent related experience in providing counselling services to individuals and families.

Closing date for Internal Applications: The deadline for internal applications has now passed and we are welcoming applications from external candidates.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do: 

• Develop strong collaborative relationships with clients, families, and Family Caregivers* to encourage their active participation in clinical counselling services and supports.
• Identify and assess client's needs in conjunction with Family Caregivers, agency staff, professionals, and members of the care team. Assess the social, psychological, emotional and/or behavioural challenges facing clients. Identify core areas of concern to be addressed by clinical counselling.
• Develop and implement therapeutic approaches and interventions to support clients in positive, sustainable behavioural change, growth and development. Provide a variety of counselling interventions in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures.
• Participate in the planning process as part of a care team supporting the client. Provide consultation to the care team as required. Advise other professionals involved with client's care where further evaluation or more intensive treatment is required.
• Provide conflict-resolution support and strategies for clients as-needed. Respond to critical incidents, implement crisis intervention strategies, and inform the care team as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and provide appropriate referrals to clients to meet their needs.
• Provide required reports on clients’ behaviour and progress. Maintain clinical records in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures.
• Adhere to ethical principles and standards of practice in the counselling profession.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Demonstrated ability to promote behavioural changes through a variety of counselling approaches and interventions, including with clients who may be reluctant to engage.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with clientele, agency staff, professionals, Family Caregivers, and families.
• Demonstrated skills in working with families in crisis and facilitating individual, family and group counselling.
• Exceptional conflict management and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions in high pressure situations and be accountable for results.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multi-task and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive clinical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of counselling issues and trends.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, database systems and web-based conferencing tools.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period, including access to the annual physical activity fund (for fitness-related items or activities) and the annual education fund (to take part in career-related courses or training events).
• Enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan, as per the plan's criteria.
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): counselling support services and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members.
• Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Perkopolis membership: an exclusive discount program for a variety of products and services (clothes, furniture, dining, auto, events, etc.)
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.