Registered Clinical Counsellor

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to promoting emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness through accessible, culturally grounded clinical counselling services. We are seeking a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) to join our Clinical Health team. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide direct care and support to Indigenous individuals and families, using trauma-informed and culturally safe practices.

Under the supervision of the Sr. Registered Clinical Counsellor, the RCC will deliver counselling services to clients affected by complex mental health and/or substance use issues. Services may include individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and education. The RCC will also work collaboratively with other health professionals, schools, and community programs, and may travel to provide services in communities supported by Seabird Island. 

What You'll Do

Clinical Counselling and Mental Health Support

• Provide confidential one-on-one, group, and family counselling using culturally appropriate, evidence based modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, narrative therapy). 
• Conduct intake assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and other mental health concerns.
• Offer short-term crisis counselling, suicide risk assessment, de-escalation, and safety planning.
• Provide group therapy sessions and psychoeducational workshops in areas such as coping skills, grief, self-esteem, communication, and harm reduction.

Substance Use Support

• Support clients experiencing substance use challenges with relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and referral to treatment and recovery resources.
• Collaborate with the Recovery Home team and other substance use services to provide holistic care plans.

Community Engagement and Cultural Safety

• Build therapeutic rapport and trust with Indigenous clients by integrating traditional teachings and practices.
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to support cultural and spiritual dimensions of healing. 
• Actively participate in community outreach, health promotion events, and healing circles.

Case Management and Referrals

• Coordinate referrals to external specialists (e.g., psychiatry, detox, residential treatment).
• Liaise with primary care providers, social workers, and other partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist clients in navigating systems of care and advocating for their needs.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, assessments, and progress reports in accordance with professional standards and Band policies.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports, outcome evaluations, and service summaries as required.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in clinical supervision, case conferencing, and interdisciplinary team meetings. 
• Provide consultation to colleagues regarding mental health and counselling best practices.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values. 

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively travel to and from the communities we serve.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

What You Bring

• Master's degree or higher from a recognized program in clinical counselling or counselling psychology.
  
• Professional registration with BCACC.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ recent experience in counselling or clinical mental health services, preferably in Indigenous or rural communities.
• Experience working with clients affected by trauma, intergenerational impacts, addictions, and mental illness.
• Experience facilitating group therapy or psychoeducational sessions.
• Experience in crisis response and trauma-informed care. 

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Certification in trauma-informed practice, suicide prevention, or Indigenous cultural safety.
• Familiarity with provincial or federal mental health care systems and funding models.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries. 

Cultural Competency:

• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience applying culturally safe and trauma-informed practices in counselling settings.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

How to Apply 

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.