Indigenous Counsellor

Position: Indigenous Counsellor – Permanent
Wage: $43.03 per hour (PP: Grid 16, Step 1). This position requires BCGEU union membership.
Hours: 35 Hours per week. Work falls primarily Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm; may include some evening and weekend duties.
Benefits: Full benefits package available, paid self-care time, annual professional development compensation and free external clinical consultation monthly.
Closing Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 11:59pm
Reports to: Counselling Supervisor
Position Summary: In support of a partnership between the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), the Indigenous Stopping the Violence Counsellor is primarily focused on supporting Indigenous survivors of sexualized violence. Support of non-Indigenous clients through VSAC would make up a part of the counsellor's caseload, based on availability. VSAC supports women, Two-Spirit, trans and gender diverse survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse.
VSAC is committed to employment equity. As this is a bona fide position, we welcome all qualified women, trans, gender-diverse and Two-Spirit people to apply. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous counsellors and those who have experience supporting Indigenous community members. We welcome applicants who are members of marginalized groups; Black, People of Colour, persons with disabilities, LGBQ+ persons, Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse persons and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.
Indigenous applicants preferred. Please self-identify in your cover letter.
This position requires in-person work with some responsibilities that can be completed remotely. Technology provided for remote work.
Job Responsibilities: Provides Assessment and Referral: Processes Counselling intakes at VNFC & VSAC. Provides counselling at VNFC and VSAC and facilitates referrals when needed. Provides Individual and/or Group Counselling to survivors of sexualized violence: Facilitates the survivor's understanding of their own experience and of the emotional impact of the trauma they have suffered. Explores the specific behavioral, emotional, cognitive and physical consequences of sexual assault. Explores with the survivor their past and present coping strategies with the goal of developing new coping skills, strengthening existing ones and discouraging those that are harmful. Incorporates a range of approaches, to address the individual issues of each survivor, taking into account the wider social, cultural, and economic values that risk powerlessness and re-victimization. Provides support and information to members of the client's support system. Collaborates with the counselling supervisor regarding the client's counselling plan, progress and circumstances. Maintains accurate records of all support provided for the purposes of statistical and legal records. Conducts group counselling including preparation and follow-up with group members as well as debriefing with co-facilitators as required. Group curriculum development and revisions. Participates in VSAC peer support, case consultation and clinical consultation. Working collaboratively with VSAC's Community Outreach and Prevention Education department, participates in outreach to Indigenous communities and organizations to raise awareness of VSAC's services. Participates in the Indigenous Response Network, providing emotional support for network members as needed during monthly meetings and referrals to VSAC programming. Serves on staff committees as time and interest allows. Provides Access-line support, SART response and immediate support to walk-in clients if necessary. Develops effective links and communication with relevant community agencies. Completes administrative tasks including scheduling clients, maintaining schedule, timesheets. Takes part in public education and prevention work as requested. As determined by the counselling supervisor, supervises and supports student interns either as primary supervisor or as a mentor for group facilitation. Maintains awareness of current issues in the field of sexualized violence through an Indigenous lens through reading, professional development and other activities working within an anti-oppressive framework. Commits to an ongoing process of analysis and personal awareness regarding issues of power and oppression. Participates constructively as a member of the staff team, with the Manager and VSAC as a whole. Ensures work performed reflects mission, beliefs, values and goals of VSAC. Qualifications Education and Knowledge: Master's Degree in counselling, social work or child and youth care or relevant field is required. Preference for Indigenous specializations. Training and Experience: A minimum of two years recent relevant experience (health care or social services organization providing clinical counselling services preferred) or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Direct experience working with Indigenous survivors of sexualized violence is an asset. Knowledge of relevant formal counselling and assessment techniques preferred. EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, additional counselling modalities and or experience in culturally grounded approaches to healing is an asset. Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques is an asset. Job Skills and Abilities The position requires:
Familiarity and experience in Indigenous Communities is preferred, including: Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices as appropriate; familiarity with local Lekwungen and W_SÁNEC nations an asset. In-depth knowledge of the experience of Indigenous Peoples in Canada including the ongoing processes of colonization, discrimination, and structural violence, and the effects on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Experience working with Indigenous community is preferred, specifically in addressing the trauma of Day and Residential Schools, Indian Hospitals and other colonial processes and institutions. Knowledge and practice of providing community-based services to Indigenous people using philosophies of cultural humility and cultural safety. Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work within a team setting. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work effectively. Feminist analysis of sexualized violence from an Indigenous lens. A criminal records check will be required for this position. To support the healing journey of clients and VSAC policy, we ask that applicants are not a current client and have not accessed VSAC direct client services in the past 12 months. If you are a past client who has not accessed services in 12 months, you are eligible to apply. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact 250-383-5545 or
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