Position Summary
Seabird Island is committed to promoting emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness through accessible, culturally grounded clinical counselling services. We are seeking a Senior Registered Clinical Counsellor to provide advanced therapeutic care while offering clinical leadership and guidance to other Registered Clinical Counsellors.
Reporting to the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care, the Senior Registered Clinical Counsellor provides direct counselling services to individuals and families impacted by complex trauma, addictions, and mental health challenges while also contributing to program development, clinical supervision, and mentorship. This position supports the delivery of culturally safe, trauma-informed services rooted in Indigenous knowledge, teachings, and holistic healing approaches.
What You'll Do
Clinical Counselling and Advanced Practice
Provide confidential individual, group, and family counselling using evidence-based and culturally responsive modalities.
Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized treatment and safety plans for clients with complex needs.
Offer crisis intervention, de-escalation, suicide risk assessment, and post-crisis follow-up care.
Deliver group counselling and psychoeducational sessions addressing wellness, trauma recovery, addictions, communication, and coping skills.
Support integration of cultural practices and ceremonies in client treatment where appropriate.
Leadership, Oversight, and Mentorship
Provide clinical oversight, guidance, and mentorship to other Registered Clinical Counsellors, practicum students, and allied mental health staff.
Support the development and review of counselling protocols, tools, and program standards.
Facilitate regular case consultation and peer supervision sessions to promote professional growth and ensure quality of care.
Assist in workload management, providing direction on complex or high-risk client cases.
Collaborate with the Department Manager to identify training needs and lead professional development initiatives for the counselling team.
Community Engagement and Cultural Integration
Foster culturally safe relationships with clients by integrating Indigenous worldviews, language, and teachings in therapeutic work.
Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural practitioners to support holistic healing approaches.
Participate in community outreach, health promotion, and culturally significant events that promote wellness and connection.
Case Management and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Coordinate multidisciplinary care and referrals to psychiatry, detox programs, primary care, and external agencies.
Collaborate with the Recovery Home team, Health Centre staff, and external partners to ensure continuity of care.
Support navigation of mental health and social service systems while advocating for client rights and access to culturally appropriate care.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain clear, accurate, and confidential client records and documentation in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
Review and provide feedback on documentation prepared by other Registered Clinical Counsellors to ensure quality and consistency.
Prepare detailed reports, outcome evaluations, and service summaries as required by leadership.
Program and Organizational Support
Contribute to planning and evaluation of counselling and mental health programs to enhance effectiveness and community impact.
Participate in policy development, community wellness strategies, and integration of new therapeutic initiatives.
Serve as acting lead in the absence of the Department Manager when requested.
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 in counselling psychology, Clinical Social Work, or a related field.
Current registration in good standing with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors or BC College of Social Workers.
Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in counselling, clinical supervision, and trauma-informed practice.
Demonstrated experience supporting Indigenous individuals and families affected by trauma, addictions, and intergenerational impacts.
Strong background in clinical leadership, peer supervision, and staff mentorship.
Experience facilitating group therapy, workshops, and wellness initiatives.
Preferred:
Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
Familiarity with provincial or federal mental health care systems and funding models.
Experience working in First Nations communities and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, and community wellness frameworks.
Certification or advanced training in trauma-informed care, Indigenous cultural safety, clinical supervision, or addictions counselling.
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.
