Pacific Community Resources Society is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities.
Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact our HR department at [email protected]. Personal information will be kept confidential.
Last Date to Apply:
Open Until Filled
About PCRS
Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is a large not-for-profit agency that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from Vancouver to Hope. We work with youth and vulnerable adults in the areas of education, employment, housing, substance use and mental health, and youth and family support services. We are CARF Accredited and a Certified Living Wage Employer.
About the Program
The ASTRA program supports youth (ages 13-19) with substance use concerns, providing supportive and relational counselling services based on their needs, readiness, and commitment to change. The program meets youth on a one-to-one outreach basis in their communities. ASTRA counsellors follow a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective to help youth reach goals that promote wellness around problematic substance use. The program has catchment areas covering Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Tri-Cities, Surrey, Cloverdale, Langley, Aldergrove, Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen & Chilliwack.
Hours & Conditions of Work
- Term Full Time
- 35 hours weekly
- Anticipated Term: November 2026 to December 2027 (maternity leave coverage)
- Work Hours – This position works flexible hours including some evenings and very occasional weekends.
- Location – While this is an outreach position the employee is expected to base their work from the Ridge Meadows Foundry. This is not a hybrid work position and is site based.
Position Summary
Wage Grid 13 ($30.86 to $32.18 per hour)
The Youth Outreach Substance Use Counsellor is a member of an outreach team (each person is assigned a catchment area) that provides individual one-to-one support services to young people with substance use concerns, residing in the assigned catchment area. Their primary role is to develop trust and build relationships, so that the participant can follow through on referral and treatment options. As needed, Astra counsellors will organize and facilitate groups and provide services at community facilities.
Astra Counsellor’s help the participant assess the nature and extent of their substance use, the impact it is having on their life areas, and work with the youth to increase healthy decision making related to substance use.
One-to-one support includes accepting and processing referrals, participant assessments, and the development of service goals in support with the youth. The role requires a sound understanding of normal, delayed, or problematic development, behavior, substance use theory, motivational interviewing theory, and the effects of trauma. Specific skills in physical, recreational activities and life skills instruction are an asset.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual counselling and support services to youth in relation to their substance use.
- Offer services on an outreach basis.
- Screen, process, and accept referrals, complete intake and orientation processes for youth as per policy, complete assessments and develop service goals in collaboration with participant and referral source, as per policy.
- Document and maintain case notes utilizing the agency’s database system.
- When required, develop, implement, and facilitate group sessions that are relevant to local needs.
- Provide services at local youth services hubs and community partners in consultation with the program Team Lead.
- Engage in case conferencing regularly with Team Lead and report critical incidents immediately.
- Function as a positive role model and assist participants in developing values of honesty, self-assertiveness, and respect for others, and a democratic viewpoint.
- Maintain health and safety of self, participants, and community; manage inappropriate behavior and emergency situations according to agency policy and practice.
- Consult with community members as required; represent PCRS professionally.
- Collaborate with other professionals for service goal development, group sessions and referrals
Competencies & Knowledge
- Experience providing youth alcohol and substance use services within a biopsychosocial –spiritual framework.
- Knowledge of learning disabilities (including FASD, ADHD), barriers to support, substance use theory, motivational interviewing theory, the effects of abuse and trauma, and Aboriginal culture.
What We Offer
- Equitable & Transparent Base Pay – we are a Certified Living Wage Employer
- Generous paid vacation, personal and sick time; additional paid time off for life events
- Additional paid holidays (ex. Easter Monday, Boxing Day)
- Health Benefits Coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums - including extended health and prescriptions, dental, vision and paramedical care
- Disability and Life Insurance Coverage
- Employee & Family Assistance Program including preventative health & counselling
- Membership in the Municipal Pension Plan with generous employer contributions
- Flexible schedules and earned day off program
- Full-day agency orientation and extensive training, with regular ongoing performance evaluations
- In-house digital and classroom learning opportunities; staff funding for professional development
- Opportunities to use your voice & participate in committees on policy, wellness, safety, JEDI and more
Eligibility varies depending on employment terms and role requirements – details for this specific opportunity will be provided on request.
