Full Time | Alert BayMental
Health Counsellor
Employment type: Full-time, on-site
Salary: $68,851 to $80, 808 annually
Reports to: Health Centre Administrator
Posting closes: Until filled
About The Role
The Mental Health Counsellor provides compassionate, responsive, and culturally respectful mental health counselling services to 'Nam̱gis First Nation community members of all ages, including children, youth, adults, and Elders. Reporting to the Health Centre Administrator, this role provides assessment, treatment, referral, follow-up, and crisis intervention services to individuals, families, and groups.
Working as part of the 'Nam̱gis Health Centre's health and wellness team, the Mental Health Counsellor supports community members experiencing a range of mental health concerns, including crisis, trauma, suicide, domestic violence, and abuse. The role also collaborates with community and external partners, facilitates family support meetings, provides mental health education, and works with the community to identify needs and recommend appropriate programs and services.
This position is well suited for an experienced counselling professional who brings strong clinical judgment, a holistic approach to wellness, and experience working with Indigenous clients and communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct counselling to 'Nam̱gis First Nation community members, including assessment, treatment, referral, and follow-up services for individuals, families, and groups.
- Provide counselling related to crisis, trauma, suicide, domestic violence, and sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.
- Provide timely, solution-oriented assessment and intervention services in response to crisis situations and traumatic events using a case management approach.
- Mobilize and utilize appropriate resources within the community to support individuals and families.
- Respond to mental health disorders and situations using a range of appropriate treatment approaches.
- Liaise with and accept referrals from 'Nam̱gis Health Centre staff, MCFD, RCMP, hospitals, schools, and other related agencies.
- Provide assessment, treatment, follow-up, referral, education, and other mental health services as appropriate.
- Coordinate and facilitate weekly family support meetings.
- Maintain clinical records and reports in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, procedures, and professional and ethical standards.
- Develop and provide relevant education and information sessions for 'Nam̱gis staff as required.
- Develop and/or facilitate workshops, educational sessions, and information sessions for community members on relevant and current mental health issues.
- Conduct outreach and consultation within the community to identify needs and recommend appropriate programs and services.
Skills and Experience
- Minimum of five years of experience providing direct counselling services to individuals, families, and groups.
- Experience working with Indigenous clients, either on or off reserve.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of holistic treatment modalities.
- Ability to provide assessment, intervention, treatment, referral, and follow-up services across a range of mental health needs.
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations and traumatic events.
- Ability to work collaboratively with health professionals, community organizations, government agencies, schools, law enforcement, and other service providers.
- Ability to maintain professional clinical records and uphold applicable ethical and professional standards.
Education
- Master's degree in a related field of study is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Current membership in a recognized professional counselling association.
Other Requirements
- Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
- Availability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends from time to time.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
- Valid driver's licence and access to a personal vehicle for work purposes.
What We Offer
- Relocation and/or housing support may be provided.
- A collaborative, purpose-driven work environment.
- Group Health Benefits and Pension Plan.
- The opportunity to make a direct, lasting impact on the health and well-being of a vibrant Indigenous community.
About the 'Nam̱gis First Nation
The 'Nam̱gis First Nation is a vibrant and resilient community located on Cormorant Island (Alert Bay), grounded in deep cultural teachings, land stewardship, and governance traditions handed down through generations. The Nation delivers a wide range of programs and services - including health, child and family services, education, lands and natural resources, housing, finance, public works, and community wellness - guided by values of respect, unity, accountability, and relational responsibility.
How To Apply
Please submit the following:
- your resume;
- a brief cover letter describing your interest; and
- any applicable professional memberships, licences, and certifications.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 