Are you a counsellor who is passionate about supporting survivors to heal from the effects of gender-based violence? Do you thrive in a supportive work environment that values flexibility and providing a work-life balance? Do you dream about having the kind of client load that allows you to participate in ongoing supervision and professional development without feeling overwhelmed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we urge you to apply for the position of Stopping the Violence Counsellor currently available at the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre.

The Stopping the Violence Counsellor is responsible for providing trauma informed counselling to women (including trans and cis women, or any non-binary/gender-nonconforming person comfortable receiving services at the Centre) to help guide and support them through navigating the effects of gender-based violence at any point in their lives. The counsellor will use a person-centred, trauma informed approach to assess survivor’s unique individual needs and create a therapeutic plan using a variety of counselling techniques. The counsellor will be responsible for case management using Jane App. The counsellor has the opportunity to collaborate with the Sexual Assault Services counsellor to deliver group programming, and has the opportunity to assist in groups that centre on prevention, such as the Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships and Sexual Assault Response Team.

Job Highlights:

• 6 month term position covering a family leave
• Flexible scheduling including work days and location
• Paid sick days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Spending Account
• Paid clinical supervision
• Supportive work environment with a strong team of helping professionals

Work Hours: Temporary part-time, approximately 22.5 hours per week

Salary: Based on experience range between $34-38/hour

Location: With the opportunity to be partially hybrid, the position is currently based out of beautiful Fernie BC, providing support to families in the Ktunaxa ʔamakʔis also known as the Elk Valley and South Country. The region boasts some of the most spectacular mountain vistas, with world class adventures for everyone including: skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, mountain biking hunting, fly fishing, boating, art and culture.

Qualifications:

• Relevant Master’s degree an asset (Social Work, Psychology, Child and Youth Care, Counselling Psychology).
• At least 2 years relevant counselling experience.
• Ability to work with individuals within a client-centered, strength-based approach.
• Emergency first aid with CPR B.
• Criminal Record Check.

Job Responsibilities:

• Undertake intake assessments from a trauma informed approach
• Work in collaboration with clients to develop, monitor and evaluate case plans
• Provide individual and group therapy to women (including trans and cis women, or any non-binary/gender-nonconforming person comfortable receiving services at the Centre)
• Utilize a variety of specialized treatment modalities and therapies for clients
• Approach therapy from a culture-infused perspective
• Provide crisis intervention services when necessary
• Complete risk assessments and take appropriate action in accordance with agency policy, provincial legislation, and professional code of ethics
• Work collaboratively with clients to develop safety plans
• Maintain appropriate clinical, client, and administrative records
• Collate statistics and provide reports on service delivery
• Consult/liaise with Fernie Women’s Resource Centre staff as necessary
• Consult/liaise with Ministry of Children and Family Development staff, community agencies, schools, and hospitals as necessary

Position Start Date: May 7, 2025

Apply To: info@ferniewomenscentre.com 1592 10th Ave, Fernie BC V0B 1M0; PO Box 2054 Fernie BC V0B 1M0

Posting Closes: April 18th 2025

About Us: The Fernie Women’s Resource Society was founded on the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice for all marginalized Elk Valley residents. With an intersectional feminist lens, we strive for the removal of barriers women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks face so they can live to their full economic, social, cultural, legal and political participation. We recognize the many different ways that oppression impacts every member of our community therefore we aim to amplify the voices of people oppressed by the various systems in our society.