The SAFE Society in Salmon Arm is seeking a passionate individual who has the vision and experience to support our mission to “end violence in the Shuswap”. This is a temporary position.
Located in the beautiful Secwépemcul’ecw (Shuswap) region of British Columbia, the Shuswap Area Family Emergency Society (SAFE Society) is a registered charitable society that provides a broad spectrum of services to persons who are impacted by abuse. The SAFE Society works from an intersectional feminist and trauma-informed philosophy.
Classification: Grid 14, Para-Professional
Schedule: To be determined. Combination of daytime hours and Tuesday evenings.
Hours: 13 hours per week
Start date: September 29, 2026, beginning with Tuesday evenings only, then the full 13 hours/week beginning on or about October 20, with possibility of an earlier start.
End date: On or after April 30, 2028
Wage & benefits: Wage range $37.55 to $47.46 per hour as per 2024 CSSEA Wage Grid with increases per Collective Agreement. Benefits include paid vacation, sick time, pension, medical, dental, EFAP, disability and life insurance for qualified individuals.
Job Summary
The Stopping the Violence Counsellor/Co-facilitator is responsible for providing mid-range individual and group counselling and support to adult woman who are/have experienced violence in intimate relationships. More specifically spousal assault, sexual assault and/or historical childhood abuse. Counselling work will go beyond emotional support but will not constitute clinical treatment.
On occasion, undern the direction of STV program Coordinator, the STV Community Counsellor provides counselling support services to clients who are experiencing emotional distress meeting the requirements of DSMIV and require short-term intervention.
This position is open to all applicants who identify as a woman+, including those of diverse gender expression/identities, trans and Two Spirit individuals, as gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field (human/social services, psychology, or counselling) specializing in domestic violence and/or equivalent gained experience from a combination of direct experience, training and education.
- Minimum 2 years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience in a position involving crisis intervention work &/or support counselling work with individuals who have experienced violence or abuse. Volunteer and practicum work will be included.
- Class 5 Driver’s license and an appropriately insured vehicle in good running order present at work.
- Satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record check.
JOB DUTIES:
- Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Performing administrative duties including maintaining and providing statistics and reports regarding service delivery as required by the STV Coordinator.
- Documents and records are kept for each client session or brief contact and secured in individual files.
- Providing one on one support to women who have experienced violence, abuse or threats or are at risk of same.
- Co-facilitating support groups for clients in the surrounding area who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, abuse or threats using a feminist and trauma-based perspective.
- Making assessments of clients to identify presenting issues, personal and family history, function level and then activating a support plan.
- Facilitating women’s understanding of her experience and the emotional, psychological impact of the trauma resulting from abusive or violent experiences while respecting a woman’s right to her own values, beliefs, culture and choices.
- Exploring with the woman her past and present coping strategies with the goal of facilitating development of new coping skills and strengthening of existing coping skills.
- Addressing issues such as depression, self-esteem and empowerment, while considering social, cultural and economic values and understanding the role revictimization and dependency plays in the client’s life.
- Assessing clients for suicide risk and referring to medical teams/Adult Mental Health for assessment and additional supports.
- Meeting regularly with the STV Coordinator to debrief, review case planning, and ensure current knowledge of resources and issues are up to date.
- Maintaining professional and courteous relations with the service agencies with which the SAFE Society interfaces.
- Participating in committee meetings such as the Community Response Network and other committees as it relates directly to position.
- Skills, Abilities and Qualities
- Ability to handle confidential information about clients
- Demonstrate strong cultural competency and socially inclusive practice
- Ability to function independently and under pressure
- Ability to work in a team setting
- Ability to work in a high stress and fast paced environment that deals with trauma, abuse and violence.
- Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Have proven ability to work cooperatively with service providers in the community.
- Have an understanding and ability to use office equipment including computers and various word processing programs including Microsoft 365 and Pay Works payroll programs.
Deadline to Apply: Monday, September 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm
How to Apply: Send an expression of interest letter and current resume to apply@safesociety.ca.
Diversity Statement: The SAFE Society is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and, as such, encourages applications from qualified individuals who have experienced historical or current barriers to equity including, but not limited to, sexual orientation, persons with diverse abilities, of any race, ancestry, colour, religion, spiritual belief or place of origin, Indigenous People and/or those with lived experience(s). If you require accommodations at any time throughout the hiring process, let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
**This Position Requires Union Membership**
