With peaceful hearts and open minds, we stand together as one. Rooted in the strength of our ancestors, we honour our traditions while embracing a shared path forward. Through collaboration, understanding, and respect, we uplift our people and work toward a thriving future for Chawathil First Nation and the generations to come.
Job Summary
Chawathil First Nation is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Alcohol and Drug Counsellor to support community members affected by substance use through culturally safe counselling, wellness planning, prevention education, referrals, and coordinated care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one and group counselling to people experiencing substance use challenges.
- Complete intake assessments and develop individualized wellness and recovery plans.
- Provide pre-treatment, aftercare, outreach, and crisis support.
- Support families, youth, and Elders impacted by substance use and addiction.
- Deliver prevention education, workshops, harm reduction information, and supplies.
- Connect clients with detox, treatment, mental health, medical, and other supports.
- Work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, wellness staff, and partner agencies to support coordinated care.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Commitment to following Chawathil First Nation’s Ways of Working.
- Strong understanding of substance use, trauma, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practice.
- Ability to provide respectful, culturally safe counselling using evidence-based and Indigenous healing approaches.
- Skills in motivational interviewing, crisis response, suicide-risk assessment, and basic cognitive-behavioural techniques.
- Understanding of colonization, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers affecting Indigenous peoples.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, confidentiality, boundaries, and collaborative work skills.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in counselling, psychology, social work, addictions studies, or a related field.
- Diploma in addictions, applied counselling, social services, or a related field may be considered with 3–5 years’ direct addictions counselling experience.
- Minimum of 2 years’ recent direct experience providing addictions counselling, preferably in a First Nation or community-based setting.
- CCAC, CIAC, or equivalent certification, or commitment to obtain certification within 18–24 months of employment.
- Eligibility for registration with a relevant professional body, such as BCACC, CACCF, or BCCSW, within 6 months of hire.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, lived experience, and work experience may be considered.
Other Requirements
- Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Ability to successfully and periodically undergo a vulnerable sector criminal record check.
- Commitment to following Chawathil First Nation policies and procedures.
Preferred
- Indigenous ancestry, especially Chawathil First Nation or Stó:lō Nation membership.
- Experience working within First Nations communities.
Pay: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Hope, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
