Spectrum Community School is a comprehensive secondary school (grades 9-12) with just over 1000 students. Back in 1974, a committee of students, parents and teachers decided upon a new concept that would reflect a new educational philosophy. This concept was based upon humanistic ideals with the objective to recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of every student and to replace an often-impersonal bureaucracy with an aggressively positive, nurturing climate… this concept was the spirit of the warm fuzzy! The disarmingly simple message was to treat others as one would wish to be treated. The impact on school tone was powerful. For decades, this formula, or variations on it, has characterized Spectrum as an accepting, friendly, supportive place. The spirit of the warm fuzzy lives on here at Spectrum!
WAGE & BENEFITS
● 32 hrs/week
● Wage ranges from $33.21 - $36.17, depending on school-based YFC experience and education
● Starting: September 8, 2026 / Ending: June 30, 2027
● Paid sick leave
● Extended health and dental plan (50/50 cost split)
● Matched RRSP (up to 3%)
● 15 days paid vacation entitlement increasing with length of employment
● 20% discount at Burnside Boutique and recreation programs
● Opportunities for Professional Development
Roles
The role of the Youth and Family Counsellor is to provide early identification and intervention in the areas of counselling, skill development and support services to vulnerable children/youth and their families. Children/youth who are vulnerable are those who are experiencing familial, emotional, behavioural, and cultural issues which significantly limit their capacity to function effectively within their family, school, and/or community.
Youth and Family Counsellor Service objectives are to:
¨ Support youth to succeed in school or an educational/employment program.
¨ Strengthen youths’ relationships and connections with their family and community
¨ Promote youth and their families’ healthy lifestyle choices and the development of students’ healthy social relationships
Responsibilities
1. Assess the individual needs of children/youth/family in the areas of family capacity, emotional stability, school functioning, peer relations and community profile.
2. Manage a caseload determined through partnership with Burnside Gorge Community Centre and Spectrum Administration.
3. In collaboration with children/youth/family, develop a service plan that responds to their needs in a holistic manner. This may involve the following services.
a. Individual counselling
b. Family counselling
c. Group counselling (i.e. grief/loss, parenting, divorce, social skills, healthy lifestyle choices)
d. Planning, development and facilitation of groups and workshops for clients, parents, and staff
e. Life skill training, which may include social skills development and conflict mediation/resolution.
f. Enhance inter-relationship between families, schools and the community.
g. Ongoing consultation with teachers/community professionals
h. Crisis management intervention
i. Preventative interventions and health promotion
j. Facilitate students’ transition to and connection with a new school
k. Assist school staff and administration to design and implement social, behavioural, and emotional components of Individual Education Plans and support objectives and goals related to those plans.
4. On-going consultation and liaison with administration, teaching staff, community professionals, and the family (integrated case management).
5. Be an advocate and support, consistent with the outcome goals, for students and their families within the school environment.
6. Refer youth and their families to community resources when appropriate. (Follow reporting procedures outlined in various inter-ministry handbooks)
7. Participate in school-based activities such as school-based case management teams, case conferences, and staff meetings.
8. Maintain documentation detailing service plans, outcome measures community contacts and referrals.
9. Complete required reporting material including interim and annual reports.
Qualifications
A university degree in human services is required (e.g. Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Counselling Psychology) with related work experience.
Experience working within a school setting and with high school-age children is required.
Reports To:
Executive Director and School Principal
Please submit a resume with a cover letter to:
Burnside Gorge Community Association
Attn: Sevval Kecicioglu
Email: [email protected]
Mailing address: 471 Cecelia Road, Victoria, BC V8T 4T4
CLOSING DATE: August 20, 2026
** Please note: short-listed candidates will be notified the week of August 24th, and interviews will be held shortly after for a start date as close to September 7th as possible.
Pay: $33.21-$36.17 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
