About Slaxin Lelum
Slaxin Lelum (Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society) is an Urban Indigenous-led organization committed to supporting the health, wellness, and cultural connection of Urban Indigenous peoples across the Metro Vancouver area. We provide culturally grounded programs and services that honour Indigenous values, teachings, and ways of being, ensuring our community members feel supported, respected, and empowered.
Position Summary
The Mental Wellness Counsellor and Facilitator (MWCF) is a vital member of the Slaxin Lelum Wellness Team. This position requires empathy and resourcefulness, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations with professionalism and care.
The MWCF is entrusted with addressing the developmental, therapeutic, and psycho-social needs of the Indigenous community through Indigenous counselling, cultural and healing practices. All services align with Slaxin Lelum’s philosophy, prioritizing the social, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of those served. Indigenous culture is the core intervention and foundation of all practices. The MWCF actively participates in the assessment, development, and facilitation of culturally grounded counselling and wellness programs that strive to enhance personal, family and community wellbeing, bringing healing and wellness to those served.
This position reports to the Manager of Community Programs and Services.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
· Minimum 5 years’ experience/background in Indigenous Health Services with demonstrated focus on mental wellness and substance use/ recovery as a Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor, social services with a diploma or certificate in counselling, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
· Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, Indigenous counselling, case management and group facilitation.
· Experience working with individuals struggling with cultural identity, mental wellness challenges, and substance use/recovery.
· Experience and training in harm reduction, culturally-based and trauma-informed knowledge and practices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Working knowledge of community resources, treatment centres, social services networks and funding agencies.
· Understanding of mental health, alcohol & drug disorders.
· Understanding of recovery process and abstinence models including Two-Eyed Seeing Models of Care
· Ability to assess and counsel individuals with concurrent disorders.
· Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, colonization, and intergenerational impacts on health and wellness.
· Strong mediation and conflict resolution skills.
· Ability to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately.
· Strong written and verbal communication.
· Effective active listening, observation, and facilitation skills.
· Ability to collaborate with case managers, clients, families, caregivers and other care professionals.
· Ability to work independently and within a team.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office & electronic health/counselling record systems or willingness to learn.
Competitive assets may include:
- Group facilitation and group programs & group counselling.
- Intake, assessment and referral experience.
- Certificate/Diploma/Degree in relevant field (examples: Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work, Counselling or Clinical Counselling).
- Knowledge of OWL Practice or similar databases.
- Understanding of Indigenous healing and cultural practices.
- Additional supportive certifications (examples: Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Skills Training, Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy (IFOT), Cultivating Safe Spaces, etc.).
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
· Provide counselling and for mental wellness and substance use recovery.
· Support clients in understanding trauma, including symptoms, root causes, prevention, recovery, and coping strategies incorporating a Two-Eyed Seeing model of care.
· Offer guidance and education on the impacts of alcohol and substance use and support clients in their recovery journeys.
· Respond to inquiries regarding programs and services and coordinate referrals to connect clients with and external services and agencies.
· Conduct informal needs and risk assessments and provide crisis intervention and stabilization using trauma-informed practices.
· Maintain strict privacy and confidentiality and uphold ethical standards for professional practice.
· Maintain and update client records, prepare accurate and timely reports using established templates.
· Assist in supporting practicum students and assist with onboarding and new staff as requested.
· Contribute to evaluation, planning and improvement of programs and support services.
· Co-facilitate workshops related to Indigenous wellness and addiction recovery.
· Support Indigenous cultural wellness and community-based healing approaches.
· Participate in occasional relevant organizational and community initiatives.
· Follow health and safety policies and report hazards or incidents.
· Participate in required safety training and ongoing risk management practices.
· Respond to high‑risk situations, including self‑harm, suicide risk, and child protection concerns, according to organizational and legal requirements and policies.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
- Work in a healing, supportive office environment; some cultural activities will naturally be on the land, outside of the office environment.
- Standard hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
- The office can be busy with both scheduled and unscheduled clients, requiring quick, effective responses to various situations, including crises if they arise.
- 1:1 and group work with Clinical Supervisor.
Additional job demands:
- Manage personal time and stress levels.
- Will be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances, or not attentive to personal wellness and safety.
Conditions of Employment
· Criminal Records and Vulnerable Populations Check.
· Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and some weekends.
· A valid Standard First Aid Certificate or willingness to acquire one.
Application Process
DIRECTIONS:
- Submit PDF copies of your resume and cover letter.
- To: [email protected]
- Subject Line: ‘SL-RFT Counsellor App: [Last name, First name]’.
- If Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuk), please self-identify in cover letter.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
· We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
· Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position
· Resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.
· Accommodation requests will be supported throughout the selection process.
· Indigenous applicants will be prioritized.
Hours: 37.5 per week
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
