Clinical Counsellor - Dari/Pashto Speaking

Job Title: Clinical Counsellor
Language: Dari or Pashto Speaking

Status: Temporary, part-time (Union position)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Wage: $44.54 - $54.52/hr (starting at $44.54)

Grid: 16P

Hours: 28 Hours/Week

Schedule: Monday to Friday (9:30 am to 3:30pm)

Start Date: June 1, 2025

End Date: Upon the return of the incumbent

Date Posted: March 13, 2025

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please note that internal applicants must apply by March 21, 2025; internal applications received after this date will not be considered as internal and seniority will not apply – position will remain open until filled.

The Opportunity:

Working within our Counselling and Gender Based Violence Department, the Clinical Counsellor, Dari/Pashto Speaking provides counselling support to vulnerable Refugee Claimants, CUEAT visa holders, and refugee newcomers in the Surrey and Delta communities. This role involves both in-office, outreach, and advocacy supports, as well as evening and weekend work depending on program needs. All counselling services and interventions are individualized for each client and family, aiming to reduce barriers the client faces and increase capacity through a strength-based therapeutic approach. To serve the needs of our community, candidates must be able to provide service in English and Dari/Pashto; additional languages are an asset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides clinical services to clients in the community by conducting comprehensive assessments, implementing therapeutic interventions during ongoing follow-up care, and consulting with the individuals’ general practitioners.
• In collaboration with the manager, responds to critical incidents with appropriate reporting, safety planning, and crisis intervention to address safety concerns.
• Develops and implements approaches to supporting clients that center around the client’s needs, strengths, and individual preferences.
• Provides individual, family, group, and psycho-educational supports as appropriate for the client and family.
• Supports the client’s development of stronger relational and community supports.
• Works collaboratively with Provincial ministry staff, care professionals, and clients/family in the identification and resolution of client/family mental health issues, ethical dilemmas, concerns regarding services, and coordination and integration of care.
• Develops safety plans with clients to enhance their sense of safety.
• Maintains records in accordance with established procedures and policies and prepares/maintains statistical data, correspondence reports, and other documentation, as required.
• Participates in service, inter-disciplinary case conferences, and team meetings, as required by the employer, shares information, demonstrates and/or provides guidance on clinical/health-related tasks, ensures students are aware of assignments developed by the employer, and reassigns clinical/health-related tasks as necessary.
• Adheres to ethical principles and standards of practice for the counselling profession as it relates to informed consent, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
• Provides an ongoing commitment to client services and continuous quality improvement to ensure best practice client services and the most effective delivery of service.
• Performs other related duties, as directed by the Manager or designate.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related discipline from a recognized program.
• Fluency in Dari/Pashto Language.

Qualified candidates will also possess:

• Master's level university degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related discipline.
• Two years’ recent related clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and families, substance use, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate groups designed to provide counseling services and therapeutic interventions to a wide variety of participants.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Verbal and written fluency in one of the contract languages.
• Understanding of the immigrant and refugee experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the specific cultural population required.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and independently.
• Occupational First Aid, or be willing to obtain one upon start of position.
• Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle.

A criminal record check is required as a part of this process.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter as separate attachments. As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a short questionnaire. Please ensure all questions are answered.

This position is not available for sponsorship; only candidates legally entitled to work in Canada can be considered.

To view all opportunities at DIVERSEcity visit www.dcrs.ca/work-with-us/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is based in our Surrey office and is a blend of remote and in-person services. DIVERSEcity has implemented new safety procedures for in-office and in-person work; to view our safety plan, please visit https://www.dcrs.ca/news/diversecity-re-opening-plan/. Successful candidates will be provided with the training and equipment to safely carry out their duties, ensuring the best protection for our staff and clients.

A comprehensive job description will be provided to all candidates shortlisted for interviews.

DIVERSEcity is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our HR department at (recruitment@dcrs.ca). Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

About DIVERSEcity:

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is a registered charity devoted to helping newcomers. For 40 years, we have focused on providing specialized services for newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges, work through mental health issues, and access medical care. DIVERSEcity is a client-centered organization committed to quality and accountability. We value growth, respect, integrity, and compassion. To learn more about DIVERSEcity, visit us at https://www.dcrs.ca/.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.