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Job Title


Counsellor, Recovery (Temporary, Full-Time)


Company : Union Gospel Mission (Vancouver)


Location : Vancouver, British Columbia


Created : 2026-03-07


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Overview The Opportunity Would you like to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of our clients in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside community by screening, assessing, counselling, and delivering workshops for them? The Counsellor, Recovery will provide Mens Recovery group and individual counselling as needed and will work collaboratively with other outside service providers as required. You will work in a mutually supportive, professional counselling team to ensure excellent client care. In addition, the Counsellor is actively involved in program evaluation and quality assurance approaches that are based on Best Practices in BC. If you have a masters degree in counselling and have excellent knowledge of alcohol & drug and mental health disorders, and the ability to assess concurrent disorders, then this may be the position for you. You will frequently deal with clients in crisis situations, brought about by diverse problems. There will be other staff nearby to assist as required. This position is temporary, full-time (37.5 hours per week for 1 year) contract. For a copy of the full job description, click here. The wage for this position is $33.52 - $40.38. About Us UGM demonstrates the love of Christ and feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements. Our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled para-medical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM. Main Duties And Responsibilities 30% - Individual coaching and/or counseling sessions, including spiritual mentoring as appropriate. 30% - Plan and lead classes and group sessions, such as Anger Management and Self Awareness, consistent with Biblical principles. Lead Bible studies/discussions and devotionals with clients. 15% - Participate in team meetings, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of program activities. 15% - Cooperate with staff from other departments; support team management. Network with outside agencies. 10% - Analyze and screen intake applications. Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Agreement with UGMs Mission Statement and Statement of Faith. Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Masters degree in a therapeutic field (e.g., Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or any related discipline). Experience working within an A&D recovery program would be an asset. RCC designation is preferred but not required. Willingness to work towards RCC is required. Supplemental certifications (e.g., Trauma level 1 and 2) are highly beneficial. Knowledge of alcohol & drug and mental health disorders and the ability to assess concurrent disorders would be an asset. Other combinations of lived and worked experience may be considered. Experience in residential work is preferred. Experience working in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community (Low-income/First Nations) experience would be an asset. Excellent time management and administrative skills. Strong Emotional Intelligence skills, such as interpersonal sensitivity and tact, influence, good judgment. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, ethically, regarding sensitive matters regarding the organization and its clientele and to deal with highly sensitive material and situations. Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with tact, diplomacy and good judgment. Ability to de-escalate tense situations which could erupt in aggressiveness or violence. Good English skills (verbal, reading and writing). Accurate record keeping. Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook). Complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Course. Technical CompetencyTrauma-Informed Care (Level 3): Help identify negative events that have impacted the clients functioning, and develop interventions that emphasize safety, choice, and personal control. Health and Safety Solid understanding of health and safety protocols specific to program/shelter environments, including infection control, personal hygiene standards, and safe handling of potential hazards. Previous experience working in environments with vulnerable or high-needs populations, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for residents. Completed, or willing to complete, relevant health and safety training, including nonviolent crisis intervention: handling mental health crises and de-escalation, first aid, naloxone, suicide prevention or specialized safety courses. Working Conditions Work Location: Indoor office setting with standard office equipment. Physical Requirements: Sedentary work but may require standing, walking or reaching up to 50% of the time; computer use up to 60% of the time. Work Conditions: Generally favorable, with typical office environment; potential exposure to crises and high-stress situations; ability to function independently and manage multiple tasks. Hours of Work: Rotation of day and evening shifts; some weekend or evening work may be required; moderate overtime may be required. Hazards: Interaction with the public, potential exposure to abusive or violent individuals; possible exposure to unhealthy conditions and emotional stress including vicarious trauma. Other: Candidate subject to criminal record check due to job nature. #J-18808-Ljbffr