Caregiver Support Counsellor

Caregiver Support Program, Surrey

Regular Full Time (35 hours per week)  |  Grid 23 ($41.56 - $43.42/hour)  |  Reporting to: Michelle Shaw, Director of Operations

Pacific Community Resources Society is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities. Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact our HR department at hr@pcrs.ca. Personal information will be kept confidential. 

Opportunity

The successful applicant provides support to families using their knowledge of MCFD foster home policies and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by foster families. They will advise on parenting, child development, attachment, and special needs, and help caregivers manage stress, encourage self-care, and deliver skill-building training. Regular duties include collaborating with professionals, attending case management meetings, and working independently in an organized manner.

Support is offered individually or in groups, with topics set by caregivers to ensure relevant learning.

Strong communication skills are vital for building trust with families and professionals. The role requires empathy, organization under pressure, and cultural sensitivity. A collaborative spirit and dedication to supporting diverse families are essential.

As this is primarily an outreach role, support is provided in the family home or community setting, wherever is most comfortable for the caregiver. The program provides services to families living in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. This role is not eligible for a remote work agreement. The primary office location is the Newton Youth Hub.

Core working hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm, however, the role requires flexibility to run groups in the evenings and on the occasional weekend. 

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate Caregiver Support Groups, workshops, and events.
• Provide advocacy, information, supportive counselling to participants in a safe environment using evidence-based interventions.
• Develop individual service plans and goals to meet participant needs; liaise with social workers, and other professionals.
• Communicate frequently to the referring social worker and family, or other members of the identified care team.
• Engage in periodic evaluation and review of goals and renegotiate as appropriate.
• Ensure coordination and ongoing communication with supervisor and support networks.
• Maintain appropriate group, and individual case files and documentation.
• Work within applicable Act/Regulations and roles of government and funders.
• Respond to participant complaints and address concerns through identified complaint procedures.

Qualifications

• BSW, or B.A. and five years of experience, preferably work with families or the equivalent.              
• Criminal records check including the vulnerable sector
• Class 5 Driver License and submission of a Driver’s Abstract
• Use of own vehicle (mileage paid)
• In-depth knowledge of child and youth development, trauma-informed practice, connection-based parenting models, and a strong understanding of MCFD systems and policies.
• Comprehensive understanding of applicable government legislation and its application within child and family services
• Proven ability to respond effectively in crisis situations, applying sound judgement, agency protocols, and ethical standards.
• Strong collaborative and team-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment for program participants, staff, and partners.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including presentation and interpersonal abilities.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

---------

About PCRS

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is a large not-for-profit agency that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from Vancouver to Hope. We work with youth and vulnerable adults in the areas of education, employment, housing, substance use and mental health, and youth and family support services. We are CARF Accredited and a Certified Living Wage Employer.

We are grateful to operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷm əθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Qw'?ntl'en (Kwantlen), se’mya’me (Semiahmoo), sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen), q̓ic̓əy (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Coquitlam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), máthxwi (Matsqui) and Stó:lō Nations.

Our Vision     Everyone thriving in strong, healthy communities!

Our Mission   To inspire healthy and inclusive communities through leadership and collaboration.

Our Values    Advocacy, Diversity and Inclusion, Empowerment, Service Excellence, Stewardship, Well-being

We Offer Our Staff

• Equitable Base Pay – we are a Certified Living Wage Employer
• Generous paid vacation time, personal time, sick time; additional paid time off for life events
• Additional paid holidays, ex. Easter Monday, Boxing Day *
• Extended health, prescription, dental & vision care plan, with 100% Employer-Paid Premiums*
• Disability and Life Insurance Coverage *
• Employee & Family Assistance Program including preventative health & counselling *
• Membership in the Municipal Pension Plan with generous employer contributions *
• Flexible schedules and earned time off program *
• Full-day agency orientation and extensive training, with regular ongoing performance evaluations
• In-house digital and classroom learning opportunities; staff funding for professional development *
• Opportunities to use your voice & participate in committees on policy, wellness, safety, EDI, etc.

* Eligibility will vary depending on terms and role requirements – details for this posting will be provided on request.