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 Wellness Counsellor and Facilitator (WCF) 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 WCF is entrusted with addressing the developmental, therapeutic, and psychological-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.

Reporting to the Program Director, the WCF 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Indigenous Health Services with demonstrated focus on mental wellness and substance use/recovery as a Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor, or social services with a diploma or other certificates in counselling, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, Indigenous counselling, intake, harm reduction, group facilitation and trauma-informed knowledge.
- Experience working with individuals struggling with cultural identity, mental wellness challenges, and substance use/recovery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Working knowledge of community resources, treatment centres, social services networks and funding agencies.
- Understanding of mental health, alcohol and drug disorders.
- Ability to assess and counsel individuals with concurrent disorders.




- Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, colonization, and intergenerational impacts on health, wellness, and cultural practices
- Solid mediation and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately.
- Effective active listening, observation, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to collaborate with social workers, families, caregivers and professionals.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office & electronic health/counselling record systems or willingness to learn. OWL practice knowledge is a competitive asset.

Competitive assets may include:

- Group facilitation, flexible group programs and group counselling (some evenings).
- Intake, assessment, outreach and referral experience.
- Degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work, or Clinical Counselling.
- Additional supportive certifications (examples: Behavioral Psychology, Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Skills Training, Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy (IFOT), Cultivating Safe Spaces, etc.).

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

- Provide mental wellness counselling and substance use recovery guidance.
- Support clients in understanding trauma, including symptoms, root causes, prevention, recovery, and coping strategies using a Two-Eyed Seeing model of care.
- 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.
- Follow strict privacy and confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
- Maintain and update client records, prepare accurate and timely reports.
- Assist in supporting practicum students and onboarding and new staff.
- Contribute to evaluation, planning and improvement of programs and services.




- Co-facilitate workshops related to Indigenous wellness and addiction recovery.
- 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 policies and legal requirements.
- 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 between: 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Friday. Program dependant.
- 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 the 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.
- A valid Standard First Aid Certificate or willingness to acquire one.

DIRECTIONS:

- Submit PDF of your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
- Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
- Subject Line: ‘SL-RFT Counsellor Application: [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.
- Accommodation requests will be supported throughout the selection process.
- Indigenous applicants will be prioritized amid Section 42 of Human Rights Code.

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- In office parking

Education:
- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- counelling (preferred)

Location:
- Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1 (preferred)

Willingness to travel:
- 25% (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Wellness Counsellor and Facilitator (Vancouver)
🏢 Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society dba. Slaxin Lelum
📍 Vancouver