POSITION TITLE: Domestic Violence Counselor - Adult

REPORTS TO: Team Lead, Clinical Services

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta

WORK HOURS: Eligible for flexible hours (core Business hours apply)

Discovery House is a non-profit organization that empowers families who have experienced domestic violence with the space, supports, and skills to imagine and create a better life. We provide transitional housing, offering long-term, protected places for families to call home while they begin rebuilding their lives. Our team of professionals provide families with customized supports and counselling to help mitigate the impacts of trauma, and programs to prevent the cycle of abuse from repeating in future relationships.

What Our Employees Love

- Three weeks of vacation to start.
- A blend of community-building within our spaces and among our clients and staff, office collaboration, and flexible daily planning to support impactful work and work–life balance.
- Additional time off including Wellness Days, Professional Development Days, and Sick Days.
- Benefits Package and Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- A dog friendly workplace.
- We observe all Statutory Holidays (including the optional ones), and employees may substitute religious holidays for celebrations that are relevant to their cultural identity. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed as a paid Community Day with required participation.
- Opportunities to actively participate in various committees including Health & Safety, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Indigenous.
- A 2SLGBTQ welcoming environment.
- Potlucks, celebrations, work-life balance, and plenty of fun.
- Being a part of a reputable not-for-profit organization (7-time winner of Top 100 Rated Charities in Canada!)

We are building towards an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we live in, creating the opportunity for every employee to reach their potential. We welcome applications from people in all underrepresented groups, believing we are at our best when everyone has a seat at the table. If you some but not all the qualifications for the position, but are willing to learn, we invite you to apply. Accommodations are available upon request throughout every stage of our recruitment process.

Join our team and be part of a transformative organization committed to ending domestic violence. As advocates of Empowerment, we believe in unlocking the potential in every individual, fostering resilience, and empowering positive change. Our Tenacious spirit drives us to get things done and make a lasting impact, while our commitment to Inclusion ensures that everyone belongs and is welcomed in our community.

Embracing Curiosity, we continually learn, innovate, and adapt to break the cycle of domestic violence. Through Collaboration, we build strong connections and work collectively to create a safer, more equitable world for all. If you're passionate about making a difference, join us in our mission to empower, thrive, and create positive change together.

What You’ll Do:

The Counseling program provides one-on-one counseling for both moms and children, as well as group programs designed to understand the impacts of domestic violence, increase self-esteem and self-efficacy, improve communication skills and relationships,



and address experiences of trauma.

The Domestic Violence

Counselor - Adult is responsible for facilitating assessments, providing supportive counseling, facilitating groups, supporting community connections, and developing treatment plans aimed at improving the overall well-being and functioning of clients recovering from the trauma of family violence. This position is part of a Housing First case management team and works closely with the Community Housing Program, Shelter Program and Child and Youth Program teams to address a family's practical and emotional needs.

- Perform assessments, formulate treatment plans, and provide support to clients who are recovering from the trauma of family violence and experiencing mental health issues, addictions, and/or other psychosocial concerns.
- Provide support to clients in need of emergency mental health and crisis intervention.
- Facilitate group programming for adults and children and participate in evening programs.
- Effectively manage caseloads, time, and resources to meet client needs and organizational goals.
- Initiate and track referrals to longer-term and specialized treatment options, as needed.
- Collaborate with community agencies and partners to advocate for meeting the needs of clients.
- Initiate and participate in case conferences with necessary parties as required.
- Participate in regular individual and group supervision.
- Establish and maintain appropriate documentation, record keeping, and statistics as required for clinical program standards.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date file notes.
- Maintain an accurate record of time spent with each client, submitted monthly.
- Submit expense records, statistical records, and time reports monthly.
- Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of counseling techniques, assessment methods, and treatment planning, engage in continuous improvement of professional practice.
- Participate in the development of a healthy organizational culture.

This role primarily operates during morning and afternoon hours, with periodic on-call coverage for emergency client situations after hours. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support programs and events. We value flexibility and collaboration to ensure our services meet community needs.

What You’ll Bring:

- Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) plus a related post‑graduate degree in Psychology or other Human/Health Services ). A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related Human/Health Services field is required; An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Minimum 3 years of counselling and assessment experience with vulnerable populations required.
- Working knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice (TIP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques.




- Active registration in good standing with the appropriate professional discipline is required for eligible candidates.
- Effective counselling, assessment, crisis management, and psychosocial intervention skills.
- Training, experience, or certification in Family Therapy an asset
- Knowledge of Housing First and women’s shelters in the non-profit sector.
- Knowledge of family violence as a clinical and social issue related to poverty and homelessness
- Working knowledge of the DSM-IV-TR and DSM 5
- Understanding of Harm Reduction models.
- Working knowledge of Attachment Theory, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and Brain Story Certification is an asset
- Planning, Organizational, and Communication Skills: Demonstrates exceptional planning and organizational abilities, with proven skills in multi-tasking, prioritization, and negotiation. Strong written and oral communication skills enhance collaboration in both independent and team environments.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Possesses strong analytical capabilities and creative problem-solving skills, complemented by effective group facilitation abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office, internet applications, and databases such as Outcome Tracker and/or HMIS.
- Personal Characteristics: Exhibits a positive attitude, high energy, creativity, and flexibility, along with a genuine commitment to the agency's mission, vision, and values. Maintains confidentiality and attention to detail in all aspects of work. Ability to create a safe and trusting therapeutic alliance for clients
- Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required, accompanied by a minimum of $2 million liability insurance coverage and business insurance (or documented provision from the insurer that allows for the occasional transportation of clients).

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check.

TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] stating the job title in the subject line. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We acknowledge the traditional ancestral territory and oral practices of the Treaty 7 signatories, including the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani; the Îyarhe Nakoda Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney; and the Tsuut’ina Nation. The City of Calgary is also home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory, Nose Hill District and Elbow District.

Pay: From $62,500.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
- Work from home

Flexible language requirement:
- French not required

Ability to commute/relocate:
- Calgary, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
- counselling and assessment with vulnerable populations: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:
- ACSW registration (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Domestic Violence Counselor - Adult (Calgary)
🏢 Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society
📍 Calgary