Term: Start as soon as possible through the end of the existing contract on February 28, 2028, with the possibility of extension.

Compensation: $28.90/hour, plus comprehensive extended benefits and a retirement plan after successful completion of probation.

Schedule: Flexibility for day, evening and weekend work is required.

About Impact and the role

Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society supports youth and families affected by substance use, mental health challenges and systemic inequities through community-led programs grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed practice and cultural safety.

We are seeking a Grief & Loss Counsellor to develop and deliver individual and group support for youth under 30 and their families who have lost a loved one to drug poisoning. The role combines youth-centred counselling with outreach, community partnerships and program development.

Toxic drug poisoning losses can be sudden, traumatic and repeated. Support must recognize cumulative grief, survivor guilt, stigma and disenfranchised grief—loss that is not fully acknowledged or supported by others. We value compassionate, non-judgmental care for people who use drugs and the people who love them.

Counselling and grief support

- Provide individual and group grief counselling for youth under 30 and their families, using trauma-informed, culturally secure and harm reduction approaches.
- Develop a grief support program responsive to youth and family needs; facilitate peer support groups, workshops and family-centred healing activities.
- Support people navigating traumatic and cumulative loss, survivor guilt, isolation and stigma, including young people who use drugs and have lost peers.
- Use creative approaches such as art, music,



storytelling and mindfulness within the counsellor’s training and scope of practice.
- Connect participants with additional mental health, substance use, cultural and practical supports; maintain confidential records and participate in consultation and team meetings.

Outreach and community partnerships

- Reach grieving youth through accessible community outreach, with particular attention to underserved young people and those facing systemic barriers.
- Build relationships with schools, community organizations and Indigenous-led initiatives; collaborate with Foundry, Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH), Impact programs and other partners to coordinate support and referrals.
- Organize community events and education that support collective grieving and reduce stigma associated with substance use and drug poisoning deaths.

Resource development and evaluation

- Create accessible grief and bereavement resources, including print and digital materials.
- Track participant engagement and program impact, gather feedback and contribute to program improvements, reports and funding applications as needed.

Qualifications and experience

- Valid class 5 license and a reliable vehicle
- Criminal records check and vulnerable sector search
- A degree in counselling, social work, psychology or a related field, or equivalent experience in grief counselling, bereavement support or trauma-informed care.
- A strong background in grief, loss,



trauma and youth mental health, including experience with youth affected by substance use, homelessness or systemic barriers.
- Understanding of the toxic drug crisis, harm reduction, traumatic and cumulative grief, and stigma associated with substance use-related deaths.
- Knowledge of Indigenous healing practices and cultural safety is highly desirable, alongside a commitment to cultural humility and anti-oppressive practice.
- Strong relationship-building, communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- A valid BC driver’s licence and reliable transportation.

Lived and living experience and inclusion

We recognize lived and living experience as expertise and encourage applicants whose experiences of substance use, grief, loss or systems involvement inform their work. Impact is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace rooted in Indigenous principles and anti-oppressive practice.

How to apply

Email your résumé and a cover letter describing your relevant experience and why this work matters to you to [email protected].

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only applications with a detailed cover letter will be considered.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $28.90 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Work from home

Application question(s):
- Did you read the "How to Apply" section?

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Abbotsford, BC V2S 3T2

📌 Youth Grief Counsellor -Cover letter req (Abbotsford)
🏢 Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society
📍 Abbotsford