Children Matter Community Services is seeking a Clinical Team Lead to support children and youth with complex mental health needs while providing hands-on guidance, coaching and support to the staff who care for them.

Young people in our programs may experience self-harm, thoughts of suicide, emotional regulation challenges and trauma-related distress. We are looking for a compassionate clinical professional who can build trusting relationships with youth and staff, translate clinical knowledge into everyday practice and help teams navigate challenging situations with confidence and care.

Our philosophy is grounded in relationships, connection and belonging. Caring for our staff is an essential part of caring for youth. Through regular check-ins, practical teaching and opportunities to reflect and learn, you will help staff feel heard, valued and supported—strengthening their ability to create that same experience for young people.

Key responsibilities

Individualized care and clinical support

- Build therapeutic relationships with youth and include their perspectives, strengths and goals in care planning.
- Provide mental health assessments and interventions within your professional scope.
- Support Program Managers in developing and reviewing service plans, safety plans and crisis response approaches.
- Help teams recognize changes in mental health, respond to distress and understand when urgent assessment or emergency assistance is needed.
- Translate clinical recommendations into practical approaches for everyday routines, relationships and activities.
- Support coping skills, emotional regulation and meaningful participation in family, school and community life.
- Coordinate medication-related concerns with prescribers, pharmacists and program teams within your professional scope.

Staff coaching and practice support

- Provide hands-on coaching, modelling and practical teaching to residential staff.
- Help staff understand the needs underlying behaviours and respond with compassion, consistency and clear boundaries.
- Facilitate case discussions and reflective debriefs that identify learning and improvements in care.
- Support training in trauma-informed care, therapeutic engagement, self-harm response, suicide prevention and de-escalation.
- Work with Program Managers to identify learning needs and strengthen consistent practice across shifts.
- Encourage staff to seek guidance and communicate concerns early.

Care coordination and relationships





- Participate in case conferences with youth, families, caregivers, MCFD workers and other involved professionals.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with mental health services, primary care, hospitals and community supports.
- Support coordinated transitions, including planning following hospital stays.
- Advocate for access to appropriate assessment, treatment and resources.
- Work alongside Indigenous youth, families, and chosen cultural supports to reflect cultural identity and connection in care.
- Identify unmet needs and bring recommendations to program leadership.

Required qualifications Applicants must hold one of the following credentials, with current practising registration or designation in valuable standing:

- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) registered with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, with relevant mental health experience.
- Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designated through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, with a relevant master’s degree.

You will also bring:

- At least three years of relevant clinical experience, including supporting children or youth with complex mental health needs.
- Experience supporting young people who may experience self-harm or thoughts of suicide.
- Experience coaching, mentoring or providing practice guidance to colleagues.
- Demonstrated competence in assessment, collaborative safety planning and crisis intervention within your professional scope.
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed, attachment-informed and relationship-based care.
- The ability to communicate clinical information clearly and translate it into practical staff guidance.
- Knowledge of culturally safe care for Indigenous children and youth, with a commitment to cultural humility and ongoing learning.
- Strong documentation, communication and organizational skills.
- An unrestricted Class 5 driver’s licence and a driver’s abstract meeting CMCS requirements.




- The ability to obtain and maintain required criminal record and MCFD screening clearances.

Applicants with a degree in social work, child and youth care, psychology or a related human services field, combined with substantial experience supporting youth with complex mental health needs and supervising teams, may also be considered. A relevant diploma supported by extensive experience and specialized mental health training may be considered on an individual basis but will not be given preference. Experience that would be an asset

- Work in staffed homes, child and adolescent psychiatry, crisis services or community mental health.
- Familiarity with the SHSS model and supporting children and youth in care.
- Training in suicide intervention, DBT-informed approaches or other relevant evidence-informed practices.
- Experience supporting neurodivergent youth or young people with concurrent mental health and substance use needs.
- Experience facilitating staff education and reflective case discussions.

Who will thrive in this role? You bring warmth, curiosity and sound judgment. You can offer clear guidance during difficult situations while listening to the people involved.

You understand that meaningful care grows through everyday relationships. By helping staff feel valued, supported and confident, you strengthen their ability to offer youth the same care and connection.

At our agency, we're not just offering a job; we're building a community that prioritizes the joy of work and the ongoing development of each team member. We understand that true success comes from a harmonious balance between work and life, and we're committed to fostering an environment that supports your well-being.

Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your professional credentials, experience supporting youth with complex mental health needs, and approach to leading a team.

Children Matter Community Services welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment process.

Pay: $42.00-$48.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Wellness program

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
- Crisis support and: 3 years (required)
- Management: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:
- MHFA, First Aid, MANDT, or NVCI (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Clinical Team Lead (Chilliwack)
🏢 Children Matter Community Services
📍 Chilliwack