Location: Quw’utsun Territory

Position Title: PEACE Counsellor

Reporting Relationship: Reports to Clinical Program Manager

Hours: 24 hours a week

Employment Type: Part-time temporary, benefited after probation per CWAVS policy

Location: Evans St, Duncan

Hourly Wage: $30 per hour

Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAVS) is seeking a PEACE Counsellor on a temporary basis until March 31, 2027. The PEACE Program (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling, and Empowerment) holds space for children and youth who have witnessed or experienced violence. Services are offered in ways that honour each child’s lived experience — whether in-office, in community, or on the land.

Our approach recognizes the resilience of children and families while also acknowledging the harms of colonialism, family violence, and systemic inequities. Counsellors co-create safety with children, youth, and caregivers, weaving in stories, teachings, and supports that nurture healing, balance, and stronger relationships.

What CWAVS Offers:

- Work with Purpose: Support children and youth in their healing journeys, helping them to feel seen, safe, and connected.
- Collective Care: Be part of a team that honours staff wellness through support like a weekly self-care hour and reflective supervision.
- Grounded Benefits: Receive a comprehensive benefits package (after probation).
- Relational Growth: Learn and share knowledge within a multidisciplinary team alongside Elders, knowledge keepers, and community partners.

What you will be Doing:

- Provide trauma-informed, culturally secure counselling to children and youth (individual and group).
- Walk alongside caregivers with support and psycho-education, strengthening family safety and healing.
- Facilitate prevention and education workshops aligned with PEACE program values.
- Engage in safety planning,



risk assessment, and advocacy for children and families.
- Deliver services in ways that reduce barriers, including outreach and land-based approaches.
- Keep clear records, case notes, and reports that respect confidentiality and accountability.
- Collaborate with colleagues, schools, Elders, and community partners in the best interests of children and youth.
- Participate in team reflection, consultation, and program development.

Qualifications & Lived Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in Child & Youth Care or related field, with knowledge of family systems and child development theories.
- 2–4 years’ of related experience supporting children and youth, including one-to-one and group facilitation.
- Experience collaborating with caregivers to support family well-being and healing.
- Robust understanding of family violence and its impact on children, youth, and caregivers.
- Ability to apply trauma-informed, client-centred and family systems approaches, with openness to land-based and cultural teachings.
- Demonstrated cultural humility and the ability to build respectful relationships across diverse traditions, beliefs, and protocols.
- Ability to provide support to children and youth both in-office and in community settings.
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently and collectively in a team environment.
- Experience working within women’s organizations or non-profit sector is an asset.





Essential Qualifications:

- Satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check, in accordance with CWAVS policies and funder requirements.
- Valid unrestricted Class 5 driver’s license.

About Cowichan Women Against Violence Society

CWAVS has been serving the Cowichan Valley for over 45 years, providing shelter, crisis response, counselling, advocacy, and prevention services. Our work is grounded in safety, dignity, and connection, and we are committed to fostering a workplace where staff feel supported, respected, and able to do meaningful work together. We value lived experience and recognize multiple pathways to expertise.

CWAVS Values & Commitment

CWAVS is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples, as well as individuals from equity-seeking communities, persons with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

CWAVS also holds a human rights special program exemption under the BC Human Rights Code, which allows us to give preference to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) applicants for this position.

We welcome applicants who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a commitment to relational healing and community accountability. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact us.

How to Apply

Please email your resume and a cover letter to:
Email: [email protected]

Subject line: Your Name – Temporary PEACE Counsellor

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

📌 Temporary PEACE Counsellor (Duncan)
🏢 Cowichan Women Against Violence (CWAV) Society
📍 Duncan