Child and Youth Counsellor

Organization name: Watari Counselling & Support Services.

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia.

Job opening: Child and Youth Counsellor.

Working hours: Part-time, 25 hours per week.

Pay: $31 per hour + extended health benefits after successfully completing a 3-month probation period.

 Internal-external posting

About Watari Counselling & Support Services

Watari was developed in 1986 as a response to the lack of services and programs for high-risk street-involved youth in Vancouver. Since then, Watari has helped thousands of people in the Downtown Eastside and the surrounding communities, through several youth and community programs as well as through our counselling team. Over the years, Watari has developed important programs not only for youth but for everyone needing support here in the community, including Indigenous people and migrant workers. Our 320 Alexander kitchen and wellness Centre have become important staples in the community as well. Although much has changed over the years, Watari continues to be a safe and supportive place for the people in the community. Today, Watari has essential programs made possible by the dedicated staff, and amazing volunteers and community partners!

Watari’s mission statement

Our mission is to facilitate meaningful change and provide a bridge to healthier possibilities through innovative, community-driven and supportive programming.

Benefits of working with Watari

●             Start with 2 weeks paid vacation (receive 1 day of additional vacation time for every year you work at Watari, up to 11 years).

●             Receive additional paid time off (up to 126 hours of additional paid time off per year for full-time employees, pro-rated for part-time employees).

●             Become eligible to receive comprehensive extended health benefits after completing a 3-month probationary period.

●             Become eligible to receive RRSPs after completing 1 year of work at Watari (3%).

●             Access to training and professional development opportunities which are paid for by Watari.

●             Access to free counselling services with certified and experienced counsellors.

●             Access free lunches when you work at the office.

●             Have the ability to work in a multicultural and engaging work environment.

Job description.

The Child and Youth counsellor role is to support children and youth under the age of 30 in the Downtown Eastside Community using a person-centered approach that allows the individual to be in control of the therapy. The counsellor's role is to create a safe and judgement-free environment to help the PWS feel supported in the therapy. The counsellor will use various methods of self-expression such as words, art or playing. The counsellor must be aware of Code of Ethics and Confidentiality clauses. 

Essential duties and responsibilities.

·                     Taking care of the space you are using- cleaning up after each individual that uses the space

·                     Providing 50-minute sessions with individuals with the counsellors full and undivided attention

·                     Writing clinical notes after every session

·                     Be in contact with social workers, teachers and parents as needed

·                     Do intakes of potential PWS

·                     Monthly statistics 

·                     Doing research on methods of art and play therapy

·                     Gathering supplies 

·                     Coordinating scheduling and being in contact with PWS outside of counselling sessions 

·                     Attending bi-weekly intake meetings and supervision

·                     Documenting artwork done by PWS

·                     Education on methods of communication and support.

Qualifications and other requirements for applicants.

·                     A bachelor’s degree or diploma in Counselling, Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

·                     Certification or additional training in play therapy, art therapy, or trauma-informed care is an asset.

·                     Minimum 1-2 years of experience working with children and youth in counselling, mentorship, or support roles.

·                     Experience with vulnerable populations, particularly in marginalized communities such as the Downtown Eastside.

·                     Familiarity with the Code of Ethics and Confidentiality clauses in counselling.

·                     Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, harm reduction, and person-centered approaches.

·                     Awareness of cultural safety and diversity when working with individuals from various backgrounds.

·                     Ability to pass a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector screening.

·                     Current First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.

Preferred skills and experience for applicants.

·                     Strong ability to use various therapy modalities, including play therapy and art therapy.

·                     Proficiency in coordinating scheduling and maintaining accurate statistics and documentation.

·                     Ability to manage time effectively, including balancing counselling sessions, preparation, and administrative tasks.

·                     Experience working in low-resource settings or with nonprofit organizations.

·                     Bilingual or multilingual abilities to support diverse populations. 

Watari’s statement of diversity & inclusion.

Watari embraces diversity as an integral part of being a caring community. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse, accessible, civil, and supportive environment by including diversity of religion, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, and socioeconomic class.

To this end, we will make positive efforts to reach out to groups that have traditionally been under-represented and who can enrich and be enriched by their experience at Watari. At Watari, we encourage behaviours that enhance the freedom and respect that every individual deserves.

How to apply?

This position requires a person who can provide honest, respectful care, community outreach, and advocate for participants. If you believe that you have the above-named skills and abilities, please forward your resume and cover letter to:                                                                    

ht@watari.ca

Closing date: January  31th, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

Watari is an equal opportunity employer, Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBTQ2S+, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Thank you to all applicants in advance, only those who are short-listed will be contacted.

Facilitating positive change in our community