Concurrent Disorder Counsellor, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services - Nanaimo, BC

Job summary

Provide individualized therapeutic counselling, crisis intervention, and group therapy for incarcerated clients with mental health and substance use needs. Develop and review treatment plans, coordinate referrals and discharge care with inter-professional teams and community agencies, and advocate for clients’ recovery goals.

Job details

Nanaimo, Canada Temporary,Part-Time Apply Save job Program Share on social media Category Social Work Requisition number 202806E Date posted 10/07/2026 Concurrent Disorder Counsellor BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services Nanaimo, BC This Temporary, Full-time opportunity is with Nanaimo Correctional Centre located in Nanaimo, BC. What Is Correctional Health Services Correctional Health Services is a province-wide, specialized program providing care for clients who are incarcerated in one of BC’s 10 provincial correctional facilities. We believe everyone deserves a chance to access and receive the same quality of care as they would in the community. Discover what it means to be apart of the Correctional Health Services team. Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services! What You’ll Do Provide trauma informed individualized therapeutic counselling services including crisis intervention and stabilization, in alignment with evidence-based practice, including comprehensive assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, motivational interviewing and therapy, social skills training and relapse prevention. Facilitate psycho-education and process oriented group therapy, with an assigned number of clients using methods such as reviewing learning needs; assisting with understanding of illness(es); teaching containment skills, relapse prevention and coping strategies; suggesting positive behavior modifications, encouraging socialization, social skill development, and behavioural modeling; providing education regarding health care for immune compromised and disadvantaged clients to maintain physical well-being; and supporting patients and their families to take responsibility for their health through education, collaboration, and goal setting. Participate in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans by methods such as working with clients to develop their goals for treatment and the criteria to measure progress towards these goals, collecting data from these criteria, and meeting with clients on a regular basis to review progress, and evaluating the treatment plan as required. Perform enrollment to programs according to established protocols by methods such as working with the inter-professional team and BC Corrections staff to identify appropriate clients for interventions, preparing discharge planning information and resources that will assist clients in their ongoing recovery and treatment, and meeting with clients, and referring/after-care agencies to gather information. Liaises with referring/after-care agencies (community clinics, professionals, private practitioners) to facilitate treatment planning and discharge care. Act as an advocate for clients during inter-professional team meetings to evaluate and change the treatment plan; complete forms relevant to ongoing and after care planning and gather information from substance use and mental health resources, and refer clients to other services as required to assist clients in reaching their treatment goals. Qualifications What you bring Master’s Degree in an allied health discipline (counselling and/or social work) from an approved and accredited post-secondary institution. Three (3) years’ of recent related clinical experience, including at least one (1) years’ experience in a concurrent disorder, substance use or mental health program providing therapeutic individual and group counselling. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system. Core Competencies Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic. Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). Skills & Knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of substance dependence and concurrent disorder. Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects), trauma informed practice, and chronic disease such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Demonstrated skill in and experience with motivational interviewing/therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Broad knowledge of adult education principles, methods and tools. Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in group dynamics, individual counselling and family therapy. Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate and coach clients. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and good interpersonal communication and public relation skills. Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers. Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. What We Bring Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home. Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees. Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more. PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position). Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more. Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (until September 11, 2027 or until return of incumbent) Wage: $44.85 - $56.02 per hour Location: 3945 Biggs Rd, Nanaimo, BC Hours of Work: Monday - Friday; 0800 - 1600 Requisition # 202806E Please indicate in your cover letter why you are interested in joining our team at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre! What We Do BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges. BCMHSUS program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study. Attention Current Employees Of PHSA You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca. Please note the internal job posting has expired. Please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days. If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca. Apply Save job Back to search result SVG Internal job portal Current employees must apply through the internal job portal (link is external) . If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca (link sends email) with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. SVG PHSA’s values and Coast Salish Teachings PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence. PHSA’s values are: Compassion, Respect, Equity, Courage, Innovation. In addition, PHSA accepted six Coast Salish Teachings from Coast Salish Knowledge Keeper Shane Pointe, Siem Te’ta-in. Learn more about PHSA’s values and teachings Back to top Sign up for job alerts SVG Learn about new career opportunities Be the first to know about new jobs at PHSA with recent postings sent straight to you! 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Locations AbbotsfordBurnabyCampbell RiverChilliwackCoquitlamCourtenayCranbrookDawson CreekDuncanFernieFort St. JohnHopeKamloopsKelownaLadnerLangleyMaple RidgeMissionNanaimoNelsonNew WestminsterNorth VancouverNorthern BcOliverParksvillePembertonPentictonPort CoquitlalmPort CoquitlamPort MoodyPowell RiverPrince GeorgeRichmondSaanichtonSalmon ArmSecheltSquamishSurreyVancouverVernonVictoriaWhistlerWhite Rock Abbotsford Burnaby Campbell River Chilliwack Coquitlam Courtenay Cranbrook Dawson Creek Duncan Fernie Fort St. John Hope Kamloops Kelowna Ladner Langley Maple Ridge Mission Nanaimo Nelson New Westminster Northern Bc North Vancouver Oliver Parksville Pemberton Penticton Port Coquitlalm Port Coquitlam Port Moody Powell River Prince George Richmond Saanichton Salmon Arm Sechelt Squamish Surrey Vancouver Vernon Victoria Whistler White Rock Your personal information is collected, used, and disclosed only for the purposes of delivering updates to you about career opportunities. 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What you’ll do

Provide individualized therapeutic counselling, crisis intervention, and group therapy for incarcerated clients with mental health and substance use needs. Develop and review treatment plans, coordinate referrals and discharge care with inter-professional teams and community agencies, and advocate for clients’ recovery goals.

Requirements

Requires a master’s degree in counselling, social work, or another allied health discipline and three years of recent related clinical experience, including at least one year in a concurrent disorder, substance use, or mental health program. Candidates must demonstrate counselling expertise and knowledge of substance dependence, trauma-informed care, Indigenous-specific anti-racism, cultural safety, and relevant legislation and commitments.

Benefits

• Professional Development Opportunities
• In-House Training Courses
• Flexible Work Options
• WorkPerks Discount Program

Listed skills

• crisis intervention · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Concurrent Disorder Counselling
• Substance Use Counselling
• Mental Health Counselling
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Crisis Intervention
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Group Therapy
• Individual Counselling
• Family Therapy
• Relapse Prevention
• Treatment Planning
• Discharge Planning
• Indigenous Cultural Safety
• Anti-Racism

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector

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