The Kettle Society supports people with mental illness to lead healthier lives by providing support services, advocacy, employment, and mentoring and housing. We work to raise awareness of mental health issues, break down stigma and reduce barriers for people with mental illness. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of people living with mental illness in all aspects of society.
Mental Health Counsellor - Summer Student Job
Purpose of Role
To provide supervised counselling support to adults experiencing mental health difficulties, as part of the student’s professional training. The role focuses on developing clinical skills while contributing to client wellbeing.
Who can take part
To take part in Canada Summer Job (CSJ), you must:
be aged between 15 and 30 years old (at the start of your summer job)
be a Canadian Citizen, a permanent resident, or someone who has been officially given refugee protection in Canada and
be legally allowed to work in Canada
this includes having a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the start of your summer job
You can’t take part if:
you’re an international student (here temporarily for school and not a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee in Canada)
you’re still waiting for a refugee decision, or if you only have a visitor visa, youth visa, or work visa
Fun Fact: When it opened in 1997, Peggy’s Place was the first of its kind in all of Canada.
Organization:
The Kettle Friendship Society
Status:
Full-Time (Anticipated length of placement: June 1 to July 24, 2026)
Hours and Days:
Monday to Friday (35 hours per week) (9:00AM to 4:00PM)
Salary & Compensation:
$18.25 per hour
Key Responsibilities
Client Work:
Provide one-to-one counselling sessions to adults presenting with a range of mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma histories, stress).
Conduct initial assessments where appropriate and support clients in identifying goals for therapy.
Apply counselling theories and skills within the limits of competency and in accordance with training requirements.
Maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries and uphold ethical standards.
Monitor risk indicators and escalate concerns to supervisors or designated staff immediately.
Documentation & Administration:
Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely session notes and client records following organizational policies.
Complete assessment forms, treatment notes, and reflective logs as required by both the placement provider and the training institution.
Participate in outcome-measure collection or service evaluation activities when required.
Supervision & Professional Development
Attend regular clinical supervision (group and/or individual), as mandated by training standards.
Engage in reflective practice to develop clinical skills and professional identity.
Participate in required training, workshops, and continuing professional development activities.
Seek support and guidance when working with complex client presentations.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Work collaboratively with other mental health professionals while respecting the limits of the trainee role.
Attend team meetings, case reviews, and briefings when appropriate.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, managers, and multidisciplinary team members about relevant client issues, particularly risks or safeguarding concerns.
Ethical & Safeguarding Responsibilities
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team (e.g., mental health workers, clinical coordinator).
Communicate appropriately and sensitively with clients who may have varying levels of mental health symptoms.
Escalate any concerns regarding client safety, risk, or wellbeing to supervising staff.
Ethical & Safeguarding Responsibilities
Adhere to ethical framework and code of conduct
Follow Kettle Society policies regarding safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection.
Recognize limitations of competence, and refer or escalate cases beyond training level.
Qualifications & Requirements
Currently enrolled in an accredited counselling or psychotherapy training program (usually diploma or master’s level).
Completion of prerequisite training hours such as basic counselling skills or readiness-to-practice assessments.
Eligibility for student membership with a relevant professional body preferred.
Skills & Attributes
Strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
Empathy, warmth, and the ability to build therapeutic rapport.
Commitment to non-judgmental and culturally sensitive practice.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Capacity for self-awareness, reflection, and openness to feedback.
Good organizational skills, including timely completion of notes and supervision preparation.
Why The Kettle?
The Kettle appreciates and acknowledges the land in which we live and work on as unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We welcome all applicants regardless of Indigenous identity, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence that is unrelated to the employment of that person.
Please do not contact the employer directly as only short listed candidates will be contacted by our People & Culture Team. We appreciate your interest in our organization.