Job Description
- Position Title: Clinical Skills & Group Practice Instructor – Distance Learning
- Department: Academic Faculty
- Reports To: Campus Director / Academic Director
- Institution: Vancouver College of Counsellor Training (VCCT)
Position Summary
The Clinical Skills & Group Practice Instructor facilitates interactive clinical skills training sessions for students enrolled in VCCT's distance-learning counselling programs. The role focuses on helping students develop applied counselling competencies through role-play exercises, group supervision, ethics discussions, and simulated counselling scenarios.
The instructor supports students in translating theoretical knowledge into practical counselling skills including reflective listening, empathy, emotional attunement, ethical decision-making, and therapeutic communication. The role also includes facilitating group therapy simulations and preparing students for practicum placements, ensuring students are professionally prepared for real-world counselling environments.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Skills Training
- Facilitate live online clinical skills practice sessions for distance-learning students.
- Conduct role-play simulations of counselling scenarios.
- Teach and demonstrate counselling micro-skills including reflective listening, empathy, rapport building, and therapeutic communication.
Provide constructive feedback to support student skill development.
- Group Therapy Simulation & Supervision
- Facilitate group counselling role-play sessions to help students practice group facilitation techniques.
- Act as Group Supervisor, observing student-led group sessions and providing reflective feedback.
- Support student understanding of group dynamics, participation management, and therapeutic group processes.
Ethics & Professional Practice
- Facilitate case discussions and ethical scenario analysis relevant to counselling practice.
- Guide students in applying ethical frameworks, confidentiality standards, and professional boundaries.
Practicum Preparation
- Support students in preparing for practicum placements.
- Respond to student questions related to practicum expectations and readiness.
- Guide students on professional behaviour, client interaction, documentation practices, and ethical conduct in counselling environments.
Interactive Learning & Student Engagement
- Use virtual learning platforms to facilitate breakout room discussions and supervised practice sessions.
- Create experiential learning activities that strengthen counselling competencies.
- Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that supports meaningful learning.
Qualifications
Education
- Master's degree in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
- Diploma in Counselling with significant professional experience may be considered.
Professional Credentials
Active professional designation such as Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors or equivalent (e.g., CCC with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association).
Must hold a recognized Clinical Supervisor designation or supervisor training enabling supervision of counselling students.
Must be in good standing with their professional association.
Experience
- Experience providing counselling or psychotherapy services.
- Experience facilitating group counselling or group therapy sessions.
- Experience mentoring or supervising students or trainees.
- Experience facilitating skills-based training for adult learners.
- Familiarity with online teaching platforms and breakout-room facilitation.
Core Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
- Ability to guide experiential learning and counselling practice
- Competence in group counselling facilitation
- Ability to provide constructive supervision and feedback
- Strong ethical awareness and professional judgment
- Ability to create psychologically safe learning environments
Working Conditions
- Remote instructional delivery through VCCT's virtual learning platform.
- Sessions conducted in an interactive online format.
- Scheduling based on program cohort requirements.
Growth Opportunity
VCCT is a growing institution committed to developing strong faculty members. Instructors who demonstrate exceptional teaching quality, student engagement, and alignment with VCCT's academic standards may be considered for expanded responsibilities and increased teaching hours, with the potential to transition into a full-time instructional role as program needs grow.
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