Department Head - Counselling



Department Head - Counselling

Salary

$53.97 - $86.49 Hourly

Location

Vancouver

Job Type

Faculty

Job Number

26-00053

Department

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Opening Date

05/14/2026

Closing Date

6/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

Faculty

PClass #

F9881

Employment Type

Full-Time

Position Type

Temporary

Position End Date - For Temporary Positions

03/31/2027

We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.

For over 60 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.

At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.

We value lived experience and encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. Come join the VCC community as we shape the future together.

Position Summary

The position is responsible for the coordination, supervision and direction of the curriculum and instruction within their departments and programs; for establishing liaison between the latter and other College departments and programs, as well as external organizations, institutions and businesses. In addition they are responsible for participating on college and provincial committees. This position is a faculty position and is therefore covered by the Collective Agreement between the College and the Vancouver Community College Faculty Association. The position shall be evaluated during the incumbent’s probationary year and the incumbent shall have a Performance Appraisal conducted thereafter in accordance with procedures set under the Collective Agreement. In order that the administration of the department will be covered during the year, the position will ensure that someone will act in their capacity during any absence. The specific responsibilities listed below are not intended to be a complete and definitive listing. The incumbent is expected to use their discretion and initiative to deal with situations as they arise and to assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Additionally, some of the duties may be delegated to individuals within the department.

Duties & Responsibilities

PROGRAM CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 

  • Be responsible for and ensure the department and programs: 
  • maintain an appropriate quality of instruction. 
  • achieve the objectives of each course and cover the planned curriculum of each course
  • ensure that the department uses appropriate methods of assessment. 
  • participate in the evaluation of the faculty and support staff (as per the Collective Agreement). 
  • develop Program Content Guides. 
  • approve (and in some instances develop) Course Outlines. 
  • Assume responsibility for the supervision of faculty and support staff during all shifts and locations of instruction in the department. 
  • Anticipate changes in faculty complement within the department and advise the Dean/Director.
  • Provide an auxiliary instructor if, and when, necessary. 
  • Serve on recommendation committees which assist in the appointment of faculty and support staff. 
  • Establish department duty and vacation schedules in cooperation with faculty members. 
  • Participate in meetings. 
FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENT RELATIONS 
  • Maintain liaison with other Department Heads to discuss and interpret points of view, problems and practices. 
  • Convene meetings of faculty members within the department on a regular basis. 
  • Keep members of the department informed about College developments. 
  • Establish committees and delegate duties and responsibilities to committees within the department as necessary. 
  • Coordinate and equitably delegate appropriate administrative duties and responsibilities to Assistant Department Heads, Coordinators I, faculty and support staff. 
  • Advise students of available resources (Counselling, Admissions, Student Loans, etc.) and act in liaison with them. 
  • Assist in resolving internal department conflicts. 
  • Call on the resources of the College, if necessary, to guide and assist new faculty members with instructional skills. 
  • Orient new instructors and support staff to the Department. 
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
  • Maintain liaison with educational institutions, industry, commerce and government. 
  • Assist in staff and professional development. 
  • Aid in placing graduates in employment. 
  • Assist in the provision and maintenance of adequate facilities and equipment for instruction. 
  • Advise and assist in department budgeting and planning. 
  • Guide the development of course and curriculum materials. 
  • Assist in the development of instructor and student recruitment advertisements. 
  • Participate in ongoing program review.
ADMINISTRATION 
  • If requested, carry out the other duties and responsibilities. 
  • Recommend any desired changes in courses and/or programs to the Dean/Director. 
  • Ensure appropriate representation at standing provincial articulation and Program Advisory Committee meetings. 
  • Prepare, submit, and monitor the department's budget. 
  • Authorize expenditure of budgeted funding by signing requisitions. 
  • Evaluate term and probationary faculty and support staff. Oversee the Performance Appraisal of faculty/support staff as required.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, or equivalent, supplemented by recent professional counselling experience.
A minimum of three years counselling experience in a comprehensive community college is preferred.
Good knowledge of community services, the public school and the post-secondary education system.
Proven ability to work as a member of a counsellor team as well as independently.
Must be generalists, i.e. skilled and professionally prepared to undertake the counselling of any student.
Must be specialists in some area so as to be able to act as resources to each other as well as provide specialized services.
Possess theoretical knowledge and skills to provide career counselling to an adult student population.

Vancouver Community College is committed to maintaining a work force that represents the diverse community we serve and we encourage all qualified applicants.

At VCC, we believe that true progress cannot be made without also furthering equity, accessibility, and reconciliation. These values have strongly informed our vision for the future and shows in our inclusive benefits package that reflects our commitment to inclusion, wellness, and development. 

** Eligibility and entitlements may vary based on the employment group, position type and length of employment** 

We offer the following benefits: 

  • Extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage including Prescription Drugs

  • Employee Assistance Program that supports emotional health and well-being
  • Basic Life, AD&D and Disability Insurance
  • Vacation package including additional time off during college winter closure 
  • Employer paid defined benefit pension plan 
  • Tuition waivers for courses at VCC, subject to space availability  
  • Professional development funds 
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing events and workshops

Employer
Vancouver Community College (BC)