Mental Health Counsellor

About this position

                                           YOUTH ASSISTING YOUTH IS GROWING!!!

                                                        Mental Health Counsellor

Youth Assisting Youth (YAY) is seeking an experienced Counsellor to provide counselling and therapeutic support to children/youth mentees, ages 6 to 15, and their families, as well youth mentors, ages 16 to 29. The Counsellor will address a range of mental health issues, including emotional, behavioural and/or psychiatric symptoms that are impacting them at home, school, socially and/or in the community. Intervention strategies and supports are determined following a thorough intake and assessment.  

• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccinations and booster is required.
• This position is On-Site with occasional remote work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the design and development of a counselling and self-care program and process for existing client children, youth and families, including program structure, intake forms, etc.
• Provide virtual and in-person counselling sessions to children/youth mentees, ages 6 to 15, and their families, offering therapeutic support to address and resolve presenting issues
• Provide virtual and in-person counselling sessions to youth mentors, ages 16 to 29, offering therapeutic support to address and resolve presenting issues
• Facilitate virtual and in-person group counselling sessions to children, youth and families
• Provide a variety of intake, assessment, support, consultation and treatment plans / services to children, youth and families using evidence-based and /or evidence-informed practices
• Coordinate and facilitate youth and family mental health self-care workshops
• Focus on the delivery of a therapeutic experience while always applying the appropriate lens to access mental health issues
• Work cooperatively with Case Coordinators and the Program Team at large to develop appropriate treatment plans / services, including referrals to external programs and supports
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues focused on building individual, team and agency success
• Update and maintain client files and records, including case notes on the CYSIS database
• Meet scheduled deadlines and program demands, including clinical reports and monthly statistical reports
• Be part of the Emergency On-Call Team on a rotating basis as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social work or related discipline, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant clinical experience in family, individual and parent-child counselling, as well as experience leading groups
• Must be registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) as a Social Worker, or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience within a child and youth mental health setting
• Strong experience and knowledge regarding child and youth mental health and issues and learning disabilities
• Suicide risk assessment and intervention skills
• Demonstrated sound judgement related to the development of collaborative approaches working with children, youth and families
• Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices
• Experience facilitating groups and workshops
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work as part of a team
• Strong understanding and knowledge of issues faced by immigrants and new Canadians
• Demonstrated knowledge of community and newcomer services organizations
• Fluency in a second language is considered a strong asset
• Willing to work some evenings and occasional weekends
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel), Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Calendar, G Drive), client database management, etc.
• Must have a valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle
• Current First Aid and CPR certificate or be willing to obtain
• Police Criminal Reference and Vulnerable Sector Screen Check is required

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time position. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

If you are dedicated to having a positive impact in the lives of children and youth, and interested in joining a dynamic team at Youth Assisting Youth, please forward your resume with a cover letter to Suhaila Ali, Program Manager, Youth Assisting Youth sali@yay.org.  We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for interview will be contacted.

About Youth Assisting Youth:

Youth Assisting Youth grows the leaders of tomorrow through peer mentorship of at-risk and newcomer youth. For over 46 years, it has paired volunteer young adult mentors aged 16-29, with youth ages 6-15 to engage in activities to develop mind, body, character, and leadership skills. Our non-profit connects volunteers to meaningful mentorship experiences that profoundly impact the most vulnerable youth and their families in communities across the City of Toronto and York Region.

COVID-19 considerations:

Vaccination is a key element in the protection against the hazards of COVID-19. YAY has adopted a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Employees, seasonal/part-time staff, volunteers & youth are required to be fully vaccinated with a booster.