Youth Counselor

**Job Title**:Full-Time Youth Counsellor

**Reports to**:Manager of Youth Services

**Job Summary**:
The staff of the Kingston Youth Shelter and Transition Homes maintain a clean, safe, and supportive environment. They provide daily support and counselling at our emergency shelter and transitional homes. We work as a team between the shelter and transition homes to assist residents to secure permanent housing, employment, and education. We assist in referring the youth to appropriate resources in the community as well as provide motivational counselling.The Full-Time Youth Counsellors must have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to make critical decisions when working on their own. We assist in referring the youth to appropriate resources in the community as well as provide motivational counselling. Full-Time Youth Counsellors are expected to have the required skill set to respond to crisis situations and to resolve conflicts. All Full-Time Youth Counsellors will respond directly to crisis situations and resolve conflicts. All Full-Time Youth Counsellors will report directly to the Manager of Youth Services.

**Time Commitment & Remuneration**

The Full-Time Youth Counsellor position consists of a 40-hours per pay period on a rotation including evenings, nights, and weekends. Full-time Youth Counsellors might have to be on call at times throughout the year when the Manager of Youth Services and Executive Director are unavailable. The Full-Time Youth Counsellors might be asked to come in to work during emergency situations. Wages and benefits are as per the Collective Agreement. This is a unionized position.

**Major Responsibilities**
- Provide counselling and support to youth in a non-judgemental manner at all our sites.
- Offer support and advocacy to assist all residents (emergency shelter and transitional homes) to follow through with the options they choose.
- Teach life/living skills while role-modelling appropriate behaviour and positive communication.
- Provide information to our youth about services available to them.
- Keep clear and concise written documentation in all house logs, resident files, and any associated paperwork.
- Keep up to date documentation in the electronic record system.
- Keep HIFIS up to date on a daily basis.
- Supervise placement students.
- Keep the Manager of Youth Services or designate informed immediately of any developments, concerns, or problems which may arise that may not otherwise be dealt with through the regular routines.
- Notify the Manager of Youth Services of all critical incidents.
- Target Area Assignment.
- Cleaning and keeping all sites in a presentable condition.
- Perform all requested tasks by the Manager of Youth Services or designate.
- This position may require transportation between sites when necessary.

**Minimum Requirements**
- Strong counselling skills
- Degree or Diploma in a Human Services or related field as approved by the Manager of Youth Services and Executive Director
- Current First Aid/CPR
- Minimum of 2 years experience
- Current CPIC with Vulnerable Sector

**Desirable Skills/Experience**
- ASIST
- Non-violent crisis intervention
- Mental Health First Aid
- Trauma Informed Training

**Please Note: This position will be dependent on ongoing funding from City of Kingston/United Way**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $21.00-$24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Morning shift
- Night shift
- On call
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

- Overtime pay

**Education**:

- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Work Location: In person