Youth Counsellor, Community Support Team

Job Type: Permanent Full Time Salary: $ – $ hourly Closing Date: December 3, 2025, at 4:30 Reference #: CCS-1126-01 JOB SUMMARY Youth Counsellors work with children, youth twelve to eighteen years of age as well as those who are older who become involved with the youth justice system. The focus of the service is on assessment and treating the issues that led to involvement with the youth justice system, reducing recidivism, completing maintenance plans and addressing mental health concerns. Individual counselling, parent/caregiver counselling, family counselling and psychoeducational group programs may be provided as well as psychological assessments and psychiatric consultations. Youth Counsellors on the Community Support Team (CST) work in partnership with Probation Officers with most clients and may be involved as well with school personnel, Ontario Works and Housing and with other community service providers as needed. CST services are provided in Sault Ste. Marie and throughout the district of Algoma. Counsellors use a collaborative, strength-based, CBT, solution-focused and client & family-centered approach within a context of anti-oppressive practice. MINIMUM EDUCATION/REGISTRATION Bachelor Degree of Social Work or a degree in the Social Sciences Current registration and in good standing with regulated professional college (RSW, RP) is required MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS Thorough knowledge of clinical assessment and treatment strategies for addressing mental health and addictions issues, including adolescent sexual offending behaviours, presented by youth in conflict with the law. Proven ability to develop and apply evidence-informed treatment:a. Cognitive-based therapies that are solution-focused and strengths-basedb. Crisis intervention counseling and supportsc. Psychoeducational and/or psychotherapeutic groupsd. A wide variety of current therapeutic approaches with mental health and addictions issues. Thorough knowledge of current child and adolescent biopsychosocial development and family systems theories, including contributing determinants that place youth at-risk of becoming in conflict with the law. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to, identify concurrent criminogenic factors for at-risk youth and youth in conflict with the law. Demonstrated awareness of psychological and psychiatric needs of youth in conflict with the law. Substantiated ability to develop clinical treatment intervention plans for youth in conflict with the law. Proven ability to provide evidence-informed clinical treatment services and work in a goal-oriented way with youth in conflict with the law, their families and community collaterals in a variety of settings, , community settings, office, detention center. Thorough working knowledge of community resources and an ability to work collaboratively with probation officer, police officer, court workers, and other key resource personnel. Knowledge of:a. Thorough knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice service system and youth sentencing options.b. Relevant legislation such as Youth Criminal Justice Act including extra-judicial measures, the Ontario Mental Health Act, The Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Personal Health Information Privacy Act especially as it relates to youth in conflict with the law, and other current relevant legislation. Demonstrated high level of maturity and interpersonal skills that contribute to quickly establishing rapport and developing strong relationships with adolescents. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with members of an interdisciplinary team and with collateral service providers. Proficiency with:a. Computer software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and computer information management systems. Possession of a valid Ontario Driver’s, License ability to travel within the district of Algoma and use of a personal vehicle. Availability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends. Ability to provide services in both official languages (English/French) is an asset. Full COVID-19 Vaccination. PLEASE SEND YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TOQUOTING REFERENCE # CCS-1126-01. Algoma Family Services (AFS) is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. AFS encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify HR when contacted for an interview.