Employment Counsellor

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports.

**This is contract role ending March, 2026.**

The Employment Counsellor’s**role is to provide support through pre-employment counselling and employment placement opportunities to youth who self-identify with mental health barriers. The Employment Counselor promotes the 360˚kids’ STEP (Success Through Employment Program) program to employers and the community, bringing awareness to the benefits of mentoring youth to attain their goals; researches and cold calls employers to obtain job leads and community information; and builds relationships creating access for youth to employment while ensuring successful job matching.

**Key responsibilities**:

- Assist youth with employment/employability skills including but not limited to: job search skills and interview techniques, resume preparation, career exploration, budgeting, time management, and soft skills such as communication, problem solving, self-care/awareness, stress management and leadership.
- Relationship building and assessment of youth to ensure successful job matching.
- Coach and support youth throughout program, ensuring that their needs are met.
- Act as a positive role model, mentor, and support for youth as they learn new skills.
- Update and maintain records/activities and case notes.
- In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately reports to appropriate level.
- Marketing, outreach, and promotion of program to employers and community.
- Research and cold calling to obtain job leads and community information.
- Assist in implementing programming and employer database.
- Participate in the program intake process.
- Work alongside Program Coordinator(s), Job Developer(s) and Program Facilitator(s) to ensure job opportunities reflect youth needs, abilities, employment goals, and overall suitability.
- Update and maintain records/activities and case notes.
- Maintain active and effective communication with the Team Lead.
- Completes all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation, statistical data collection and completing registration forms. Provides reports and related information to the Team Leader and/or Manager of Programs as required.
- Attends training workshops and relevant conferences that pertain to the role.
- Other duties as required.

**Education and Skills Required**:

- Post-Secondary degree/diploma in a mental health/social services field of study (e.g. Addictions and Mental Health, Social Worker, Social Service Worker, Psychology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience working with youth.
- Minimum of two years Employment Counselling and/or Job Development experience.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
- Current Broad Record Check (criminal background check).
- Car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract, and $2M liability insurance required.
- Experience working with “at-risk” or street involved youth/youth with mental health/addictions barriers.
- Knowledge of the job market and the Employment Standards Act.
- Counselling experience in terms of life skills and behaviour management.
- Exceptional relationship building skills, excellent communication, interpersonal, and organization skills.
- Assessment, intake, and case management skills.
- Motivated, has a strong work ethic, empathetic, and must be able to work with a team.
- Demonstrated client focused counselling skills and role modelling.
- Must possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to be adaptable with a flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Will possess a broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals.
- Working knowledge of York Region services.

360°kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inc