Counsellor, Transitional Aged Youth Outreach

Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) is an accredited, charitable organization, supporting children, youth and families with mental health and/or youth justice issues. AYSP’s team of professionals bring a wide range of knowledge and professional experience from diverse backgrounds to our workplace. Our teams have a strong collaborative work ethic and we are committed to ongoing professional development. AYSP provides a client-centred, strength-based approach to engage in a manner which is culturally sensitive, non-judgmental and respectful. Working together with our service partners, using a multi-systems perspective, AYSP provides services that are evidence-based and evidence-informed.

We are currently seeking a Counsellor to join our dynamic Transitional Aged Youth Outreach (TAYO) Program. The TAYO Program is a community-based and/or virtual case management and counselling program for youth ages 16-17, who are experiencing on-going mental health challenges and are likely to transition into adult services.

**Job Type**: Full-time Contract

**Location**: Head office in Peel Region, with requirements to travel within the Peel Region

**Union Affiliation**: OPSEU Local 592

**Hours of Work**: 35 hours a week (Days & Evenings)

**Responsibilities**:

- Provide in person and/or virtual counselling services
- Provide case management and counselling to youth, 16 and 17 years of age
- Advocate, refer and assist youth in obtaining community supports when necessary
- Work with client’s family or other support systems to facilitate transition into adult system
- Monitor and ensure progress toward engagement with adult service providers
- Establish and maintain professional alliances with collaborating agencies
- Maintain professional documentation, in the form of assessments, progress reports, discharge summaries and statistical information
- Work flexible hours related to the treatment needs of the clients, evening work will be required
- Transport clients in own vehicle, as required

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Bachelor of Social Work or related undergraduate degree; Master’s degree in Social Work is considered an asset.
- Registration within the professional regulating body of either the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario in good standing is required
- Minimum 2 years clinical experience working with youth and families with complex needs
- Possess an understanding of mental health challenges experienced by youth and services available within the youth and adult mental health systems in Peel
- Knowledge of adolescent development, youth engagement strategies for a marginalized population, case management, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Harm Reduction approach
- Knowledge of the best practices to address the transition from one service system to another
- Experience in negotiating with other services and advocating on behalf of youth
- Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and provide own transportation, with appropriate liability insurance and evidence of coverage for transporting clients
- Fluency in French or other languages is considered an asset

**Salary Range**: $47,395 - $56,668 yearly

We offer an excellent compensation package with a strong focus on health and wellness. We offer our employees:

- 3 weeks paid vacation (accrued) per year
- 5 personal days (prorated to FTE)
- Registered savings plan (optional)
- Professional development opportunities within the agency
- Employer - Paid Training Programs
- Comprehensive Clinical Supervision
- Flexible work schedule
- Excellent benefits including health and dental coverage and employee assistance program.