Counsellor, Steps

Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) is an accredited, not-for-profit 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-centered, 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 STEPS - Youth Community Counselling team. The STEPS-YCC Counsellor provides case management and counselling support to youth ages 15-17 years who are experiencing on-going mental health challenges, who may be under-housed or homeless and/or who are likely to transition into adult services. Also, this Counsellor will specifically work in collaboration with other Peel community service partners to deliver services for youth who are involved, or at risk of involvement with guns, gangs, and/or violence.

**Job Type**: Full-time Contract until March 31, 2026
**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 & some evenings)

**Responsibilities**:

- Provide outreach-based and/or virtual counselling and case management support to youth, who are involved, or at risk of involvement with guns, gangs and/or violence
- Respond to immediate needs of youth and develop strategies related to basic needs (food, clothing, housing), education, employment and employment readiness, substance use issues, mental health challenges
- Develop and deliver treatment and/or service plans in conjunction with the client, and at times their parents/caregivers, utilizing a trauma-informed and anti-racist/anti-oppressive approach
- Support the delivery of groups in partnership within the guns, gangs and violence prevention initiative
- Maintain professional documentation in the form of assessments, case notes, discharge summaries and statistical information
- Actively participate in regular meetings with community partners and establish and maintain strong relationships
- Participate in regular clinical peer supervision and monthly individual supervision
- Provide referrals to additional and alternative resources, as necessary
- Work flexible hours related to the needs of the clients, some evening work will be required
- Regularly 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 (OCSWSSW) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in good standing is required
- Minimum one to two years counselling experience with youth
- Knowledge of and experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Case Management and youth engagement strategies
- Understanding of issues and best practices relating to the prevention and intervention of youth gang involvement
- Knowledge of the best practices to address the transition from one service system to another and services available within the youth and adult mental health systems in Peel
- Assessment, goal formulation and treatment planning skills, utilizing a goal-focused and client-centred approach
- Knowledge of services available within the child and youth, and adult mental health systems in Peel, and experience in collaborating and advocating on behalf of youth and their families
- Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License with appropriate liability insurance to transport clients
- Fluency in French or other languages is considered an asset

**Salary Range**: $50,239 - $60,068

Why Join our Team?

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

- Flexible work schedule
- 3 weeks accrued paid vacation and 3 personal days per year
- Excellent benefits, including health and dental coverage and Employee Assistance Program
- Registered Retirement Savings plan
- Comprehensive Clinical Supervision provided
- Professional development opportunities within the agency
- Employer-paid staff training and development