Child and Youth Counsellor II, Ben Rd

Join Our Team
Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 22,500 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

One full-time permanent Child and Youth Counsellor II, Ben Rd, position available, starting on December 17, 2025, working 37.5 hours per week.

What's In It for You?

•  Job Band G (hourly wages): Min - $27.42, Mid - $29.70, Max - $33.52
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Enrollment in a defined pension plan with the Heath Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP). (more than 22.5 hours weekly)
• Enrollment in our Modular Health and Dental Benefits plan with Sun Life. (more than 15 hours weekly)
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• Paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly)
• 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Staff appreciation events.

Your Role:

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Supervises, monitors, supports, and counsels' clients throughout all components of the program.
• Assesses, develops and implements goals and objectives for the group program, establishing norms and structure that provide a safe and growth-focused environment.
• Assesses, develops, and implements plans of care goals and objectives with individual clients, ensuring continuity and integration of treatment.
• Responds to client crisis situations utilizing DBT and crisis intervention techniques (CIT).
• Liaises with client, family, and community partners ensuring communication, continuity and support.
• Participates with members of the clients' multidisciplinary team, Supervisor and other Agency personnel in coordinating and implementing programs.
• The above tasks are representative but not all inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience:

• A relevant degree or diploma in child and youth work or related discipline with a minimum of one year working in a milieu setting as a Child and Youth Worker.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to youth with warmth and understanding and setting consistent appropriate limits.
• Highly developed professional, verbal and written skills, with a demonstrated ability to deal with a diverse range of people.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team while still demonstrating strong decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the capability of multi-tasking to meet various timelines are essential.
• Required to hold a "G" class license.
• First Aid Certificate, CPR, and CIT training.

If you are community-focused and share our values and commitment to equity, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application in confidence, no later than 4 pm on December 01, 2025.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at or by calling ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.