Clinical Counsellor

Positions Available: 1

Department:Youth Services

Location:Hybrid (minimum 2 days in office) 70 Richmond Street East, Toronto ON

Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (One-Year Contract)

Salary:$74,963.40

Existing Vacancy

Closing Date: January 29, 2026

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to supporting the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-29 through mental health services, social programs, and housing. We operate a Youth Drop-In Centre, offering barrier-free counselling, case management, and community programming; and a Transitional Home, providing emergency and long-term housing with life-skills support.

Our approach is comprehensive, involving mind, body, and community. We believe that every individual is unique, valuable, and deserving of care, and we are committed to treating everyone with dignity, respect, and inclusion. Rooted in intersectional, anti-oppressive, and decolonized approaches, our work is grounded in integrity as we build strong, collaborative relationships and strive to grow and improve together.

About the Role

Friends of Ruby is seeking a compassionate and skilled Clinical Counsellor to join our Youth Services team. In this one-year full-time contract role, you will provide trauma‑informed, evidence‑based counselling and crisis support to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families. Success in this role means delivering high-quality, affirming care that meets targets, earns positive feedback, maintains accurate records, and contributes to a safe and healing environment for youth and families. If you are dedicated to supporting the well‑being of queer and trans youth within a family systems framework, we invite you to apply.

As a Clinical Counsellor, you will be responsible for:

• Provide clinical and crisis counselling to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families using evidence‑based approaches such as DBT, ACT, and trauma‑informed therapy. You will offer short‑term support, build coping skills, and help foster resilience in a family‑inclusive context.

• Develop individualized treatment and safety plans for youth, incorporating harm‑reduction and family‑involved strategies to address mental health needs, manage risk, and guide therapeutic progress.

• Deliver crisis intervention, including suicide risk assessment, de‑escalation, and coordination of emergency supports for youth, while also providing safety planning and stabilization for families in high‑risk situations.

• Facilitate therapeutic groups for youthsuch as DBT skills or mindfulness sessions, and co‑facilitate or design supportive groups for caregivers to strengthen peer networks, practical skills, and family well‑being.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partnersto coordinate holistic care, engage family support systems, make referrals, and ensure a seamless network of services for youth and their families.

• Complete andmaintainclinical documentationincluding assessments, progress notes, and family contacts to ensure accurate records, support continuity of care, and meet professional standards.

Your Competencies

• Clinical Judgement & Ethical Decision-Making: Upholds professional ethics, confidentiality, and accurate documentation to maintain trust, integrity, and compliance with standards and policies.

• Trauma-Informed, Anti-Oppressive Practice: Delivers tailored, participant-centered therapeutic support using evidence-based modalities (DBT, CBT, ACT, MBCT) adapted to diverse and trauma-affected contexts.

• Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: Ensures safety during high-risk situations through trauma-informed crisis response, risk assessment, de-escalation, and safety planning.

• Therapeutic Engagement & Assessment: Coordinates holistic care through multidisciplinary collaboration, clear communication, clinical supervision, and partnership with internal and external providers.

• Group Facilitation & Program Delivery: Designs and facilitates evidence-based therapeutic groups (DBT, mindfulness, coping skills) to build resilience in inclusive, supportive environments.

• Youth & Family Systems Counselling: Strengthens family support systems through integrated counselling, family assessments, therapeutic conversations, and culturally responsive, trauma-informed treatment planning.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, counselling, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Experience providing clinical counselling to 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth.

• Proven experience delivering family-sensitive and family-involved clinical counselling.

• Knowledge in suicide risk assessment, crisis intervention, and safety planning.

• Training and/or experience with evidence-based modalities (MBCT, CBT, DBT, ACT, MBSR, Trauma-informed Counselling).

• Membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) (RSW or RP), or another recognized counselling regulatory college.

Why Work with Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work has a lasting impact on the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

• Join a welcoming, inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, and your contributions are recognized and celebrated. We offer a space where everyone can be their authentic self at work.

• Engage in work that is challenging, meaningful, and aligned with your values.

• We support your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package, generous time off, and a flexible work environment.

What We Need

• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check clearance.

• Legal eligibility to work in Canada.

• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays as required by the Drop-In and House programs.

Important Note

If you have accessed Friends of Ruby services in the past year, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying for this position. This policy helps to ensure objectivity and avoids potential conflicts of interest. We prioritize equal opportunity for all applicants and aim to maintain the integrity of our organization. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to a fair hiring process.

How to Apply

To ensure a fair and efficient hiring process, we kindly ask that all applications be submitted directly through the job posting link. We are unable to accept phone inquiries regarding this position. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, we are only able to contact candidates who have been selected for an interview.

Please note that no artificial intelligence tools will be used in the screening, assessment, or selection of candidates.

Friends of Ruby is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please inform our People and Culture team.

Preference will be given to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as part of our commitment to equity and representation.

Apply by January 29, 2026,and help us create brighter futures for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

We can't wait to hear from you