Child and Youth Counsellor I, Safe Haven

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 contract Child and Youth Counsellor I, Safe Haven position available, starting on December 21, 2025, and ending on April 04, 2026. Working 37.5 hours per week.

What's In It for You?

• Job Band E (hourly wages): Min - $23.62, Mid - $25.39, Max - $28.38.
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• 3 Weeks 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: 

• Undertakes various Child and Youth Care Worker duties in the assigned service area and works with the Child and Youth Counsellor II, maintaining a safe environment.
• Works in partnership with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate safe and goal-focused programs for clients.
• Supports the implementation of evidence-informed practices including the Housing First Model and Connect Principles.
• The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience:

• Diploma or degree in child and youth work or related discipline plus at least one year's successful experience as a Child and Youth Worker or equivalent.
• Ability to design and implement recreational and group programming.
• Ability to communicate openly and honestly and counsel youth and give and take directions.
• Resiliency while working under physical and emotional stress is necessary.
• Required to hold completion of C.I.T. or equivalent, current First Aid/CPR certificate, and "G" class license.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, 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.