Youth Therapist

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applicants for the position of:

Youth Therapist (contract)

Department: Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being Services

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week working onsite, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Location: 320 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON and/or London satellite office

Posting Date: November 17, 2025

Posting Closes: December 8, 2025

Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of the Specialized Services Model, the Youth Therapist provides culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based counselling and therapeutic services for youth of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. The role supports adolescents in navigating mental health, identity, and life challenges, fostering resilience and positive development.

The Youth Therapist integrates traditional healing practices and Western clinical approaches to address the wholistic needs of youth—emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical. This position also engages families, caregivers, schools, and community supports to ensure wraparound care and promote wellness in both individual and group settings.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual, family, and group counselling for youth experiencing emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges.
• Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed interventions.
• Support crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and safety planning for at-risk youth.
• Maintain accurate case notes, clinical records, and confidentiality in line with professional and community standards.
• Support youth in building coping skills, resilience, and healthy identity development.
• Deliver culturally relevant workshops, groups, and activities that promote self-esteem, leadership, and positive peer relationships.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and schools to strengthen youth supports and improve academic and social outcomes.
• Participate in community wellness initiatives, youth gatherings, and events to strengthen engagement and reduce stigma.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date intake records and assessment documentation.
• Engage in ongoing cultural learning, including participation in ceremonies and teachings to strengthen practice.
• Actively engage in cultural learning opportunities, including ceremonies, teachings, and guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Work as part of the Specialized Services team, participating in case reviews, care planning, and weekly clinical meetings.
• Collaborate with other clinicians, cultural staff, and partner organizations to provide wraparound services.
• Participate in ongoing training in trauma-informed care, child development, and culturally safe practices.
• Participate in evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and program planning activities.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or related discipline.
• Registration (or eligibility) with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO, CPO, CNO, etc.).
• Minimum three (3) years' experience providing counselling and support to youth.
• Experience working with First Nations youth, families, and communities.
• Knowledge of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and cultural teachings.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must possess a valid "G" driver's license and insured vehicle.
• Must possess and maintain a clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Screen/Check.

Hiring of Indigenous people will be given preference, please identify.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, three work related references,

and photocopies of education documents to:

OR

320 Chippewa Road, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0

Please indicate "Youth Therapist" in your application.

We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Application question(s):

• Are you First Nations, Metis or Inuit?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person