Shelter Counselor with Primary Child and Youth Responsibilities

Position:
Shelter Counselor with Primary Child and Youth Responsibilities

Reports to:
Shelter Services Manager

Hours of Work:
Regularly scheduled 40 hours per week: Monday 12:30-8:30; Tuesday 9-5; Wednesday 9-5; Thursday 12:30-8:30; Friday 9-5- Must be available to work days, evenings, and weekends as required.

Contract Date:
February 2, 2026 – February 1, 2027. This contract is to back-fill an individual who is on another contract.

Hourly Wage:
$23.03

In partnership with our diverse community, Bethesda House provides inclusive, secure emergency shelter, outreach services, survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education, and other supports to women and their children, empowering them to overcome the fear and oppression resulting from all forms of gender-based violence and abuse.

Bethesda House is seeking a compassionate and skilled Shelter Counsellor (Child & Youth Focus) to provide trauma-informed support to women, children, and youth impacted by violence. This role has primary responsibility for the development and delivery of child and youth programming within the shelter, while also contributing to the broader shelter counselling team.

Position Summary

The Shelter Counselor with Primary Child and Youth Responsibilities provides professional casework, counselling, advocacy, and referral services in a confidential and empowering manner. The position emphasizes supporting children and youth who have witnessed or experienced abuse, assisting mothers in parenting under trauma-informed frameworks, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

Key Responsibilities

Child & Youth Programming

• Develop, implement, and maintain age-appropriate child and youth programs that promote well-being, safety, and healthy development. This will include Monday and Thursday evening groups.
• Lead and coordinate special programs, including summer camp,
  Finding Our Voices
  , and
  Guys for Change
• Provide recreational, play-based, and therapeutic activities within the shelter
• Support youth (ages 16–21) admitted independently as their primary counsellor
• Assist children and youth in understanding and developing safety plans

Counselling & Casework

• Provide individual and group counselling to children and youth impacted by abuse
• Support mothers with parenting strategies related to children who have experienced or witnessed violence
• Participate in family case management, ensuring children's and youth perspectives are included
• Provide referrals and advocacy for child and youth-related services (schools, daycare, CAS, camps, community resources)
• Act as a liaison with schools, daycare providers, and community partners

Shelter Counselling

• Respond to crisis calls on the 24-hour support line
• Support women in abuse-related crisis when child/youth duties are minimal
• Respond to emergencies involving children, youth, or families within the shelter

Administration

• Complete intakes, assessments, documentation, and reports in accordance with policy
• Maintain accurate client files and data using approved database systems
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports as required
• Assist with training students, new staff, and volunteers
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions

Advocacy & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners
• Promote awareness of Bethesda House, its mission, and issues affecting women and their children

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Counselling, Child & Youth Work, ECE, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience working with women who have experienced abuse or at-risk women, preferably in a shelter setting
• Experience working with children who have experienced abuse or at-risk children and youth
• Strong understanding of intimate-partner violence and trauma-informed practice
• Ability to facilitate groups and work collaboratively within a team
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and crisis response skills
• Commitment to confidentiality, cultural safety, and non-judgmental practice
• Current First Aid & CPR
• Criminal Reference Check and acceptable driving record required
• Food Handlers (Asset)

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to meet program and client needs, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to perform light to medium physical tasks
• Competent use of computers and office equipment

If you would like to be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to the Executive Director via email at or apply via LinkedIn.

Bethesda House is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all. We welcome applicants who share our values and dedication to supporting women, children, and youth living free from violence.

Although we welcome all to apply, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.