Youth Counsellor, Youth Justice Services

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Reports to: Coordinator, William E Hay and Sherwood

Employment Status: Casual Part Time (10 positions)

Bargaining Unit Status: Included (Youth Worker)

Hourly Wage: $28.86- $36.22

Language requirements: English is essential; French is considered an asset

Bona Fide occupational requirement (BFOR): N/A

Schedule: Casual, rotational. Based on program's needs. Minimum availability - 8 shifts per month.

Reference Number: 25-141

Closing Date: December 30th, 2025

Posting Stage: Internal/External

About us:

Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit agencies in Ottawa and a registered charity. It provides mental health services, employment programs, emergency shelter, community, health and housing services, and justice programs to youth in the Ottawa area, serving between 2,500 and 3,000 at‑risk individuals aged 12+ and their families every month. YSB employs 350 caring professionals in a unionized environment in over 26 locations across Ottawa.

Under the general direction of the Director of Youth Justice Services and immediate supervision of the Coordinator of William E Hay and Sherwood, the Youth Counsellor is responsible to provide direct services to Agency clients in accordance with policies and directives established within the Bureau.

What you will do:

• Provide unit coverage on a rotational shift basis ensuring the safety and security of staff, clients and physical plant.
• Provide direct clinical services including crisis intervention and on-going case planning involving client, family and relevant collaterals.
• Maintain current client files and complete required admission forms, plans of care (including goals/action), daily logs and summary reports.
• Comply with all mandating legislative requirements, Agency policies and procedures. Safeguard client confidentiality, rights and responsibilities.
• Develop and deliver Life skills modules to client groups.
• Advocate for clients and facilitate access to community resources and services.
• Represent the Agency in a professional manner. Maintain positive working relationships with the community, other services providers, and collaterals.
• Attend and participate in supervision
• Participate in on-going supervision of part-time/students
• Follow safe work practices as established by the Bureau and the program

This opportunity may be right for you if you have:

• Two years related clinical experience
• Diploma or degree in the Social Sciences
• Proven written & verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as an effective team member.
• Must be able to work rotational shift work
• Must be able to physically restrain clients when necessary
• Oral and written fluency in English is essential; French is considered an asset

Disclaimer:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to join a vibrant team and be part of truly meaningful and rewarding work;
• A team where you get to be yourself everyday and where you have the freedom to innovate.;
• Optional Pension plan from Day1.

Join us

If you think this vacancy is a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Please visit the career section of our website to submit your resume and one-page cover letter. Don't just tell us what we want to hear, tell us your story and why you would make a great addition to our team.

We know applying to a job takes time and thank all candidates for their interest. While we are not able to get back to every candidate, we will ensure shortlisted applicants are aware of their status and will do our best to provide feedback if that can be helpful. Please be advised that although ADP has embedded AI functions YSB does not use this AI function to make hiring decisions. All recruitment decisions including the screening of applications are made by our hiring team, who review each application with care and consideration. We value the individuality and potential of each applicant and strive to create an inclusive hiring experience. If you have any questions about our recruitment practices, we encourage you to reach out to our Talent Acquisition Coordinator.

At YSB, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ community and/or people with intersectional identities. Accommodation will be made available for applicants with a disability throughout the hiring process, kindly make your needs known in advance.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. In the event a qualified candidate is not found, candidates that do not meet the qualifications indicated on the posting may be considered. Qualified candidates may be contacted at any time throughout the application window, upon the closing date.