Counsellor, Youth Mental Health & Addictions - YOU

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full-Time, Contract (End Date: January 4, 2027)

London, Ontario (London Zone) and Strathroy, Ontario (Strathroy Zone)

- Application Deadline: October 21, 2025 -

Working within the context of a multidisciplinary team at the Youth Wellness Hub located in London and Strathroy, the Counsellor will provide therapeutic interventions and addiction/harm reduction supports to youth, ages 12-25, based on evidenced-based practices. Using a client-centered approach, the Counsellor will conduct mental health and addiction assessments and provide therapeutic supports and/or interventions to youth. They will provide timely, responsive, evidence-based treatment and clinical supports, including but not limited to solution-focused narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to youth who are dealing with addictions and substance use. This can include a whole spectrum of supports and services from referrals with the hub, to external providers, and involve direct support and treatment from harm reduction to withdrawal support and relapse prevention services.

The Counsellor will support and assist in creating a safe and accepting environment for youth (12-25 years old) with a special emphasis on the 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous youth and other marginalized community youth. Too many in Huron County experience homelessness and the struggles that go with it.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
  • Successful candidates must be registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($37.26 per hour for regulated)
  • For internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• When you'll work – 70 hours over a biweekly period; Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Will be required to work some evening shifts (10 am to 6 pm, or 12 pm to 8 pm).
• What your benefits will be - 9% in lieu of benefits
• Your pension plan - Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

• Screen and assess youth need for supports and services, perform risk assessments, explore immediate therapeutic supports and/or interventions as needed.
• In collaboration with the client, develop, implement, evaluate, revise, and maintain care plans according to the individual’s needs, preferences, and progress towards their identified goals.
• With the agreement of the client, assist families or other support persons to develop strategies that will help them support the person and cope with their mental health issues and/or addictions.
• Work with other Wellness Hub staff to help identify when youth may require supports – either in terms of mental health or substance use
• Establish and maintain professional boundaries with youth and others in circle of care.
• Help provide education and capacity to all Wellness Hub staff re: harm reduction and mental health
• Meet youth where they are at in terms of treatment and interventions
• Participate in Program planning, implementation, and evaluations
• Ensure a safe and secure youth environment
• Collaborate with Wellness Hub community partners
• Provide referrals/make linkages to culturally appropriate services/supports as needed
• Participate as a team member in the day-to-day hub operations
• Document and maintain electronic youth client records (intake and assessment forms, progress notes, correspondences, client files, etc.)
• Complete other required documents in as per program and agency policies, and procedures and standards
• Participate in meetings, professional development opportunities, training events, committees, etc. as required or approved.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by identifying potential hazards in the work environment and to take the appropriate action by notifying a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee of Management representative of any potential health and safety concerns, risks or near misses.
• Collect and maintain accurate data and information in accordance with Wellness Hub policies, the Personal Health Information Act (PHIPA) and the requirements of any regulatory body standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 2 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We require the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly
• Current registration with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO)
• Post-secondary education in a related field, e.g. BSW, MSW
• A current, clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment

We prefer the following qualifications:

• Drivers licence and access to a vehicle with adequate insurance
• 2 years’ experience working in a related position
• Clinical work experience with youth
• A range of evidence-based interventions, including solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing
• Knowledge and experience in substance use and harm reduction
• Experience working with black youth and people of colour, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples is an asset
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples, culture and healing practices
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Can work variable hours that might include evenings, weekends and weekdays depending on work demands
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with community service providers
• Proficiency with computers, smart phones, variety of software programs including presentation technology
• Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – October 21, 2025:

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team.

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact Human.Resources@cmhatv.ca

Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes

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