Therapist Community Counselling, Youth Support Services

Full-Time (Contract) Therapist
Community Counselling Youth Support Services

Position Hours: Monday to Friday 8 hours per day.
*Contract period from August 24 2026 to September 3 2027.

Based on interview availability applications may be reviewed asap upon submission and qualified candidates contact immediately or shortly following. This posting will remain open for 2 weeks (Deadline: July 13 2026) OR until capacity so please apply at your earliest convenience for consideration - Thank you!
*We kindly ask that candidates limit the use of AI tools in preparing an application & we do not use AI for recruitment with human recruiters screening submissions.

Overview
The incumbent is a psychotherapist who provides counselling services within our Community Counselling program to youth and their families. The Therapist will have clinical experience in the areas of addiction concurrent disorders family systems and/or trauma and has clinical skills and knowledge for addressing these concerns. The Therapist may provide case management to youth as needed to support a safety-first approach and lifestyle change appropriate to the developmental stage of adolescents. The Therapist is expected to work collaboratively within the organization and to establish and maintain strong working relationships with related community partners. The Therapist may be expected to contribute to our caregiver support services inclusive of developing coordinating and implementing the caregiver support group and providing individual caregiver supports. The Therapist will offer a flexible safety-first approach in providing therapy for youth and caregivers. Services are offered in the community homes coffee shops or wherever the youth is comfortable always allowing for Therapist safety. A Therapist may be required to provide administrative and/or clinical supervision to student placements and less experienced Therapists. Peer consultation is encouraged between Therapists.

Specific Responsibilities
Administration
Maintain current and accurate confidential clinical and statistical records and attend to related requests for documentation in a timely and consistent manner
Coordinate referrals admissions and discharges with related organizations

Clinical
Conduct screening and assessments with participants from diverse backgrounds to determine their suitability for participation in treatment programs
Collaborate with participants to develop participant-centred strength-based forward thinking change strategies reflecting evidence-informed practices and clinical experience
Conduct individual group and family counselling/psychotherapy sessions often in community locations outside of the office in a professional and ethical manner following recognized standards legislation and guidelines relevant to clinical practice with youth
May provide concurrent disorder and/or trauma treatment that requires specialized training (e.g. EMDR advanced family therapy etc. within the Therapists scope of practice.)
Maintain clear communication with participants family members and associated professionals where consents to do so exist according to the program policies and procedures
Counsel family members and significant others and assist them to understand and effectively parent their substance using youth
Collaborate with community agencies and services regarding treatment and service needs for youth and family including referrals and case management activities for participants
Monitor participant risk factors conduct risk assessments and develop safety plans with participants their families and associated professionals (attending to duty to report matters promptly)
Respond to participant requests and crises in a responsible timely and flexible manner in consultation with the program manager/director; develop participant-centred safety plans
Provide parent coaching family mediation and support in conflict resolution between parents and youth
Develop discharge plans in consultation with the participant family supervisor and associated professionals and organizations

Professional Development
Actively participate in the process of reviewing and/or developing treatment approaches evaluation methods and program policies and procedures when requested
Participate in ongoing professional development activities and engage in reciprocal relationships of learning with colleagues to stay current in the field
Actively participate in weekly supervision meetings
Implement related learning and professional development plans as discussed with manager
Maintain professional credentialing certification and continue education requirements on own initiative and in conjunction with organizational resources where available

General Program Responsibilities
Establish and maintain professional working relationships and regular communication with community and other related organizations to facilitate case management efforts
Participate in knowledge exchange activities with related organizations by maintaining regular correspondence sharing and inquiring about resources and advocating for quality service delivery
Actively participate in team meetings and committees as assigned by the management team
Prepare and present public education and prevention presentations related to substance abuse for youth families and other professionals
Provide oversight of university and college placement students as requested by the program manager/director
Follow the policies and procedures of Ray of Hope and Youth Support Services and consult with the clinical and/or administrative manager as needed
Other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications

Education
Completion of a Masters degree in related social service sector (preferred) or bachelors degree with a supervised placement in psychotherapy or related field

Experience
Three to four years experience working with youth problematic substance use and psychotherapy

Certifications
WHIMS First Aid Non-violent crisis intervention

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities required to be successful in this position
Thorough knowledge of substance abuse/addiction cause and effects evidence-based models of treatment intervention and their application to diverse youth and family populations
Experience in individual family group and crisis counselling methods with youth participants
Experience using motivational interviewing stages of change and harm reduction strategies as well as skills in appropriately apply various other counselling approaches and techniques
Ability to manage self and others through crisis situations in a trauma informed manner including continuous assessment of participant risk factors and taking steps to ensure participant staff and community safety
Comprehensive skills in case management collaboration and emergency response
Must have the skill to verbally de-escalate crises and practice basic self-defence in an unpredictable environment
Excellent group facilitation skills required to facilitate regular parent/caregiver groups
Ability to work independently in clinical and community settings
Ability to manage workload and give priority to tasks
Ability to interpret and implement organizational policies and procedures
Ability to make decisions surrounding issues such as risk assessment and duty to report; addiction assessment and treatment planning; occupational health and safety assessments in the field; and exercise good clinical judgement as well as common sense
Software knowledge in Word Excel PowerPoint etc.
Training in specialized treatment modalities an asset

Requirements
Vulnerable Sector Check/Police Check
Valid unrestricted Class G Drivers licence
Ministry of Transportation Drivers Abstract
Required to own/have access to a reliable vehicle
Employment Medical Form including immunization record and fitness assessment
Registration and membership in good standing with a regulatory body that provides access to the controlled act of psychotherapy (i.e. CRPO OCSWSSW etc.)

Physical Demands
Hours of work typically consist of weekdays generally during business hours; however flexibility required to work evenings and respond to occasional crisis calls from colleagues outside regular business hours is required
This position works independently within the community with 24/7 on-call support from colleagues and or the program director
Constant standing (15%) sitting (70%) and walking (15%)
Frequent use of mental capabilities and concentration
Risk of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue
Infrequent exposure to environmental hazards including Hot/Cold and regular environmental variables
This position requires the person to consistently work with and around others