TFT Gender Based Violence Specialist

TEMPORARY UNTIL MAY 2027

Under the direction of the Youth Wellness Hub Operations Manager working within the context of a multidisciplinary team the Gender Based Violence Specialist (GBV Specialist) will provide therapeutic interventions to meet mental health/addiction needs through the delivery of short-term counselling and crisis response to youth ages 12-25 based on evidenced-based practices. Using a client-centered approach the GBV Specialist will conduct mental health assessments gender-based violence screenings and provide therapeutic supports and/or interventions to youth. They will provide timely responsive evidence-based treatment and clinical supports in one-on-one and group settings. These supports include but are not limited to: solution-focused narrative therapy cognitive-behavioral therapy dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing to youth who are dealing with addictions and mental health needs. This can include various 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 GBV Specialist will promote and educate the community about the Youth Wellness Hub gender based violence and dating violence. This will occur within the Youth Wellness Hub and within community partner locations. They will provide prevention through the Healthy Relationships Plus Program (HRPP) and early intervention supports to youth regarding gender-based violence. The GBV Specialist will support andassist in creatingasafeand accepting environment for youth(12-25 years old)with a special emphasis on the2SLGBTQIndigenous youthand othermarginalized community youth.

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario is opening a multi-service hub for youth aged 12-25 in Windsor-Essex. These sites provide rapid access to services that address the needs of youth related to mental health substance use primary care employment/training housing and other community and social services.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Screen and assess youth need for supports and services perform risk assessments explore immediate therapeutic supports and/or interventions as needed.
• Provides structured clinical counselling in one-on-one and group settings using a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Dialectic Behavioural Therapy Motivational Interviewing etc. with a focus on gender-based violence.
• Facilitate preventative workshops/groups/educational activities regarding gender-based violence.
• Support the development of the gender-based violence program in partnership with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.
• In collaboration with the client develop implement evaluate revise and maintain care plans according to the individuals needs preferences and progress towards their identified goals.
• Provide timely responsive evidence-based treatment and clinical supports to youth and family members who are experiencing withdrawal.
• Work directly with youth experiencing suicidal ideation.
• 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 YWH staff to help identify when youth may require supports either in terms of gender-based violence mental health or substance use.
• Help provide education and capacity to all YWH staff re: harm reduction and mental health.
• Participate in Program planning implementation and evaluations.
• Collaborate with YWH community partners and maintain professional boundaries with others in circle of care.
• Provide referrals/make linkages to culturally appropriate services/supports as needed.
• Create a welcoming culturally safe and secure environment that includes meeting youth where they are at in terms of treatment and interventions.
• Document and maintain electronic youth client records (intake and assessment forms progress notes correspondences client files etc.).
• Participate in meetings professional development opportunities training events committees etc. as required or approved.
• Provide gender-based violence mental health and addictions services at various locations within Windsor and Essex County (i.e. Leamington) as required.
• Facilitate and develop therapeutic groups for virtual and in-person services for youth and families.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.

EDUCATION & SKILLS:

• Requires the knowledge and skills acquired through the completion of a Master of Social Work degree (M.S.W) from an accredited University with current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers; or

• • A minimum of a Masters degree in a relevant discipline accepted by the employer such as Counselling or Psychology with certification by the College of registered psychotherapists of Ontario;

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Addictions Trauma and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy or other treatment modalities such as certification in grief is considered an asset for this position.
• Two (2) years of recent clinical work experience providing therapy primarily using treatment modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Strength Based Therapy Trauma Informed Therapy etc to individuals with addictions and mental illness. Specific experience working with youth ages (12-25) and those is required.
• Experience with and detailed knowledge of gender-based violence mental illness and addictions
• Experience and comfortability working with youth exhibiting suicidal ideation
• Experience working with people of colour First Nations Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ peoples is an asset
• Experience with development and facilitation of individual and group treatment programs program development implementation monitoring and evaluation
• Excellent assessment and crisis management skills decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Up to date knowledge of relevant mental health policy and legislation including the Mental Health Act
• Highly effective oral written and interpersonal communication skills and conflict resolution skills
• A range of evidence-based interventions including solution-focused therapy cognitive-behavioural therapy dialectical behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing
• Knowledge and experience in substance use and harm reduction
• Familiarity of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples culture and healing practices
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to act as an advocate for clients in accessing and maintaining support services. Advocacy may include but is not limited to: writing letters of support phone calls case conferences and attending meetings
• Knowledge of community resources for youth and families is an asset
• Computer literacy skills and working knowledge or various Microsoft Windows application is required.

• Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is considered an asset.
• A valid Ontario Drivers License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position.

Hours of Work: Thirty-Five (35) hour work week. The agencys regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexible hours are required to meet client and service needs.

Salary range: Grade 9 $37.84 $44.81 per hour

Per 2022 - 2026 Collective Agreement

Applicable shift premiums are paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement Article 17.11.

Please submit your cover letter and resume clearly stating how your skills and experience meet the position requirements prior to the posting closing date.

Posting Date: October 24 2025

Posting Deadline: November 7 2025 @ 4:30pm

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment at CMHA-WECB. We are however unable to respond to individual calls. Only those individuals selected for consideration will be contacted for next steps. Thank you for your understanding.

This position is posted per Article 15 of the Collective Agreement. Internal candidates will be considered in priority as established by the Article as such external candidates may not be considered if there is a qualified internal applicant.

We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities and experiences as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen CMHA. If you require accommodations during the application process please contact us at

Please note that candidacy for positions will require you to be authorized to work in Canada.

Please note that a satisfactory police vulnerable sector check is required as a condition of employment for all roles with CHMA-WECB.

Required Experience:

Manager