Opportunities Fund Employment Counsellor

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is a vibrant non-profit Christian organization leading a collective movement to end chronic poverty in Toronto.

Since 1896 weve worked to transform the lives of people living with poverty going beyond immediate needs by offering wrap-around support via holistic programs and services and a pathway which enables street-involved youth families in need adults experiencing poverty and vulnerable communities to move from surviving to thriving.

To make this happen we are passionate about investing in the people we work with and look for a diverse range of staff who are key for us to advance our mission: Christians who have a heart for neighbours in need a desire to transform the lives of our community members and who believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect.

If you are inspired by our vision and feel a true call to contribute to YSMs work wed love to hear from you.

What We Offer:

As a staff member at YSM some of the things you can look forward to includea values-based and highly collaborative and engaging work environment with a high value on staffs mental health and well-being; meaningful innovative and impactful work with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children families and the community as well asflexible hybrid work competitive Total Rewards compensation package also includesGroup RRSP matching annual leave and paid personal days comprehensive health and dental care coverage an Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes counselling services by Christian professionals and numerous other perks.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an Employment Counsellor who is passionate and called to support our participants in guiding them towards positive transformation. This is a full-time 1 year contract position supporting the Opportunities Fund (OF) program that serves participants who experience multiple and/or complex barriers to employment by providing more intensive support beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities. The Employment Counsellor will be responsible for program delivery under ESDC guidelines and reports to the OF Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

• Develop lead and facilitate skill-based pre-employment training workshops to support participant capacity building and job retention
• Provide wrap-around care management support in collaboration with YSM staff delivering individualized support to participants and maintaining customized training plans
• Provide individualized job coaching counseling and mentoring to support participants personal and professional development
• Collaborate with YSM Workforce Development staff and other departments for referrals screening and assessment of participant suitability
• Research and incorporate current trends labour market information and best practices in job retention and career development into daily work
• Network with internal and external Employment Services to ensure participants receive ongoing employment and career development support

• Document participant activity in YSM database and paper files in accordance with YSM and funder requirements
• Plan and track participant support expenses with guidance from the OF Program Coordinator

Qualifications:

• Relevant post-secondary education in social work community services adult education or equivalent experience.
• Experience with group facilitation and case management activities
• Exceptional communication skills (oral and written); excellent interpersonal presentation and coaching skills
• Understanding of cross cultural anti-oppressive and trauma informed practices
• Comfort working in an unpredictable drop-in environment with participants experiencing various forms of trauma; able to quickly and sensitively respond to high-stress situations
• High level of self-awareness; strong coping skills and supportive community (including faith community) needed to avoid emotional strain and potential burnout
• Strong conflict resolution skills in managing group dynamics
• Good time management information tracking and prioritization skills
• Initiative to exercise sharp critical thinking skills and sound judgment to problem solve independently
• Flexible to work outside of standard hours when necessary
• CPI Mental Health First Aid Training is an asset
• Vulnerable sector police check will be required

Compensation: YSM offers market competitive rates and will pay a starting salary of $47371.37 for this role combined with a comprehensive suite of benefits and perks. This is a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) position.

Deadline for Application: Available until filled

While we appreciate all responses only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

YSM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Please note that this position is for an existing vacancy and YSM do not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any stage of the recruitment process. These stages include candidate screening and shortlisting assessment and selection.

Learn more about YSM at

Date Posted:January 30 2026

Required Experience:

Senior IC