Position title:

Part Time Family Counsellor Youth Justice

Reports to:

Executive Director, Program Manager

Department:

Youth Justice

Location:

PYS Office: Peterborough, and Community Based Locations

Employment group:

OPSEU Local 334 (Counsellor)

Hours: Part time Position

About the Role

Peterborough Youth Services is hiring a part-time Youth Justice Family Counsellor to provide voluntary, community-based support to youth ages 12–18 who are in conflict with the law and to their families. The role supports rehabilitation, reintegration, family functioning, and reduced risk of re-offending through assessment, counselling, conflict resolution, skill-building, case management, advocacy, and system navigation.

The successful candidate will use strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, relationship-centred, and CBT-informed approaches while working collaboratively with youth, caregivers, probation, diversion programs, schools, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

o Complete intake, screening, assessment, service planning, and ongoing review with youth, caregivers, and referral sources.

o Provide individual, family, and brief supportive counselling within scope of practice.

o Support youth in building emotional regulation, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and pro-social life skills.

o Assist families with communication, relationship-building, parent coaching, and conflict resolution.

o Facilitate psychoeducational groups for youth and caregivers, as required.

o Provide case management, advocacy, referrals, and service coordination across community, education, justice, mental health, housing, addictions, recreation, cultural,



and other support systems.

o Collaborate with probation, diversion staff, schools, legal professionals, Indigenous organizations, and community agencies.

o Prepare accurate and timely case notes, service summaries, reports, progress updates, and program documentation.

o Respond appropriately to crises, safety concerns, and high-risk situations, including safety planning, risk management, and mandatory reporting.

Qualifications

o Degree or diploma in social services, social work, counselling, or a related field; graduate degree preferred.

o Experience working with youth involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the youth justice system.

o Experience in child and youth services, mental health, community-based programs, education, or related sectors.

o Experience providing family support, counselling, case management, or psychoeducational group facilitation.

o Current membership in a professional college, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

o Valid Ontario driver’s licence.

o Certified First Aid and CPR and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or willingness to obtain as required.

o Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening.





Skills and Competencies

o Strong counselling, engagement, active listening, and rapport-building skills.

o Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, restorative, and culturally responsive practices.

o Ability to support family conflict resolution, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning.

o Strong case management, documentation, report-writing, communication, and collaboration skills.

o Sound professional judgment, ethical practice, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.

o Commitment to equity, anti-oppressive practice, cultural humility, and working effectively with diverse youth and families.

Working Conditions

o Work may take place in office, school, community, court-related, virtual, and home-based settings.

o This is a part-time position; evening shifts are required based on family need.

o Regular travel within the service area may be required.

o The role requires adherence to agency policies, health and safety standards, confidentiality requirements, ethical practice obligations, and applicable legislation.

Equity Statement

Peterborough Youth Services is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 12, 2026, to [email protected].

Benefits:

- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- RRSP match

Work Location: In person

📌 Part Time Family Support Worker Youth Justice (Peterborough)
🏢 Peterborough Youth Services
📍 Peterborough