Child & Youth Counsellor, Live-In Treatment ProgramJob Category: ResidentialRequisition Number: CHILD001534Posted : August 4, 2026Full-TimeLocationsShowing 1 locationToronto, ON M5R2S6, CANDescriptionJOB OPPORTUNITY - Child & Youth Counsellor, Live-In Treatment Program - Full-Time PermanentPosition SummaryThe Child & Youth Counsellor is responsible for providing a therapeutic and safe environment for the children and youth in Youthdale’s programs on a day-to-day basis. A member of an inter-professional team, the Child & Youth Counsellor is responsible for carrying a primary care caseload.Reporting to the Live-in Treatment Manager, the Child & Youth Counsellor, is responsible for ensuring a therapeutic and safe environment on a day-to-day basis. Assessment and milieu therapy is provided in accordance with individual client treatment plans, evidence based practices, Youthdale’s policies and procedures and guidelines established by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and the Ministry of Health (MOH).Location:193 MadisonHours:40 hours per week, including six-week rotation, with staff working every other weekend and working at least 1 asleep overnight shift per week. The schedule will include a mix of 12-hour and 8-hour shifts.Status:Full-time PermanentUnion/Non:This is a unionized positionRate of pay:$27.93 per hourThis posting is for replacement position within our organization.*Overnight responsibilities will be compensated financially on the basis of a set fee. Overnight time is in addition to the regular working time stated above*AccountabilityThis position reports directly to: Live-In Treatment ManagerWorks collaboratively with the inter-professional team, client families/guardians, and community resources.Corporate ResponsibilitiesFosters positive interpersonal relationships with the staff, clients, visitors, outside agencies, government officials and related professional associations.Maintains and adheres to organizational policies and procedures.Maintains and adheres to all relevant legislation.Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.Works safely in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Agency Health and Safety Manual.Demonstrates clinical practices, which are consistent with the mission, vision and philosophy of Youthdale Treatment Centres.*As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will have to abide by the Agency’s Vaccination and IPAC policy.*Job ResponsibilitiesAssesses and understands client mental health needs through a developmental and trauma informed lens and formulates methods of intervention in collaboration with the team.Implements specific treatment interventions as indicated in the client’s individual treatment program including: individual counseling and group therapy; recognizing the stages of behavioural escalation and responding in a clinically appropriate manner to deescalate the behaviour; developing strategies to reduce the clients concerning behaviours, and supporting academic/vocational activities.Carries out the structure and routine of the program and ensure all clients receive a high standard of care and therapeutic intervention.Facilitates debriefing with clients following crisis/physical interventionAssists with normal activities of daily living; recognizing physical signs and symptoms of health conditions, report concerns to nurse and/or physician as per program procedures; providing an assessmentof a client in accordance to the Plan of Care goals; providing behaviour support.Writes clients progress reports and ensure that client records are maintained, as per agency standards and in accordance with privacy policies and legislation.Responsible at shift change for communicating verbally as well as in the written log any significant and pertinent information regarding each client.Develops, implements, evaluates and fully participates in life skills and recreational programming.Following successful completion of the Medication Training Program, administers regular scheduled medications and treatments, as prescribed by a physician or Nurse Practioner, and in accordance with the Youthdale’s Medication Procedure .Medications, including orders from General Practioners and Nurse Practioners, are reviewed at Live-in Treatment admission by Youthdale physicians, and updated as needed.As a Primary Counselor responsible for establishing a therapeutic relationship with assigned client(s) from intake to discharge, including direct client care and supervision of the following:Welcome and orientation to the physical space and program at admission, and anything else at intakeProvision of individual care as per the treatment plan,



developing and supporting their engagement in programsBooking annual health care, clothing and personal needs inventories and arranging purchases as requiredSupporting the client to express their needsReporting progress and identifying concerns at shift change and/or inter-professional meetingsSupporting the client’s preparations for transition and discharge as per the agreed plan including connecting with community resources, completion of discharge documentationMaintains clinical records and documents in accordance with Youthdale and program policies and processes, such as:Data collection related to specific individual programsComplete Progress Notes in client clinical fileConference reports on individual clients for use/information purposes for the treatment teamLIT/unit shift report, noting observations on individual clientsComplete incident reports serious occurrence, accident/injury and unusual occurrence reports, risk management and secure isolation documentation as indicated by program procedures and agency policiesActively participates in the communication processes within the program, across the facility and with community partners by:Liaising with family, guardians, educational and community partners to share/obtain information; Attending meetings(within YOUTHDALE and community) to provide information, education, progress updatesProviding in school support as neededIdentifying compliance related issues to ensure program meets licensing requirements.Effectively utilizes internal communication systems to convey client and program related information.Attends and participates in meetings such as:Treatment and Plan of Care meetings to review the client's progress, to receive and recommend direction on treatment for clients, and to discuss future directionsIn service and other educational programsShift changes, unit meetings, all staff forums, program meetingsPerforms related duties such as:Float money management as per agency proceduresHousekeeping duties to meet acceptable standards of cleanlinessEnsuring safety requirements are met including Emergency drills, night safety checks, noting and reporting structural and/or equipment problems; removing any immediate hazardsAssisting in the instruction and supervision of studentsSome meal preparation and serving of client mealsParticipates in and supports Youthdale/Ministry research and education initiatives by:Completing outcome measurement tools and rating scores as required by programs/protocolsCollecting and maintaining statistics, program evaluation and research data as requestedRepresents the Agency in a professional manner when -interacting with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.Participates actively in team meetings, supervision sessions, and ongoing Ministry and Agency mandated training on a regular basis.Works any assigned shift during a twenty-four (24) hour period.Other Duties as Assigned.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceCollege diploma or university degree in child and youth work or relevant field is requiredMinimum of two years of experience in a live-in program or inpatient setting Experience working with children or youth in a mental health setting is required. In addition, experience working with children and youth with neurodevelopmental concerns and/or substance use challenges is preferred. Experience working with diverse communities.Skills/Ability/KnowledgeUnderstanding of the complex issues facing children, youth and families.Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group.You have knowledge of and experience with utilizing evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with mental health problems, including behavioural modification strategies, learning theories, counselling skills and crisis prevention and management. Training in the clinical approaches that inform service delivery at Youthdale (e.G., DBT, Motivational Interviewing, etc.) is preferred. Strong knowledge of legislative requirements informing mental health service delivery for children and youth.Able to safely and effectively manage behavioural crisis situations and respond in a trauma-informed approach.Requires a working knowledge of skilled,



community and facility resources available to assist the child/family.Strong administrative and organizational skills.First Aid/CPR certification required upon hiring.Completion of SMG training required upon hiring.Valid G License and will be required.Ability to work flexible hours within a rotating schedule, including days, nights and weekends.Skills in Mental Health Assessment and Crisis Intervention.Excellent communication (written and oral), listening and interpersonal skills.Problem SolvingGood understanding of the rights and responsibilities of children in residence; admission requirements; and Live-In licensing requirementsAbility to manage many tasks simultaneously; ability to prioritize needs and risks on a minute-by-minute basis while on shiftFlexible and creative negotiation skills in solving problemsCrisis Prevention and Management SkillsDemonstrates knowledge of a range of crisis prevention and intervention approaches. Training in a model of assessment and intervention for suicidality (e.G., ASIST) is preferred. Utilizes SMG techniques appropriatelyKnowledge of Clinical Issues and Best Treatment PracticesDemonstrates understanding of the dynamics and impact of trauma, child abuse, loss and grief, substance abuse, chronic learning problems, attachment difficulties, and other issues, and their treatment implicationsDemonstrates knowledge about the primary psychotropic medications used in the treatment of children/youth and their actions and side effectsRecognizes the impact on children and youth of having parents with chronic mental illnessAble to develop and implement individual client treatment plan reviews, program evaluation, and educational programs and knowledge of professional, community and facility resources available to assist the child/familyCounselling SkillsDemonstrates ability to engage the child or youth and family in the treatment processFamily-Centered ApproachUses language and behavior which is respectful of children, youth and their familiesDemonstrates sensitivity to family concerns and needs, and invites their expression of information, concerns and needsAbility to set appropriate, respectful boundaries with each familyCompetency-Based ApproachUnderstands and implements a strengths-based approach in working with child and familyRespects and has a knowledge of diverse populations and their needsMulti-Disciplinary ApproachWorks in a cooperative, respectful and collaborative manner as a member of a multi- disciplinary teamDemonstrates ability to participate in making treatment decisions in the best interest of the child and familyLegislative Requirements and StandardsDemonstrates knowledge through practice of the Child and Family Services Act as it pertains to children in treatment, specifically:rights and responsibilities of childrenrole of the Child AdvocateconfidentialityDemonstrates knowledge through practice of the Children’s Mental Health Ontario Accreditation StandardsCommunication SkillsExcellent and effective oral and written communication skills to liaise and consult with relevant team members, clinicians, and provide counsel to residents, their families and community agencies.Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.ProfessionalismAbility to exercise professionalism and sound judgement in conflictual and stressful situations.Conducts all activities in a professional manneradheres to the agency’s Code of Professional ConductPerforms work in a positive mannerprovides treatment activities regardless of personal biases and attitudesMinistry and Agency Mandatory TrainingYouthdale’s medication trainingAgency physical intervention Safe Management Training (SMG) trainingPolicy and Procedure Review (Administrative, clinical, HR & OH&S)OH&S Training – WHMIS; Occupational Health & Safety Awareness; Workplace Violence & Harassment; AODA Customer Service, Fire Extinguisher TrainingPrivacy TrainingMCCSS mandated trainingFirst Aid and CPRABOUT YOUTHDALE TREATMENT CENTRESYouthdale (https://www.Youthdale.Ca ) provides comprehensive, integrated mental health services to children and their families, connecting them with the right programs and services, both at Youthdale and in their communities. We meet the complex needs of children and youth with a team of highly skilled and dedicated psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists and neuropsychologists, social workers, nurses, and child and youth workers.To know more about us and the amazing work that our team does, please visit https://www.Youtube.Com/@youthdale-ca .APPLICATIONAt Youthdale, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. Youthdale is committed to providing accommodation in all parts of the hiring process. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.Please apply with an updated resume byAugust 14, 2026.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Child & Youth Counsellor (Winnipeg)
🏢 HeadHunting
📍 Winnipeg