Child and Youth Counsellor III, Safe Haven - 6277H

Job Category: Mental Health Services

Requisition Number: CHILD001266

• Posted : September 21, 2026
• Full-Time
• In office

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Join Our Team

Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens peoples lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 22,586 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

One full-time contract Child and Youth Counsellor III, Safe Haven, position available, starting on October 11, 2026, and ending on October 02, 2027, working 37.5 hours per week.

What’s In It for You?

• Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $30.11, Mid - $32.69, Max - $37.06.
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• 3 Weeks paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly).
• 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly)
  
  
  
  to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Staff appreciation events.

Your Role

• Assists in designing, planning, implementing, and assessing the therapeutic program environment.
• Supervises, monitors, supports and counsels clients throughout the treatment and academic components of their program.
• Works in partnership with multidisciplinary teams, to facilitate safe and goal-focused programs for clients.
• Supports the implementation of evidence-informed practices including Trauma Informed, Housing First and Attachment Theory.
• Provides guidance to other staff to ensure daily tasks are assigned and completed.
• Works in alignment with the Agency’s commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.
• The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience

• Diploma or degree in child and youth work or related discipline plus at least one-year successful experience as a Child and Youth Counsellor II, or a minimum of five years relevant education and special experience or skills.
• Working knowledge of relevant government legislation and provincial standards (i.e. CFSA, YCJA, Education Act, Licensing Provisions, etc.).
• Ability to: communicate openly and honestly with youth,
  
  
  
  staff and Supervisor; work under the physical and emotional stress in the role; make decisions; give and take direction; implement changes in programming at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Committed to helping youth within an interdisciplinary team using individual and small group therapy processes where indicated.
• Ability to relate to youth with warmth and understanding and setting consistent appropriate limits.
• Ability and experience in integrating theoretical knowledge and practice skills in individual, small groups, life space and milieu therapy processes, as well as the ability to lead activity groups.
• Required to hold a “G” class license. First Aid Certificate, CPR, CIT, and WHMIS.

If you are community-focused and share our values of equity and inclusion, we want you to grow with us.

no later than 4 pm on September 28, 2026.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you dont have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at [email protected] or by calling (phone hidden) ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.