Compass is a non-profit organization based in Sudbury Ontario that provides mental health and developmental services for children, youth, and families. Most programs serve individuals up to age 18, with select services available to older youth and young adults. Supports range from short-term counselling to ongoing therapy, psychological assessment, and diagnostic services.

Compass is also the lead agency responsible for providing live-in treatment services for youth who need temporary residential support during significant life transitions.

The Youth Wellness Hub, is another program offered though Compass, you can learn more at www.ywhsudbury.ca.

In partnership with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Compass is launching Family Navigation Project (FNP) in Sudbury-Manitoulin, a navigation service providing expert guidance to youth ages 11 to 29 experiencing mental health and/or substance-use concerns and their families. Learn more about Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project here https://www.familynavigationproject.ca/.

Reporting to the Manager of Client Services, the Family Navigator is a vital role within the Family Navigation Project (FNP) team, providing personalized, collaborative guidance and advocacy to youth ages 11–29 and their families, helping assess needs, reducing barriers, navigating mental health and addictions services, and connecting them with appropriate supports. This role will support clients located across Compass’ catchment area. It involves a combination of in-person and virtual work and will provide personalized, culturally responsive system navigation while also engaging with community partners to build trust, strengthen referral pathways, and promote coordinated care.

The role requires flexibility to work a varied schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of youth, families, and community partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Use a collaborative approach to assess youth and their families’ needs, readiness for treatment and care, and barriers to accessing services. Provide personalized guidance and support to help youth experiencing mental health and/or substance-use concerns identify and access appropriate resources.
- Work to reduce barriers to access and transition to service and advocate for youth and their families across various systems to facilitate the introduction of services in a timely manner.
- Liaise with Sunnybrook research team regarding program evaluation activities and applicable research protocols.




- Meet with the youth and/or their families with the goal of collecting information on the youth’s service needs.
- Provide client orientation to FNP including discussing nature of service, the collection and storage of client data, confidentiality and limits, and obtaining informed consent prior to service initiation.
- Provide psychoeducation about mental health and substance use to support youth and their families in understanding their options and identifying appropriate supports and services.
- Maintain regular contact with youth and/or their families to understand changes in their circumstances and service needs and to support ongoing navigation.
- Participate in weekly interdisciplinary case consultations with psychiatrists and other members of the team to discuss identified clinical and treatment needs and support youth and families in making informed decisions about services.
- Explore service options based on client needs, communicate options to youth/family and support with service initiation if required.
- Deliver community presentations and outreach activities for schools, parent councils, local service providers, and community organizations to promote awareness of FNP and provide information and psychoeducation about mental health and substance-use services.
- Participate in community meetings, collaboration tables, and other partnership activities to strengthen connections with local service providers and community resources.
- Complete required client documentation in a timely manner that adheres to organizational policies
- Registered and in good standing with a Professional College of Ontario.
- Share updates about community services and programs with other Navigators and maintain current information in the FNP Services Resource Database.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

- Proficiency in a computerized environment, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
- Solid clinical decision-making: assess risk, prioritize competing demands, and problem-solve in real time
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; bilingual (English/French) preferred




- Ability to collaborate with external partners (school boards, health and social service agencies, community organizations)
- Ability to work independently with sound judgment
- Experience with and/or knowledge of child and youth mental health systems, child welfare, and related health/social services
- Cultural competency: understanding of issues facing diverse populations including Indigenous, Francophone, Immigrant/Refugee, and LGBT2SQ communities
- Knowledge of and respect for Indigenous cultural norms, ceremonies, traditions, teachings, protocols and traditional territories is considered an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Honours Bachelor Degree in social work or HBA (Psychology), Bachelor of Arts Child and Youth Care or other related human services honours degrees.
- Registered in good standing with a Qualified College of Ontario.

Successful applicants will be required to provide:

- Proof of eligibility to work in Canada
- A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a reliable motor vehicle; insurability on vehicle as per policy
- Completed Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Benefits include:

- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- On-site parking (paid by employer)
- Paid vacation
- Paid float days
- Short-term disability coverage
- Dental, Vision and Extended Health benefits
- Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D;) insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Application Process

Compass is committed to a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and value the dignity and worth of every individual. Compass will provide reasonable accommodation to any applicant who identifies a need to be accommodated. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise our Human Resources team prior to your interview.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Please submit your cover letter and résumé quoting Job Posting #1897/1899 by October 24, 2026 to [email protected] or at www.compassne.ca.

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $37.57-$42.49 per hour

Benefits

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Family Navigator - Permanent Full-Time - Unionized | Posting #1897/1899 (Greater Sudbury)
🏢 Compass / Boussole / Akii-Izhinoogan
📍 Greater Sudbury