76-2026 Counsellor Temporary Full-Time (one-year contract)

We are hiring a Counsellor who is committed to providing compassionate, client-centered support and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. This is a unique opportunity to work as part of a collaborative clinical team delivering therapeutic services to a diverse population. The successful candidate will bring strong clinical judgment, trauma-informed practice, and a deep respect for the dignity and lived experience of every client.

Join a value-driven organization with over 100 years of service supporting Ottawa families through life’s challenges, where your work will have a lasting impact and your professional growth will be supported.

Location: Ottawa, Office-based

Start Date: ASAP

Position: Counsellor Temporary Full time Union (Level 5) (One Year contract)

Salary Range: $58,793.87 to $72,585.35

Job ID: 76-2026– Counsellor Temporary Full-Time

ABOUT US

Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSO-SFO) has been strengthening individuals and families—and, by extension, the Ottawa community—since 1914. We provide skillful and compassionate support to help people navigate mental health concerns, parenting challenges, and family conflict or violence. Through accessible counselling, support groups, and educational programs, families increase their knowledge and skills, adopt healthy strategies, build meaningful connections, and enhance resilience.

We serve individuals across the lifespan and within all types of family constellations, including children, youth, transitional-aged youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families. Our work is grounded in the real needs of clients, the complex environments they live in, and a strong foundation of clinical and mental health expertise.

From Mothercare during the influenza epidemic of 1917 to supporting families during post-WWII reintegration to redefining family therapy to reflect the diverse realities of “family,” FSO-SFO continues to innovate and evolve in response to the changing needs of our community.

We strive to lead and convene the best and most promising practices,



ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful. Today, 98% of clients report that working with FSO-SFO has had a positive impact on their lives.

As an accredited non-profit charitable organization, FSO-SFO is a trusted pillar of the Ottawa community. Our team is united by a commitment to well-being, belonging, community, accountability, and client-centered care.

Join us in making a lasting difference for Ottawa families.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Counsellor to join our dynamic Counselling team. At Family Services Ottawa (FSO), we are committed to providing high-quality counselling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups experiencing a range of mental health challenges.

This role includes direct clinical service with clients presenting a range of mild to moderate and/or severe and persistent mental health challenges, including trauma, concurrent disorders, and complex psychosocial needs.

Key responsibilities includes:

- Conduct assessments, including risk assessments, and develop treatment plans with clients
- Deliver evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and strengths-based counselling
- Provide a range of counselling services, which may include individual, couple, family, and group counselling, depending on service requirements and clinician expertise.
- Offer counselling in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including both brief or single sessions and moderate to longer-term interventions
- Assist clients with navigating systems and accessing practical support (e.g., housing, income support, legal)
- Provide referrals and collaborate with community resources and service providers
- Maintain timely, accurate,



and confidential client records and statistical data in accordance with agency and funder standards
- Prepare correspondence, case notes, and report as required
- Contribute to agency committees and organizational initiatives
- Complete administrative tasks related to agency operations and personnel

ABOUT YOU

You are an empathetic, ethical, and skilled counselling professional with:

- A Master’s degree in Social Work, Education in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or an equivalent graduate degree
- Registration in good standing with a regulated health college (OCSWSSW, CRPO, or a relevant college)
- 2-3 years of direct psychotherapy experience with individuals, couples, or families.
- Your experience includes working with diverse populations (culture, race, socioeconomic status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation) with mental health challenges who have experienced trauma, including gender-based violence.
- Understanding and demonstration of ethical practice standards for social workers, counsellors, and psychotherapists
- Understanding of structural factors and systemic issues impacting client well-being
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Knowledge of community resources and referral pathways in the Ottawa area
- Strong organizational and planning abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
- Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft 365 and electronic medical record databases

The ideal candidate will be able to offer counselling in English and a second language.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

- Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector
- Schedule requires one evening shift per week, and may require occasional Saturdays.

We look forward to hearing from you. FSO-SFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know how we can best support you.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

📌 76-2026 Counsellor Temporary Full-Time (One year Contract) (Ottawa)
🏢 Family Services Ottawa
📍 Ottawa