Counsellor – Community Response Program

Peterborough Youth Services | Job Posting

Employment type

Full-time, 6 -month contract

Hours

35 hours per week

Department

Child and Youth Mental Health

Reports to

Program Manager – Child and Youth Mental Health

Location

PYS Office: Peterborough (459 Reid Street); in person, with community-based services

Employment group

OPSEU Local 334

Advertised pay range

CA$60,359.90–CA$69,162.48 per year

Start date

As soon as possible; position available immediately

Date posted

November 4, 2026

Application deadline

November 16, 2026, before 5:00 p.m.

Who We Are

Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) is a mental health and youth justice organization serving children, youth and families. We provide a range of accessible, collaborative and responsive services for the improvement of client and community safety and wellbeing. Our vision is to be a thriving organization leading through collaboration to deliver high quality, equitable service.

Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

We acknowledge that Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) is in Nogojiwanong, which is located within the Williams Treaty, Treaty 20, and is Mississauga Anishinaabeg territory. PYS also provides support to other communities which are the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, and now home to many diverse nations. We respectfully recognize the presence of Indigenous peoples, both in the past and present, and we commit to action, education, meaningful dialogue and necessary change.

As an employer, we are dedicated and committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace and building teams that reflect the communities we serve. We work to promote a diverse antiracist, inclusive, accessible, skill based, respectful, and equitable workplace. We invite all interested individuals to apply and actively seek to attract, develop and retain talent from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and other individuals from the global majority, people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, those from various socio-economic backgrounds, and life experiences.

We strive to cultivate an inclusive culture that advances equity and supports the success and wellbeing of all employees.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for Community Response Program services provided by Peterborough Youth Services. Typically,



such services require the Community Response Counsellor to provide services in community settings outside the PYS office including the community, schools and homes. These services are considered mobile, responsive and accessible as the Community Response Staff “go to” the client versus traditional office-based services and supports.

PYS holds the following core values: Excellence, Employee Well-being, Responsive Collaboration, Inclusivity/Equity and Dignity.

Summary of Primary Responsibilities

(A detailed will be made available to interview candidates)

Crisis Response

· Respond to crisis calls from young people, their families and workers in the community in a timely fashion, as per the Community Response Program - Crisis Response Service Description.

· Conduct a reasonable yet rapid assessment of individual/family risks, needs and resources.

· Provide follow-up support, as required.

Community-based Interventions

· Receive referrals from PYS Triage for Community Response Program community-based interventions.

· Develop and deliver group interventions, as required.

· Where applicable, work collaboratively with community partners in delivering individual, family and group interventions.

· Identify longer-term needs and goals with the individual, family or group.

Case Management and Service Navigation

· Receive referral from PYS Triage for Community Response Program - Case Management/Service Navigation Service

· Develop a service plan

· Develop and coordinate the work of a service team

· Provide follow-up support, as required

Qualifications, Clinical Knowledge, and SkillsEducation

- CYC/MHA/SSW/BSW/MSW or related degree/diploma

Experience
- 2 years’ experience in community mental health and/or children and youth services

Skilled Designations and Licenses · If BSW/MSW, current membership in Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

· Certified First Aid and CPR and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

· Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Screening)

Working Conditions and Expectations

· Assessment, formulation and treatment planning knowledge and skills (critical thinker, analytical)

· Knowledge and skills in crisis intervention, family support and case coordination





· Possess strong relationship building, engagement, and meeting facilitation skills

· Strong organizational and time management skills

· Strong case management skills

· Robust ability to recognize, assess, and deal effectively with aggressive and/or physically assaultive behaviour and crisis situations

· Advanced problem-solving skills

· Make appropriate use of supervision (Administrative, Educational, Supportive, Clinical).

· Communication skills - written and verbal, individual and group presentation

· Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to a wide variety of people

· An understanding of the complexities of working with multi-stressed individuals and families

· Able to work as part of a team (able to accept and make use of feedback)

· Self-awareness (willing and able to reflect on your work and impact on clients/peers)

· Responsible, reliable employee

· Knowledge and understanding of the impact of marginalization on youth

· Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to incorporate anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice into daily work The above job posting reflects the major aspects of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed of all work requirements inherent in the job. All positions may be assigned other job-related duties as required from time to time.

Why Join Peterborough Youth Services?

Peterborough Youth Services is committed to supporting youth, families, and communities through innovative and responsive services. Joining our team provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while working alongside dedicated professionals committed to excellence, inclusion, and continuous learning.

PYS is committed to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and belonging. We welcome the unique experiences and perspectives that strengthen our organization and enhance our services.

How to Apply To be considered for this position, submit a CV and cover letter by email to [email protected] before 5:00 p.m. on November 16, 2026.

Recruitment Accommodations

We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, (including alternate format materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodation), please notify [email protected]

Pay: $60,359.90-$69,162.48 per year

Benefits

- On-site parking

Work Location: In person

📌 Counsellor-Community Response Program (Peterborough)
🏢 Peterborough Youth Services
📍 Peterborough