We are currently hiring a master's level clinician to provide individual therapy for members of the family or caregivers who are involved in the youth’s recovery process.

The DSYTC Family Therapist is a primary caregiver resource and is responsible for helping support and enhance family functioning through guidance related to healthy communication, relationship building, and self-care. Grounded in the CRAFT model, the Family Therapist helps enhance caregiver confidence and effectiveness in dealing with behaviours associated with substance use, including consideration of relapse prevention, harm reduction and the youth’s personal recovery journey.

The Family Therapist is a proficient clinician and case manager and is a leader in the delivery of caregiver and family education components of the program (e.g., family therapy, education, parent support, etc.).

The Family Therapist is flexible and adaptable to providing evidence-based care within both in-person and virtual settings.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide psychoeducation to parents and caregivers on topics related to adolescent substance use, mental health, behavioural concerns, and recovery. Using CRAFT model (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) as a foundational approach while also building upon the caregiver sessions in the Adolescence Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA).
- Provide individual therapeutic sessions to parents and caregivers to address family-related challenges, crisis-management and barriers impacting their youth's treatment and recovery.
- Provide ongoing case management to caregivers in relation to their youth's treatment, progress, and identified needs.
- Assist caregivers in establishing appropriate boundaries, expectations, routines, and safety plans.
- Support caregivers in understanding harm reduction, abstinence-based goals, relapse prevention, and ongoing recovery supports, as applicable to the youth's treatment plan.




- Collaborate with the youth's clinical team to ensure caregiver support is aligned with the youth's individualized treatment goals.
- Assist caregivers in identifying and accessing appropriate community resources, support, and services to meet their family's needs.
- Help caregivers develop effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills to address patterns of interaction that may impact family functioning.
- Provide education and guidance on healthy boundaries, family dynamics, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and strategies for supporting ongoing recovery.

Qualifications

- Master's level degree with specialization in behavioural sciences; priority given to the disciplines of psychology, clinical social work or clinical counselling.
- A minimum of 3 years of direct clinical experience working with caregivers and families.
- Be a member in positive standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario OR other recognized registration body (e.g., Ontario College of Social Work).
- Knowledge and/or experience in the following areas would be an asset:
- CRAFT and/or ACRA
- ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills
- CPR/First Aid
- NVCI - Non-violent Crisis Intervention
- GAIN - Global Appraisal of Individual Needs

Required Competencies:

- Therapy / Counselling
- Crisis Intervention
- Family and Social Support
- Understanding of Concurrent Disorders
- Case Management
- Client-Centered Change
- Effective Communication
- Ethical Conduct and Professionalism
- Teamwork and Cooperation

Working Conditions:

- Work is performed onsite within a live-in addiction treatment environment. This position is not typically eligible for Remote Work arrangements.




- Given the experiences of our clientele, staff may be exposed to sensitive situations and language and occasionally to angry client responses that meet the threshold of verbal abuse.
- Occasionally are required to extend normal hours of work, and/or work flexible hours (evenings and/or weekends) to accommodate caregivers and other work demands.
- This is a unionized position represented by OPSEU

Agency Profile

The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) is a non-profit, live-in and community-based agency that is dedicated to helping youth (13-21) and families across Ontario overcome substance use and mental health issues to achieve a healthier lifestyle. We operate a 30-bed facility for youth where we provide gender-specialized and evidence-based programming for male, female and gender diverse youth to address the complex and unique needs of each individual and family we serve.

We offer a comprehensive remuneration package, opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.

Should the applicant require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please notify Human Resources in advance as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. As an equal opportunity employer DSYTC seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time

Pay: $33.85-$36.65 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Application question(s):

- Are you a registered ( or qualifying) social worker or registered psychotherapist?

Education:

- Master's Degree (required)

Experience:

- Counselling: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Family Support Therapist (Carp)
🏢 Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
📍 Carp