Counsellor, Youth Services

Job Description

Title: Counsellor, Youth Services

Reports to: Manager, Primary Care- Midtown

Position Type: Part-Time, Contract (1 year, 21 hours/week)

Salary:  $29.49 - $34.69 per hour

Vacancy Status: New Vacancy

Location: Kingston; Midtown and HBH Youth Hub

Position Summary

Working at a high level of autonomy within a multi-disciplinary team, the Counsellor works to support the development of healthy life habits with a focus on basic life skills for living independently, among youth who attend the Youth Hub and supportive housing. The Counsellor supports, educates, and counsels youth ages 16-24 in one-on-one and group settings, using a trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, culturally safe, and equity‑driven approach. With an understanding of the social determinants of health, the Counsellor assists clients in developing practical skills, emotional regulation strategies, and competencies that promote stability, independence, resilience, and long‑term wellness.

This position is primarily focused on group facilitation, curriculum development, virtual and in person program delivery, counselling, health education and active youth engagement.

Key Responsibilities 

Client Care & Clinical

Facilitate weekly life skills sessions at the youth hub and in housing

Perform intake assessments, referrals, case management and follow-up.

Implement, modify, and evaluate evidence-based life skills groups.

Support curriculum development on healthy habits and life skills through client focus groups and Co-design with Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Adapt modules for virtual delivery and launch recurring virtual groups

Provide one-on-one counselling and life skills mentoring support based on referrals.

Identify and support the psychosocial needs of clients and assist in developing support plans in collaboration with the clinical team.

Conduct youth needs assessments in supportive housing and at the youth hub.

Provide individual and group support that will improve health outcomes and build skills around common issues such as behaviour management, sleep routines, healthy eating and healthy habits.

Help clients find, access, and apply for services within KCHC and broader community supports.

Collaborate with youth who identify they need help with challenges including but not limited to health; income; food insecurity; domestic/family violence; employment, education.

Help youth navigate community agencies and build connections with specialized community services. Liaise with and advocate, when necessary, with partner agencies and health services to encourage engagement and responsiveness.

Collaborate with clients to assess goals and modify care.

Advocate for complex clients living in unstable situations and work to assist in reducing barriers to accessing health care services.

Consult with other team members regularly to ensure safe care.

Mentor volunteers/students as appropriate.

Ensure occupational health and safety standards are followed in practice.

Home visits, as appropriate.

Clinical oversight will be provided by medical team.

Quality Improvement & Coordinated Care

Contribute to and support quality improvement initiatives.

Adaptable to a variety of complex client encounters i.e., at KCHC sites, community sites, home visits and telephone.

Collaborate with other staff and community agencies to support a successful and seamless client experience and quality care through case management and coordination.

Assist in the development of system-based efficiencies to improve the client experience and reduce unnecessary visits to hospital.

Support internal staff training and sustainability at KCHC and Home Base Housing in regards to youth.

Package program content for future use.

Administrative Duties

Follow respective College of Ontario Guidelines for documentation of care and interventions.

Document all individual and group encounters in PS Suites.

Collect attendance and outcome data in MWP platform

Participate in chart reviews and case conferences.

Participate in planning meetings, development of program work plans and team meetings and other administrative activities which support the overall functioning of the team.

Develop and implement systems to ensure adequate follow up of vulnerable clients.

Maintain other records and data as required

Organizational Responsibilities

Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws

Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  

Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion

Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures

Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs

Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities

Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement

On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required

Basic Education and Experience Requirements

College diploma or university degree in Social Service Work, Child Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Three to five years’ experience in a community health, primary care or youth programming setting; or a combination of community, hospital, or public health settings. Applicants with less experience may be considered.

Experience supporting vulnerable and diverse populations and clients with addictions, mental health, and/or complex psycho-social issues, both one-on-one and in group settings.

Knowledge of healthy baby and child development, and holistic family care Understanding and knowledge of social determinants of health, harm reduction and health equity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong group facilitation skills

Strong strengths-based planning and collaborative goal-setting skills

Experience with and understanding of strategies that support behaviour change with vulnerable individuals.

Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences, resilience and the importance of building relationship with clients.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to engage marginalized youth, and a commitment to being a team player.

Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis and ability to meet the physical demands of the position.

Proficiency in the use of computers and relevant software applications (Microsoft Office), including Electronic Medical Record software (PS Suite preferred).

Awareness of, and ability to support, provincial and federal privacy regulations.

Experience in program development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to communicate in other languages is an asset.

Other Requirements

Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check.

Reliable access to a vehicle in order to reach individuals in the community and in their homes.

Valid Driver’s Licence, Driver’s Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance as this is a requirement under KCHC’s insurance provider (HIROC).

Ability to work after hours as required.

As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with  other staff and clients.

At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive.

We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC. Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all. 

KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.

Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4  www.KCHC.ca