Opportunities Fund Employment Counsellor

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is a vibrant, non-profit Christian organization leading a collective movement to end chronic poverty in Toronto. 

Since 1896, we’ve worked to transform the lives of people living with poverty, going beyond immediate needs by offering wrap-around support via holistic programs and services, and a pathway which enables street-involved youth, families in need, adults experiencing poverty and vulnerable communities to move from surviving to thriving.

To make this happen, we are passionate about investing in the people we work with, and look for a diverse range of staff who are key for us to advance our mission: Christians who have a heart for neighbours in need, a desire to transform the lives of our community members, and who believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect.

If you are inspired by our vision and feel a true call to contribute to YSM’s work, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer:

As a staff member at YSM, some of the things you can look forward to include a values-based and highly collaborative and engaging work environment with a high value on staff’s mental health and well-being; meaningful, innovative and impactful work, with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community, as well as flexible hybrid work arrangements. Our competitive Total Rewards compensation package also includes Group RRSP matching, annual leave and paid personal days, comprehensive health and dental care coverage, an Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes counselling services by Christian professionals, and numerous other perks.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an Employment Counsellor who is passionate and called to support our participants in guiding them towards positive transformation. This is a full-time 1 year contract position supporting the Opportunities Fund (OF) program that serves participants who experience multiple and/or complex barriers to employment by providing more intensive support beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities. The Employment Counsellor will be responsible for program delivery under ESDC guidelines and reports to the OF Program Coordinator. 

Responsibilities:

Develop, lead, and facilitate skill-based pre-employment training workshops to support participant capacity building and job retention

Provide wrap-around care management support in collaboration with YSM staff, delivering individualized support to participants and maintaining customized training plans

Provide individualized job coaching, counseling, and mentoring to support participants’ personal and professional development

Collaborate with YSM Workforce Development staff and other departments for referrals, screening, and assessment of participant suitability

Research and incorporate current trends, labour market information and best practices in job retention and career development into daily work

Network with internal and external Employment Services to ensure participants receive ongoing employment and career development support

Document participant activity in YSM database and paper files in accordance with YSM and funder requirements

Plan and track participant support expenses with guidance from the OF Program Coordinator

Qualifications:

Relevant post-secondary education in social work, community services, adult education, or equivalent experience.

Experience with group facilitation and case management activities

Exceptional communication skills (oral and written); excellent interpersonal, presentation and coaching skills

Understanding of cross cultural, anti-oppressive, and trauma informed practices

Comfort working in an unpredictable drop-in environment with participants experiencing various forms of trauma; able to quickly and sensitively respond to high-stress situations

High level of self-awareness; strong coping skills and supportive community (including faith community) needed to avoid emotional strain and potential burnout

Strong conflict resolution skills in managing group dynamics

Good time management, information tracking, and prioritization skills

Initiative to exercise sharp critical thinking skills and sound judgment to problem solve independently

Flexible to work outside of standard hours when necessary

CPI, Mental Health, First Aid Training is an asset

Vulnerable sector police check will be required

Compensation: YSM offers market competitive rates and will pay a starting salary of $47,371.37 for this role, combined with a comprehensive suite of benefits and perks. This is a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) position.

Deadline for Application: Available until filled

While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

YSM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Please note that this position is for an existing vacancy, and YSM do not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any stage of the recruitment process. These stages include candidate screening and shortlisting, assessment and selection.

Learn more about YSM at www.ysm.ca 

Date Posted: January 30, 2026