Youth Counsellor

Job Posting:

Youth Counsellor

Women’s Support Network of York Region (WSN) is the rape crisis/sexual assault centre in York Region. We are a feminist, non-profit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual violence and sexual exploitation for the purpose of human trafficking. WSN is situated, in Newmarket, on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples whose presence here continues to this day.

We honour and acknowledge this land and its people.

Job Title: Youth Counsellor

Number of positions: 1

Terms: Full-time 5 month contract, commencing Immediately and ending March 31, 2027, for 37.5 hours weekly. Must be available to work onsite at WSN’s office in Newmarket, in schools, in the community and from a home office. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required.

Compensation: $40.00 per hour + benefits

The Youth Counsellor reports to the Program Manager and works in co-operation with all staff at Women’s Support Network of York Region (WSN), particularly other Fostering Mental Health & Wellness in Youth Survivors of Sexual Violence Project staff, and project partners.

Major Responsibilities

Provide individual youth counselling to youth survivors of sexual violence aged 12-25:

• Provide services from a trauma-informed, integrated feminist, anti-racist, anti-colonial, and anti- oppression framework
• Provide counselling to youth survivors of sexual violence and youth impacted by mental health issues related to sexual violence trauma
• Provide these counselling services in-person as well as virtually or by phone
• Support youth using evidence-informed therapeutic approaches
• Coordinate client case conferencing/management with other service providers; provide advocacy (i.e. with youths’ caregivers, legal, schools, child protection, social services); and provide accompaniment to other service providers as required
• Provide referral to WSN’s crisis online chat and text support service
• Provide referral to other community support services and legal services
• Support youth using brief, trauma-informed and nonjudgemental approaches
• Describe and model WSN direct service processes, commitments, values and obligations to support seekers
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation
• Participate in case consultations and warm referrals to other services
• Accurately promote and describe all WSN’s Fostering Mental Health & Wellness in Youth Survivors of Sexual Violence Project services

WSN Team Collaboration and Support

• Participate in supervision and team meetings
• Uphold ethical standards, professional boundaries, and mandatory reporting obligations
• Where crisis situations occur, respond in accordance with organizational protocols
• Work in co-operation with all WSN staff and other Fostering Mental Health & Wellness in Youth Survivors of Sexual Violence Project staff
• On a rotational basis, perform the role of staff back-up for volunteers responding to calls on WSN’s 24- hour crisis line

WSN Representative in Outreach, Education, Training and Resource

• Represent WSN on applicable community committees, situation tables, and coalitions addressing the needs of youth and youth survivors of violence
• Act as a resource person for WSN on youth sexual violence survivor needs
• Support service-provider referrals to WSN’s youth counselling services, by sharing referral and intake information
• On a rotational basis, participate in the delivery of WSN’s bingo fundraiser in Newmarket (Sunday 3:45pm-6pm)
• Undertake special projects and other related duties consistent with the organization’s objectives, as assigned

Key qualifications:

• Theoretical and practiced understanding of sexual violence and commercial sexual exploitation of youth across diverse intersections of identity (e.g., race, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identities)
• Minimum of 2 years related experience providing counselling to youth survivors who have experienced sexual violence, including relationship sexual violence, sex trafficking, childhood sexual abuse, and incest
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (i.e., the Child and Family Services Act), regional and community services.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing a tri-phasic model of trauma recovery (Safety & Stabilization; Remembrance & Processing; Integration & Reconnection)
• Demonstrated experience working with youth survivors from trauma-informed, integrative feminist, anti- colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppression frameworks
• Experience outreaching to and collaborating with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management, conflict management, and interpersonal skills
• An ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Computer proficiency, and experience completing reports and client advocacy letters
• A second language other than English and French is an asset; Bilingualism is a strong asset
• A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance are required
• Related post-secondary education and experience
• Current registration with OCSWSSW, CPRO or another counselling related regulatory body is an asset

This position will remain open until it is filled.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Jeen maria Joseph at [email protected]

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. WSN is committed to a staff team that reflects the diversity within the community. We encourage Indigenous, Black, women of color, immigrant women, differently abled, francophone, lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, and trans women to apply.