Counsellor - Children, Youth and Family

CounsellingFull TimeOttawa, ON

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Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and their families? Do you possess exceptional counselling skills and an understanding of child development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dynamic and diverse organization as a Child, Youth and Family Counsellor.

At The Counselling Group (TCG), we are dedicated to empowering children and providing them with the support they need to navigate life's challenges. We believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive and grow. As a Counsellor, you will play a crucial role in helping children develop their emotional well-being, build resilience, and foster healthy relationships.

You will be part of a large group of counsellors, providing service to the diverse ethnic and religious communities of Ottawa and the region. We are an inclusive and diverse organization, and we seek colleagues who represent the diversity of communities.


Position Summary

The Counselling Group (a program by Jewish Family Services of Ottawa) is seeking a child, youth and Family Counsellor with experience and the passion for working with children (6 –12 years of age). The successful candidate would have experience using appropriate clinical modalities for the mentioned age range such as Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Art/Expressive Therapy and/or Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). Fluency in more than one language is an asset. Given the age of the clients, most of the work will be done in-person after regular school hours; however, some remote work may be possible.

Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager, the successful candidate(s) will be responsible for direct service provision, which will include conducting client assessments, and providing treatment for children, and their families.


Benefits

  • 15 days' vacation in first year prorated to your start date and FTE (Full Time Equivalent)
  • 10 days Personal Time Off prorated to your start date and FTE after 3 months of employment.
  • Various Jewish Holy days off
  • Health and Dental Benefits plan
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Employer RRSP after one year of employment
  • Use of gym facilities
  • Flexible employer
  • Accessible workspace


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provides clinical counselling / psychotherapy to clients for a minimum of 3 years,
  • Provides culturally appropriate and language-specific direct service including client assessment, treatment, and referrals.
  • Provides advocacy and referrals to help clients’ access relevant community services. Where necessary and useful, collaborates with other professionals (i.e., doctors, settlement workers and other health-care professionals).
  • Maintains cooperative working relationships with community agencies, schools, courts, child welfare workers, etc., makes referrals and mobilizes community resources where indicated on matters relating to clients’ welfare
  • Ensures quality client care that is consistent with best practices, agency standards, and evidence-based approaches
  • Maintains necessary documentation and case records.
  • Participates in supervision, meetings, workshops (including professional development opportunities)
  • Performs related work as assigned


Mandatory Qualifications/Experience

The successful candidate will have:

  • M.S.W., M.Ed. (Counselling) or equivalent degree
  • Membership in good standing with the OCSWSSW or CRPO (RSW or RP). Other health professionals which can perform the act of psychotherapy in Ontario can be considered as well.
  • Maintains or is eligible to maintain professional liability insurance through their association
  • Experience in clinical modalities suited for working with children and families such as: Play Therapy, Art/Expressive Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).
  • Demonstrated experience working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults (6 – 25 years in age), with specific emphasis on children ages 6-12.
  • Knowledge of community resources
  • Ability to work flexible hours according to program need with at least one evening per week
  • Fluency in more than one language is an asset as is cross-cultural experience
  • Comfortable working in-person and in a virtual setting (tele-therapy)


Additional Preferred Experience (any of the these are an asset)

  • Comfort and knowledge with group work is an asset
  • Possess the lived experience, knowledge, and cultural experiences required to support members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Possess the lived experience, knowledge, and cultural experiences required to support people who are visible minorities.


Jewish Family Services of Ottawa supports equal opportunity employment. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Right Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting Jewish Family Services.


We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.