Child and Youth Counsellor I, Safe Haven - 6275E

Starling-Community-Services; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP pension

EAP program

Vacation 3 weeks

Personal time

Sick time

Holidays + float

Job summary

Starling Community Services, a not-for-profit health and social service organization serving Waterloo Region, is seeking two full-time Child and Youth Counsellor I, Safe Haven positions on-site. Starting October 4, 2026 and ending August 28, 2027, these roles run 37.5 hours per week and pay hourly wages in the Job Band E range: Min $24.10, Mid $25.90, Max $28.95.

The role involves supervising and counselling clients, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and implementing Housing First and

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in child and youth work or related discipline plus at least one year’s successful experience as a Child and Youth Worker or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, monitors, supports and counsels clients throughout their participation in the program.
• Works in partnership with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate safe and goal-focused programs for clients.
• Supports the implementation of evidence-informed practices including the Housing First Model and Connect.
• Works in alignment with the Agency’s commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.

Skills

Counselling

Youth work

Communication

Education

Child and youth work degree

Job description

Child and Youth Counsellor I, Safe Haven - 6275E

Job Category : Mental Health Services

Requisition Number : CHILD001262

• Posted : September 14, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

• Pay or shift range: $24.10 CAD to $28.95 CAD. Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band.Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range.

Description

Join Our Team
Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 22,586 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

Two full-time contract Child and Youth Counsellor I, Safe Haven positions available, starting on October 04, 2026, and ending on August 28, 2027. Working 37.5 hours per week.

What’s In It for You?

• Job Band E (hourly wages): Min - $24.10, Mid - $25.90, Max - $28.95.
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• 3 Weeks paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly).
• 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Staff appreciation events.

Your Role:

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Supervises, monitors, supports and counsels clients throughout their participation in the program.
• Works in partnership with multidisciplinary teams, to facilitate safe and goal-focused programs for clients.
• Supports the implementation of evidence-informed practices including the Housing First Model and Connect.
• Works in alignment with the Agency’s commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.
• The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience:

• Diploma or degree in child and youth work or related discipline plus at least one year’s successful experience as a Child and Youth Worker or equivalent.
• Ability to design and implement recreational and group programming.
• Ability to communicate openly and honestly and counsel youth and give and take directions.
• Resiliency while working under physical and emotional stress is necessary.
• Required to hold completion of C.I.T. or equivalent, current First Aid/CPR certificate, and “G” class license.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at [e-mail] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.