Child and Youth Service Counsellor

John Howard Society of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

John Howard Society of Ottawa is seeking a Community Services for Youth Counsellor for mobile outreach and multi-site work in Ottawa. The role supports NRAC, On Point, Diversion, and Choices School‑Based programs with a focus on preventing youth involvement in the justice system.

The successful candidate will deliver group interventions, coordinate with partners, and maintain client records while adhering to program and safety guidelines. Travel across Central and Kanata sites is required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in the field of criminal justice or social services
• English communication skills (oral & written); French is an asset
• Minimum 2 years working with vulnerable populations
• Understanding of, and experience working with, clients with multiple barriers (mental health, criminality, substance use)
• Delivery/facilitation of structured group interventions
• Competency in using criminogenic risk/need assessment instruments and supporting clients who are pre-contemplative
• Experience collaborating with other system professionals to support client success
• Experience working in gang prevention/intervention programs is a strong asset

Responsibilities

• Support three Community Services for Youth programs (NRAC, On Point, Diversion) in community settings
• Deliver structured group interventions and facilitate sessions
• Engage with youth and families across Kanata, Central Ottawa and community venues
• Collaborate with partners, schools, and community organizations to support client outcomes
• Maintain records, safety, and program compliance for youth services

Skills

English proficiency

Driver's license

Group facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma in criminal justice or social services

Job description

Salary Range: $53,633.18 To $60,705.12 Annually

Job Posting

Community Services for Youth Counsellor Full-Time Contract

Title: Community Services for Youth Counsellor

Location(s): Mobile community outreach with Central and Kanata office

Salary: $53,663.18 - $60,705.12*dependent on experience

End date for term employment: March 31st, 2027, with potential for extension

Hours: Full time, 40-hour work week (35 working hours plus 2.5 hours allocated to daily half hour paid lunches and unpaid breaks).

Employer: John Howard Society of Ottawa

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks’ vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support:Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as LGBTQ2S+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the role: This position offers a unique opportunity in prevention and intervention services.

The successful candidate will be involved in three Community Services for Youth programs:

1.TheNon-Residential Attendance Centre (NRAC) program is a non-custodial sentencing option as identified in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. This program is a continued plan from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to decrease reliance on custody and further intensive community-based interventions. The goal of this program is to support youth in reducing offending behaviour through targeted programs that are offered in both individual and group settings.

2. The Prevention stream of the On Point program is in partnership with You Turn Youth Support Services and is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Serving youth aged 12-20 in Ottawa, Rockland, and Russell, On Point aims to serve youth who may be at-risk of being affected by, or involved in, street violence and gang activities. Services are delivered in the community and this program has an open referral source.

3. Diversion Services is in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program, providing individual and group programming to youth who are involved with Extrajudicial Measures or Sanctions.

4. The Choices School-Based Program is an initiative that responds to the needs of young people who, for a variety of reasons, are struggling at school, at home and in the community. The program is in partnership with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, funded in part from our community partners: Community Foundation of Ottawa and Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa. The overall goal of the program is to increase community safety by reducing the risk of youth becoming involved in criminal behavior and ultimately entering the justice system through evidence-based group programming covering a wide range of topics incorporated into a youth-friendly curriculum.

Specifications:

Updated clear Criminal Reference Check required for working with vulnerable populations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in the field of criminal justice or social services
• Have both English communication skills (oral & written; French is an asset)
• Minimum 2 years working with vulnerable populations (preferably youth and youth justice)
• Understanding of, and experience working with, clients that struggle with multiple barriers (mental health, criminality, substance use)
• Delivery/facilitation of structured group interventions
• Competency in using criminogenic risk/need assessment instruments and supporting clients who are mostly pre-contemplative establish and achieve goal plans, as well as support successful sentence conditions
• Experience collaborating with other system professionals to support client success
• Experience working in gang prevention or intervention programs considered a strong asset

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:

• Thorough understanding and experience applying Cognitive Behavioural, Social Learning, and Social Ecological approaches
• Thorough understanding and experience in the use of Motivational Interviewing
• Understanding of the theory and application of effective correctional interventions
• Familiarity with the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the youth justice system
• Understanding of and experience teaching effective parenting strategies
• Strong engagement and rapport building skills to establish relationships with high risk youth
• Be highly creative to support interactive and engaging curriculum implementation
• Easily adaptable, extremely organized with solid time management, flexible, committed, hard-working and willingness to “do whatever it takes” attitude for client, and program success

As the successful candidate, you have:

• Have a demonstrated ability to work as part of a cohesive team unit
• Have experience working within a program model that is accountable to process, as well as comprehensive quality assurance measures
• Have an interest and willingness to work within a structured clinical model, established program model
• Be prepared to work closely with JHS Clinical Supervisor and Program Coordinator
• Have strong facilitation skills to support structured group interventions with youth
• Have valid driver’s license and their own reliable vehicle for working with clients in the community
• Be willing to work evenings; willing to attend weekend events when necessary
• Have excellent people skills to facilitate relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, program partners and community members
• Have a genuine interest in working with youth in a caring, empathic and non-judgmental manner
• Be willing to work at multiple site locations (Kanata and Central office sites, community work)

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, through responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential.
• Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.