Clinical Counsellor (2025-537-CC)

WoodGreen Community Services; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 36,345 - 51,765; Part time

Job summary

A community service organization in Toronto is seeking a Clinical Counsellor to provide therapeutic counselling and clinical support within a hybrid work model. The role involves conducting assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, and maintaining client records. Ideal candidates hold a Master's degree in Social Work with at least 3 years of relevant experience, and possess strong communication, crisis intervention, and documentation skills. The organization promotes inclusivity and seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Masters of Social Work or another relevant graduate degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mental health, addictions, or social services.
• Experience with trauma-informed care and anti-oppressive practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical assessments to determine service needs.
• Provide therapeutic counselling using various modalities.
• Develop and implement care plans for clients.

Skills

Therapeutic counselling

Crisis intervention

Mental health support

Communication skills

Documentation skills

Organisational skills

Community resources knowledge

Education

Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or related degree

Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) or Psychotherapist (R.P.)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Client information systems

Job description

Clinical Counsellor (2025-537-CC)

WoodGreen Community Services

Application deadline: January 19, 2025, 11:59 pm

Employment Type: Contract (until August 2026) | Work Hours: 37.5 hours/week (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) | Work Setting: Hybrid – opportunity to work remotely after orientation and training | Salary: $31.98/hour

WoodGreen is a team of diverse and innovative change makers working together to make a difference in our communities. As a United Way Anchor Agency, we continuously seek to develop solutions to critical social needs while striving to become a Centre for Equity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who contribute towards promoting innovative ideas and solutions.

Program Overview – Counselling & Support Services

The Clinical Counsellor is a member of the Community Care Unit (CCU) and reports to the Supervisor, Counselling & Support Services. Working within an anti‑oppressive, anti‑racism, trauma‑informed, harm reduction, disability justice, and mental health recovery framework, the incumbent is responsible for providing assessment; therapeutic counselling in a variety of client‑centered modalities; telephone, virtual and in‑person clinical consultation; assessment for acute/crisis needs; and referral and connection to appropriate services and supports.

What You Will Do

Direct Client Support

• Perform clinical assessments (psychosocial, psychological, etc.) to determine service needs and formulate recommendations or treatment plans.
• Account for each client’s values, preferences, and circumstances to support the development of client‑centered goals and treatment plans.
• Provide therapeutic counselling to clients utilizing a wide range of approaches that best meet their needs and circumstances (e.g., CBT, Solution Focused therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, etc.).
• Encourage active communication between clients and/or caregivers and healthcare providers to optimise client outcomes.
• Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
• Provide case management services to both short‑term and long‑term clients, through the development and implementation of a care plan to address their priority and emerging needs.
• Participate in case conferences and clinical meetings to ensure coordination of services and a continuum of care, maintaining relationships with partner organisations.
• Support engagement work as needed across OHT initiative working groups and steering committees.
• Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to client needs, considering culture, language, reading level, accessibility, and health literacy.
• Facilitate or lead therapeutic and/or psychosocial support groups as required.
• Develop/prepare group materials, including curriculum, handouts, and supplies.
• Provide clinical support to individual group participants as appropriate.
• Create, maintain, and update client records in a timely, efficient manner.

General

• Ensure the organization’s policies and procedures are carried out.
• Maintain confidentiality relating to clients, volunteers, staff, programmes, community members, and partners.
• Provide mentorship, training and supervision to student placements and volunteers.
• Participate in team and unit meetings to promote healthy functioning.
• Engage in ongoing training and education.
• Participate in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation, and collect required statistical data.
• Represent the unit on internal and/or external staff committees as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Team

• Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or graduate degree in a relevant field. Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) or Psychotherapist (R.P.) in good standing with OCSWSSW or CRPO.
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in mental health, addictions, and/or social services.
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health and substance use issues from an anti‑oppressive, anti‑racist, harm‑reduction, trauma‑informed, and mental health recovery approach.
• Ability to support individuals with complex issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, chronic physical health issues.
• Knowledge and experience providing therapeutic and supportive counselling utilizing various modalities (e.g., Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT).
• Working knowledge of addiction theories, evidence‑based treatment models, and best practices.
• Training in clinical interviewing and evidence‑informed interventions is recommended.

What Will Set You Apart

• Knowledge and experience providing addictions counselling and support.
• Experience in crisis response/intervention and commitment to a harm‑reduction approach.
• Comprehensive understanding of mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources.
• Strong understanding of intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health.
• Knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programmes, and other scope of practice matters.
• Proven ability in system navigation and care coordination.
• Superb assessment skills and comfort with standardized assessment tools.
• Strong de‑escalation and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Self‑directed and independent, yet effective team player with community professionals.
• Good judgment, flexibility, problem‑solving and conflict management skills.
• Applied computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Internet) and client information system proficiency.
• Ability to demonstrate an anti‑oppression approach to practice and client‑centered, anti‑racism, harm‑duction, trauma‑informed, and disability justice approach.
• Excellent oral and written English communication fluency.
• French or other second language(s) is a strong asset.