Clinical Counsellor (2026-348-CC)

WoodGreen Community Services; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

WoodGreen Community Services in Toronto is seeking a Clinical Counsellor - Youth to provide specialized assessment, counseling, and group support to youth facing mental health and substance use challenges.

You will work within an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed framework, delivering client-centered care and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team across Covenant House and community partners.

Qualifications

• 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 the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in child and youth mental health, addictions, and/or social services. Demonstrated experience supporting children and youth with mental health and substance use issues from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct client support and connect youth with community resources.
• Conduct psychosocial/psychological assessments to guide treatment planning.
• Deliver individual counseling and group-based psychosocial support.
• Perform case management and care coordination with the care team.
• Maintain confidential records and contribute to program evaluation.

Skills

English fluency

Crisis intervention

Interprofessional collaboration

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time, Bargaining Unit (1 Vacancy)

Work Hours: 37.5 hours/week (Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm)

Work Setting: Hybrid, 815 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario

Salary: $75,913.43

Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 by 11:59 pm

Competition # 2026-348-CC Clinical Counsellor (2026-348-CC) Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time, Bargaining Unit (1 Vacancy) Work Hours: 37.5 hours/week (Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm) Work Setting: Hybrid, 815 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario Salary: $75,913.43 Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 by 11:59 pm

Who We Are

WoodGreen is a team of diverse and innovative change makers working together to make a difference in our communities. A United Way Anchor Agency with a proven track record and an entrepreneurial mindset, we continuously seek to develop solutions to critical social needs while striving to become a Centre for Equity.

Visit www. woodgreen.org to learn more about who we are and to review our Equity Statement . We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, representative of the communities we serve. We encourage, and are pleased to consider, applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, women/women identifying, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who contribute towards promoting innovative ideas and solutions.

Program Overview - Community Care, Youth Outreach Team

The Clinical Counsellor - Youth - is a member of the Community Care Unit (CCU) and reports to the Manager, Counselling & Support Services. This incumbent is responsible for providing specialized services and supports to youth living with mental health and/or substance use issues and related concerns.

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; supportive and therapeutic counseling; group-based programming in a variety of client-centered modalities and drop-in psychotherapy support to youth at Covenant House and other community partners.

This position requires superior clinical skills; comprehensive knowledge of services and programs for children, youth and their families; and excellent organizational and administrative skills.

What You Will Do

Direct Client Support:

• Serve as a point of access to connect youth with complex mental health and/or substance use and related issues to support in the community.
• Perform clinical assessments (psychosocial, psychological, etc.) to determine service needs and to formulate recommendations or treatment plans.
• Account for each client’s values, preferences, and circumstances to support the development of client-centered goals/treatment plan.
• Provide single session and ongoing therapeutic counseling to clients utilizing a wide range of approaches that best meet the clients’ needs and circumstances (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.).
• Provide case management, system navigation, and care coordination to support clients’ wellbeing.
• Collaborate with the care team to improve client care as they transition through the health care system / community services.
• Participate in case conferences and clinical meetings to ensure the coordination of services and a continuum of care
• Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
• Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to client needs, considering culture, language, reading level, accessibility, and health literacy.

Group-Based Support:

• Facilitate or lead therapeutic and/or psychosocial support groups.
• Develop/prepare group materials, including group curriculum, handouts, and supplies.
• Provide clinical support to individual group participants, as appropriate/required.
• Create, maintain, and update appropriate client records, in a timely, efficient manner.

General:

• Maintain all aspects of confidentiality relating to clients, volunteers, staff, programs, community members and community partners.
• Contribute to the development, improvement, and evaluation of the service when required.
• Collect and submit data / outcomes for research and evaluation.
• Provide mentorship, training and/or supervision to student placements and volunteers.
• Participate in team and unit meetings regularly and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
• Participate in ongoing training and education.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner and collect statistical data required for the accountability of the program.

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 the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in child and youth mental health, addictions, and/or social services. Demonstrated experience supporting children and youth with mental health and substance use issues from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach is required.

What Will Set You Apart

• Demonstrated ability in supporting youth aged 16-29 who have complex mental health and/or addiction issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, chronic physical health issues, etc.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in supporting newcomers, immigrants, and refugees to address settlement related issues including trauma, mental health concerns, family dynamics, and labour market challenges.Knowledge of, experience with, and demonstrated ability in providing therapeutic and supportive counseling utilizing various modalities (e.g. Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, etc.).
• Proven working knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best / promising practice approaches.
• Training in clinical interviewing and evidence-informed interventions with youth is recommended
• Knowledge and experience providing addictions counseling and support.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis response/intervention and commitment to a harm reduction approach
• Demonstrated experience working within an interprofessional setting / with an interprofessional team.
• Solid understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health, including racism, discrimination, and oppression.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
• Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources.
• Excellent oral and written English communication fluency.
• Amharic, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Hindi, Pashto, Swahili, French or other second language(s) is a strong asset.

WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at [e-mail] of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

This public job posting uses AI-powered tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.

Are you legally entitled to work in Canada? *

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Do you possess a Masters of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or postgraduate degree in a relevant field? *

Do you have a registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or an equivalent. *

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Do you have experience supporting individuals with significant mental health and substance use issues from a harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach? *