Community Support Counsellor - YM - Cleghorn

St. Joseph; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System in Hamilton seeks a Community Support Counsellor—Youth Mentor to work with program clients in the community, supporting recovery goals and engagement. The role collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to advocate for youth voices and connect clients to resources.

Requires relevant education in social services or health-related field, plus peer-support experience or certification within two years. Opportunities for growth and impact on youth recovery are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Relevant education in social services or health-related field is required.
• Certification as Peer Supporter or completion within first two years of employment.
• Experience in youth-focused mental health/addiction settings preferred.
• Ability to work in community-based settings and with diverse youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to clients in community with interdisciplinary team.
• Support recovery goals and engagement as per existing care plans.
• Develop and coordinate peer mentor programs and client advisory committee.
• Participate in program meetings, public education, and related research.

Skills

Peer support

Youth engagement

Care coordination

Communication

Group facilitation

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Social services/health-related degree or diploma

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Position DetailsJob Number:JR02495Department:Cleghorn Program HamiltonThis position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)Job Type:Temporary (Fixed Term), Part timeContract Duration: (If applicable)6 monthsNumber of Positions:1Union:OPSEU Local 206Hourly Rate (Min / Max):$36.57 - $41.61ScheduleWork Days:Monday to FridayTime of Day:DaysShift:Hours - 8Shift Start: (If applicable)Reason for Posting:Posting is for a role with an existing vacancyApplication DatesOpening Date:2026-10-20Closing Date:2026-10-27Job DescriptionPosition Summary:The Community Support Counsellor-Youth Mentor works directly with program clients to support their goal achievement through meaningful engagement in care and reintegration into the community. The Community Support Counsellor—Youth Mentor works collaboratively with the members of the interdisciplinary early intervention in psychosis team to provide support and advocate for the voice of young people with the lived experience of mental illness and addictions both internal and external to SJHH.Qualifications:•Relevant education (e.g. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Certificate Social Service Worker Diploma or a degree or diploma in a social-services or health-related field) is required•Certification as a Peer Supporter with Peer Support Accreditation Certification Canada or completion of Certification within first two years of employment•Minimum one year experience providing youth centered peer support in a youth focused mental health and/or addiction setting•Lived experience with the mental health and addiction system that reflects common circumstances faced by young people receiving treatment for and recovering from early psychosis.•Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in a community based setting with young people experiencing serious mental health problems required•Knowledge and ability to apply the core values and principles of youth focused peer support practice including but not limited to hope and recovery self determination empathetic and mutual relationships dignity respect social inclusion health and wellness and personal growth•Knowledge and experience with connecting clients to community resources that support established care plans•Knowledge of the unique developmental issues of adolescent/young adult clients and their families•Demonstrated ability to role model strong self-care and self management strategies in recognition of the need for health personal growth and resiliency in youth focused peer support work•Knowledge and experience working with clients with substance use issues•Knowledge and experience in early intervention in psychosis is an asset•Experience facilitating groups would be an asset•Strong interpersonal problem-solving organizational and written skills•Ability to work independently•Ability to model advocacy skills and coach clients to acquire these skills•Ability to work in a collaborative partnership with clients and with the program’s interdisciplinary team•Strong knowledge of and comfort using the public transportation system would be an asset•Computer skills in Microsoft Outlook Windows Word Excel and PowerPoint would be an asset•Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to become certified within six monthsResponsibilities:-Providing direct care to clients primarily in the community in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team including:-Introducing the program to clients-Ensuring the completion of necessary standardized assessments-Establishing a shared purpose of the recovery support relationship with individual clients based on the client’s goals and needs-Support meaningful engagement and continuity in care with a particular focus for those clients with barriers to engagement-Providing psychosocial support assistance and accompaniment – primarily in the community-Assisting the interdisciplinary team with supporting client goals as defined through existing care plansDeveloping implementing and coordinating a peer mentor program that matches mentors with clients/families to engage in activities together that assist with recovery goalsDeveloping implementing and coordinating a client advisory committee to support client voice in ongoing quality improvementAttending regular program meetings as requiredSupporting public education about early intervention in psychosis to facilitate access and early identification in careParticipating in research and education as requiredSt. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values .We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process ([e-mail]).