Relief Shelter Services Counsellor

Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses; Cobourg; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Overnight shift premium

Ongoing training and development

Growing organization

Staff wellness culture

Job summary

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre in Cobourg, Ontario, is seeking a Relief Shelter Services Counsellor to support residents 24/7. This casual role focuses on direct counselling, crisis intervention via our 24-hour lines, and assisting with client case management, on overnights and non-traditional hours.

You will work with a diverse team to provide safe, trauma-informed care, uphold boundaries, and connect residents with external services.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in social work, social services or a related field.
• Experience in a related field and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.
• CPR & First Aid certification.
• Criminal reference check including vulnerable sector check.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling and supportive services to shelter residents on rotating shifts.
• Deliver crisis counselling via 24-hour support lines and online platform.
• Collaborate with diverse team to assess client needs and refer to external services.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Client-centered approach

Shift flexibility

Independent work

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in social work or related field

Job description

Employer: Cornerstone Family Violence and Prevention Centre

Location: Cobourg

Job Type: Relief (Casual)

Closes: October 15, 2026

About Us

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is an accredited violence against women agency working to end gender-based violence by providing accessible, compassionate, and best-practice- modelled programs and services inclusive of shelter, counselling, housing support, and prevention through a support system that inspires hope, creates safety, and fosters resilience. Our services provide a range of options and entry points, helping women gain the right kind of support at the right time in their journey. All services are free, confidential, woman-centered, inclusive, and accepting. All woman-identified individuals are welcome in all our spaces, including cis and transwomen.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity within our Shelter Services team for a Relief Shelter Services Counsellor. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in overnight and/or non-traditional hours, offering steady and consistent support to clients when it is needed. The Shelter Services Counsellor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the shelter, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for residents. This role includes providing direct counselling services, crisis intervention via 24-hour phone lines, and assisting with client case management. The position upholds best practices while aligning with the mission, vision, and values of the agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of duties related to the provision of counselling and supportive services to residents of the shelter on an assigned rotating shift, utilizing a client-centered, trauma-informed approach within a secure setting that functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Provide crisis counselling through the 24-hour support line and on Cornerstone Connect, our after-hours online support platform
• Work collaboratively within a diverse team to assess and respond to client’s needs as well as provide professional casework, advocacy, and referral services to external community partners and related services

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in social work, social services or a related field
• Proven experience in a related field and a willingness to learn
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Comfort working independently during evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
• Flexibility and reliability to work after-hours shifts, including the ability to accept shifts on short notice when needed
• Ability to create healthy, effective and ethical relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• Valid CPR & First Aid
• Successful completion of a criminal reference check, including a vulnerable section check
• Strong crisis intervention skills

What We Offer

• Receive a salary of $26.20 per hour
• Additional Shift Premium for overnight shifts
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to be part of a growing organization
• Participate in a culture that is committed to staff wellness and engagement

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodations are available, upon request, to support applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. For more information, or other opportunities, please visit our website at: https://cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.