Substance Use Counsellor

Ymca Gta; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Toronto is seeking a Substance Use Counsellor to support youth 14-24 across the GTA, based at the North York Centre. You will provide individual counselling, perform assessments, referrals and community outreach, and help plan youth programs in collaboration with partners.

Ideal candidates bring a SW/B.A./Counselling Diploma, at least two years with youth at risk, and knowledge of harm reduction and mental health. A second language and a valid driver’s license are assets.

Qualifications

• S.W., B.A., College Counselling Diploma or related degree/diploma or equivalent experience
• At least two years experience working with youth at risk
• Excellent knowledge of substance use, homelessness, mental health and harm reduction
• Training in 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity or related experience
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset
• Driver's license and daily access to a vehicle
• Commitment to inclusive environment and equity in practice

Responsibilities

• Provides individual substance use counselling to youth ages 14-24 and crisis intervention as needed.
• Conducts intakes, assessments, and referrals.
• Delivers presentations to community youth agencies, schools, parents, and YMCA programs.
• Maintains accurate client notes and program statistics.
• Collaborates with community partners and participates in supervision and development trainings.

Skills

Counselling

Youth outreach

Communication

Second language

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

S.W./B.A./Counselling Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category: Community Outreach/Counselling/Social Work

Employment Type: Full-Time Salaried Contract - 1 year

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: October 5, 2026

Deadline to Apply: September 25, 2026 by 5 pm

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

YMCA Employment and Community Programs provide a variety of employment,counselling, outreach, intervention, training and newcomer programs to youth and adults throughout the GTA.

YMCA Youth Substance Abuse program (YSAP) is part of the YMCA Employment and Community Programs which together provide a variety of support services and counselling programs to youth ages 14-24 throughout the GTA. It provides a variety of supports to youth experiencing homelessness and who are street-involved in the GTA (Toronto and Peel region). Our Centres offer services including employment, housing, substance use, harm reduction, mental health and other related supports. These services and supports are provided directly by the YMCA of Greater Toronto and community partners. YSAP employs resiliency, recovery, harm reduction, trauma-informed, and other strengths-based frameworks within our service delivery.

The Substance Use Counsellor will provide individual substance use counselling to youth ages 14-24 that are at risk, including street involved youth, as well as community education to youth, parents, guardians and role models. The position delivers programs and provides counseling at our North York YMCA Employment and Community Centre (2-4580 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5Y2).

In this role, you will:

• Provides brief solution focused and motivational interviewing counselling, case management and crisis intervention as needed, on and off site.
• Conducts intakes, assessments, and referrals.
• Delivers presentations to community youth agencies, schools, parents, professional and YMCA youth programs throughout the GTA.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date client case notes and files.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date statistics for YMCA use as well as the Ministry of Health.
• Establishes connections and build relationships with other youth agency committees.
• Raises awareness of YSAP services in the GTA area and within the YMCA.
• Assists with continued program development.
• Participates in supervision, staff meetings and professional development trainings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• S.W., B.A., College Counselling Diploma or other related degree/diploma or equivalent experience
• At least two years experience working with youth at risk
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the substance use field, especially as it relates to youth at risk, homelessness, mental health, and harm reduction
• Training certificate in 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity or related experience
• knowledge and ability to integrate anti-oppression, critical disability, 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity, trauma, recovery approach in support to mental health and strengths-based principles into practice
• Familiarity with the youth service agencies and youth resources in Toronto
• Ability to speak a second language an asset
• Embrace the YMCA Core Values of inclusiveness, caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty
• Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to work in an efficient manner both independently and as part of a team
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity
• Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design
• Good computer skills in Microsoft Office and Power Point Presentations
• Valid Ontario drivers license and daily access to a vehicle
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here .

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together ,which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here .

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.