Youth Addictions Counsellor Youth Wellness Hub

Durham Community Health Centre; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Durham Region seeks a Youth Addictions Counsellor to deliver evidence-based mental health and substance use interventions to youth. The role includes clinical assessment, inter-professional collaboration, and program development. Candidates should have a Master's degree in Social Work or Psychology and experience with youth counseling. This part-time position offers competitive compensation and is based in Oshawa.

Benefits

Group benefits

Employer-sponsored health programs

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work or Psychology required.
• Minimum two years of counseling experience with youth, preferably in substance use.
• Experience with evidence-informed interventions like CBT and DBT.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based interventions for youth.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments.
• Collaborate with inter-professional team for integrated care.

Skills

Client-centered counselling

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention

Cultural awareness

Education

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology

Tools

Electronic medical records (EMRs)

Job description

Position Title: Youth Addictions Counsellor Youth Wellness Hub (1 position)

Employment Status: Permanent Part-time

Job Posting Deadline for Internal Candidates: November 21, 2025, at 5:00pm

Hours of Work Schedule: 17.5 hours/week including some evenings and weekends

Salary Range: Annualized salary range of $33,235.50 - $37,758.50 (prorated based on a 0.5 FTE), commensurate on skills and experience plus Group Benefits & HOOPP

Hiring Manager: Manager, Youth Wellness Hub

Primary Location: Oshawa South, Ajax Youth Wellness Hub and across various agency locations within Durham Region

Organization

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community‑based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well‑being. DCHC also provides equity‑based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., those without a family doctor), to name a few. DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well.

At DCHC, we are a team‑based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education.

It's an exciting time to be joining DCHC, while we are embarking on an energizing path with a focus on making our biggest impact yet on local health care by diversifying, expanding, and leveraging our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, Brand, Client Stories and Resources.

DCHC's 2023 - 2026 Strategic Goals

• Drive Program and Service Integration and Client Experience Across All that DCHC Does
• Evolve Program Offerings to Improve Health Equity and Meet the Needs of DCHC's Priority Populations
• Establish DCHC as a System Advocate and Champion for Equity
• Enhance DCHC's Brand and Awareness Across Durham Region
• Become an Employer of Choice with a Focus on Recruitment, Retention, and Development

Position Overview

The Youth Addictions Counsellor provides evidence‑based, youth‑centered mental health and substance use interventions to youth accessing the Hub. Services are delivered virtually and in‑person, in a manner that is developmentally appropriate, wholistic, trauma‑responsive, and inclusive of youth voice.

This role works as a member of an inter‑professional Hub team, collaborating with the CYW/Facilitator, Peer Support Worker, Intake Coordinator, and other clinical and community partners. The Counsellor supports youth along the continuum of care, from prevention and early intervention to ongoing support, and contributes to the Hub's program evaluation, quality improvement, and integrated service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment & Intervention

• Provide client‑centered, evidence‑informed counselling/intervention addressing youth mental health and substance use needs.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and collaborate with youth to develop treatment plans.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions, using evidence‑based approaches appropriate to developmental stage and presenting needs (e.g., CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, harm reduction strategies).
• Support youth in understanding and managing substance use, co‑occurring mental health challenges, and risk factors.
• Ensure services are trauma‑responsive, culturally safer, and non‑stigmatizing.

Inter‑Professional Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Work collaboratively with the Hub team and external partners to ensure seamless, integrated care.
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings, and multidisciplinary discussions regarding youth care.
• Liaise with external community agencies to facilitate referrals, warm transfers, and continuity of care.

Program Development & Quality Improvement

• Contribute to development and implementation of youth substance use programming and evidence‑informed practices.
• Participate in data collection, reporting, and evaluation to support quality improvement initiatives.
• Engage in professional development and peer supervision, maintaining currency with best practices in youth addictions counselling.

Youth Engagement & Support

• Create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for youth.
• Empower youth to set goals, make informed decisions, and actively participate in their care.
• Provide services in both virtual and in‑person settings, adapting interventions to meet youth needs.

Key Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree with a clinical speciality an asset (e.g., mental health/addictions); or Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical and Counselling Psychology or other equivalent Master's degree.
• Member in good standing with OCSWSSW (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers) or CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
• Minimum of two years of counselling/therapy experience with youth, preferably including substance use interventions.
• Demonstrated experience with evidence‑informed interventions (e.g., CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, brief interventions).
• Knowledge of youth substance use, co‑occurring mental health issues, and risk factors.
• Understanding of trauma‑responsive, culturally safer, anti‑oppressive, and developmentally appropriate approaches.
• Experience working in inter‑professional teams and integrated care models.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and case management skills.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs) and data reporting tools.
• Valid Ontario driver's license and access to a vehicle for regional travel.
• Flexibility to work some evenings or weekends as required.

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Application Process

• While we thank all applicants for their interest in applying, only those qualified and considered for an interview will be contacted. All applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months, for future consideration.
• All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
• All positions are subject to the successful completion of the following pre‑employment conditions for all external hires: Reference Checks; and Criminal Background checks (including Vulnerable Sector Screening).
• Please be advised that AI Technology supports the screening process of applications. All final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates diversity so that all employees have the opportunity to thrive. DCHC will comply with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodation, please contact our Talent and Culture team at 905-723-0036, or by email to [e-mail].