Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor

JOB SUMMARY:

Sagamok Anishnawbek is seeking a compassionate, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor to join the Community Wellness Department.

This role provides mental health services to children, youth, and young adults (ages 4–25), as well as their caregivers and families. The Counsellor supports the strengthening of families, prevention of child welfare concerns, and helps ensure children and youth can remain safe at home, attend school, and participate meaningfully in community life.

Services include assessment, counselling, crisis intervention, case coordination, collaboration with community partners, and mental health promotion grounded in Anishinaabe knowledge and wellness practices.

POSITION DUTIES:

• Clinical and Therapeutic Services

  • Provide culturally safe, developmentally appropriate counselling in individual, family, and group formats

  • Conduct psychosocial, developmental, and risk assessments in alignment with professional standards

  • Implement evidence-informed, trauma-aware, and culturally grounded intervention strategies

  • Provide crisis intervention and safety planning in accordance with applicable legislation

  • Deliver psychoeducation that builds coping skills, emotional intelligence, resilience, and communication

  • Empower clients and caregivers through mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and self-advocacy

• Case Management and Collaboration

  • Coordinate services with schools, health providers, child welfare agencies, Elders, and external treatment programs

  • Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences

  • Facilitate referrals to specialized services such as psychiatry, addictions, and developmental supports

• Cultural, Community, and Prevention Work

  • Collaborate with the Culture Department and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to integrate Anishinaabe teachings, language, and land-based wellness into service delivery

  • Support culturally appropriate prevention and mental health literacy initiatives for children, youth, families, and community members

  • Advocate for culturally relevant care within community and partner agencies

  • Support Community Health Emergency Preparedness and Response efforts

• Documentation, Privacy, and Professional Practice

  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation in accordance with professional and legislative requirements

  • Uphold privacy, informed consent, and duty to report obligations

  • Maintain professional boundaries, ethics, and self-care practices consistent with regulatory expectations

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

• Ability to work flexible hours as required

• Valid Ontario driver’s licence, reliable vehicle, and driver’s abstract

• Adherence to privacy, confidentiality, and organizational policies and Code of Ethics

• Compliance with professional regulatory standards and applicable provincial legislation

• Six (6) month probationary period

QUALIFICATIONS:

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• Education and Registration

  • Diploma or degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, Child & Youth Care, Psychology, Indigenous Wellness & Addictions Prevention, or a related human services field

  • Registration or eligibility for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

• Experience and Knowledge

  • Experience supporting the mental health of children, youth, and young adults, preferably within Indigenous communities

  • Knowledge of relevant legislation related to privacy, consent, crisis intervention, and duty to report

  • Understanding of Anishinaabe culture, local history, traditional practices, and the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma

• Skills and Attributes

  • Strong interpersonal and crisis management skills

  • Cultural humility and commitment to community-based wellness

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

By: Until Filled

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.