The Calgary John Howard Society·Calgary, Alberta
Provide individual therapeutic support to high-risk youth to stabilize mental health and reduce barriers to employment. Collaborate with employment coaches to provide crisis intervention and workplace accommodations within an outreach-based framework.
The Agency The Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) is a charity that reduces crime and makes Calgary communities safer by helping youth and adults make positive changes and move away from criminal behaviour.
We do this by addressing the root causes of crime through housing, education, employment programs and support so that individuals have alternatives to breaking the law.
CJHS is committed to restorative justice and an organizational environment that recognizes the dignity and worth of each person.
CJHS values diversity and inclusion and welcomes qualified applicants from all walks of life.
The Program Breakthrough is designed to intervene early with youth who are at high risk of developing long-term dependency on Income Support.
It is an outreach-based employment program supporting high-risk youth aged 16–24 who have experienced homelessness, housing instability, justice involvement, disrupted education, and limited workforce attachment.
The program embeds intensive employment coaching directly into youth housing settings, community locations, and employer worksites.
Breakthrough prioritizes early paid engagement, individualized coaching, and long-term retention support, recognizing that employment pathways for high-risk youth are often non-linear and require flexible, relationship-based approaches.
The Position The Mental Health Specialist provides individual therapeutic support to youth whose mental health needs impact their ability to obtain and maintain employment. This role works collaboratively with Youth Employment Coaches and CJHS Mental Health and Addictions Specialist to stabilize participants, address trauma, support emotional regulation, and reduce barriers to workforce attachment. The Therapist supports crisis intervention, workplace accommodations, and coordination with external systems where needed. This role is embedded within the employment program rather than operating as a standalone clinical service, ensuring mental health support is directly aligned with employment goals and retention.
Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or related clinical field. Registration (or eligibility for registration) with a recognized professional regulatory body in Alberta. Provisional Psychologists must secure and maintain external supervision at their own expense. Minimum 3 years’ experience providing therapeutic services to youth or young adults. Experience in conducting various assessments and ability to write clear psychological reports. Previous experience facilitating psychoeducational groups is an asset. Strong understanding of trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Experience working with justice-involved or youth who experience housing instability is a strong asset. Ability to provide crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning to provide employment-focused therapeutic support. Comfortable working in interdisciplinary, outreach-based environments. Your past does not define your future. A criminal record will not disqualify you from employment with us; we evaluate each application individually.
A suitable candidate is found.
https://calgaryjohnhoward.bamboohr.com/careers/273
The Calgary John Howard Society thanks all applicants; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Requires a Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counselling and registration with a professional regulatory body in Alberta. Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience providing therapeutic services to youth or young adults.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Alberta are often driven by ongoing demand for support workers who can assist clients in community and residential settings. This type of position is competitive because employers commonly look for relevant postsecondary training, a valid Class 5 driver’s license, reliable transportation, and comfort with aquatic activities and pets. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and save time on original job-description research.
