The High Support Counsellor provides daily support to individuals with complex mental health challenges living in independent housing to promote independence and wellness. Responsibilities include administering assessments, implementing crisis plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team for recovery.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Social Services and at least 3 years of experience supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Required certifications include First Aid, CPR, ASIST, CPI, and a valid driver's license with a vehicle.
Reporting to the program manager, the High Support Counsellor will be responsible for supporting individuals experiencing complex and co-occurring mental health challenges who live in independent apartment units and require a high level of service on a daily basis. Their main goal is to promote independence, support life skills development, community integration, mental health recovery, and overall wellness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist clients in developing and maintaining life and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
Administer standardized assessments and screening tools (i.e. OCAN, Columbia SSS)
Provide individualized goal assessments and follow through with supportive counselling
Identify risk factors to decrease harm by establishing and implementing recovery and crisis plans
Support and provide behavioral interventions
Assist in developing empowerment skills to combat stigma through self-advocacy
Work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to carry out mental health recovery and support
Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
Adherence to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
Follow organizational Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures, and safe use of Personal Protective Equipment at all times
Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management
You may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. You will receive training within the first eight weeks of employment.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Social Services work or equivalent
Benefits
Competitive Salaries
Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP
Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
Paid Vacation Days
Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
3+ years’ experience supporting individuals with mental health challenges or equivalent
Individual and group counselling skills
Community mental health case management and housing support experience an asset
Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention skills
Experience with forensic and housing systems
Knowledge of psychiatric symptomology and medication
Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
Training in ASIST and CPI
Reporting Function
The High Support Counsellor will report directly to the Program Manager. They will work with both internal and external customers and will interact with all levels within the organization. They will be a support system, resource, and advocator for the team and the Organization. They will have no supervisory responsibilities.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Hours are generally
Thursdays,
Fridays and
Saturdays from 8:00am to 8:30pm shifts. Required to work evenings and weekends to meet client service needs.
Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
Vehicle travel to sites, meetings, appointments
Ship Values
Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional
About Us
Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.
Accessibility
“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do.
Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process.
We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments.
Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before July 8, 2026.
Why Work For Us?
Work-Life Balance
SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization
Our Mission To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness
Our Culture Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.
Our Commitment People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:
Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
10 Paid Vacation Days
3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Generous Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Company Culture to be Proud of
Possibility to Create a Real Impact
35+
Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families
5,000+
Clients and Residents served annually
20+
Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario
500+
Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees
Thursday to Saturday from 8
00am to 8:30pm Union | 37.50
Market context
Behavioral health roles remain in steady demand
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
