Carlington Community Health Centre·Ottawa, Ontario
Provide recovery-oriented counselling, crisis intervention, and therapeutic support to individuals with serious mental illness within a multidisciplinary team. Develop and monitor individualized care plans while delivering services independently in community settings.
The Mental Health Counsellor – ACT provides recovery-oriented, client-centred counselling, crisis intervention, rehabilitation, case coordination, advocacy, and therapeutic support to individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness. Working as part of a multidisciplinary ACT team, the Counsellor develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates individualized care plans to support clients in achieving their recovery goals. Most client services are provided independently in community settings.
Flexible. We are seeking a candidate who can start in late summer or early fall 2026.
This is a temporary position covering a maternity leave.
Program-Related Activities
Provide recovery-oriented counselling, crisis intervention, and substance use support using evidence-informed approaches.
Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized rehabilitation and recovery plans.
Support clients with symptom management, housing, employment, education, finances, daily living, and access to physical health care.
Deliver community-based services, including home visits, evening/weekend support, and crisis response.
Collaborate with clients, families, psychiatrists, hospitals, police, housing providers, and other community partners to coordinate care.
Facilitate psychoeducational groups and contribute to program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Maintain accurate clinical documentation, reports, and client records in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
Education and Training
Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Registered, or eligible for registration, with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is an asset.
Training in psychiatric rehabilitation or recovery-oriented practice is an asset.
Training and demonstrated competency in psychotherapy is an asset.
Professional Experience
Three to five years of experience in community mental health.
Experience providing counselling, rehabilitation, case coordination, crisis intervention, and recovery-oriented supports.
Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and diverse, marginalized communities.
Experience in community-based or non-profit organizations is an asset.
Knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act is an asset.
Key Competencies
Knowledge of counselling, assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and harm reduction practices.
Understanding of community mental health resources and recovery-oriented care.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently in the community and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations and work safely in community environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic client record systems.
Language and Additional Requirements
Advanced French language proficiency to support French Language Services is an asset.
Fluency in another language commonly spoken within our community is an asset.
Demonstrated commitment to recovery-oriented, client-centered, strength-based, and community-based mental health practice.
Ability to build supportive, respectful, and trusting relationships with individuals experiencing mental illness and with diverse and marginalized communities.
Personal lived experience with mental health services, or as a family member/support person, is considered an asset.
Availability to work evenings and weekends and on-call as required.
Valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle are required.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and three to five years of experience in community mental health. Registration with CRPO or OCSWSSW and a valid driver's license with a vehicle are highly desired or required.
Market context
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.
Occupational Therapist
Physician Part-time
Registered Nurse - ACTT