The Child & Youth Counsellor provides a therapeutic and safe environment for clients while managing a primary care caseload. Responsibilities include implementing treatment plans, facilitating group and individual therapy, and conducting crisis interventions.
The Child & Youth Counsellor is responsible for providing a therapeutic and safe environment for the children and youth in Youthdale’s programs on a day-to-day basis. A member of an inter-professional team, the Child & Youth Counsellor is responsible for carrying a primary care caseload.
Reporting to the Live-in Treatment Manager, the Child & Youth Counsellor, is responsible for ensuring a therapeutic and safe environment on a day-to-day basis. Assessment and milieu therapy is provided in accordance with individual client treatment plans, evidence based practices, Youthdale’s policies and procedures and guidelines established by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Location
193
Madison
Hours: 40 hours per week, including six-week rotation, with staff working every other weekend and working at least 1 asleep overnight shift per week. The schedule will include a mix of 12-hour and 8-hour shifts.
Status
Full-time
Permanent
Union/Non:
This is a unionized position
Rate of pay: $27.93 per hour
This posting is for replacement position within our organization.
*Overnight responsibilities will be compensated financially on the basis of a set fee. Overnight time is in addition to the regular working time stated above*
Accountability
This position reports directly to
Live-In Treatment Manager Works collaboratively with the inter-professional team, client families/guardians, and community resources.
Corporate Responsibilities
Fosters positive interpersonal relationships with the staff, clients, visitors, outside agencies, government officials and related professional associations.
Maintains and adheres to organizational policies and procedures.
Maintains and adheres to all relevant legislation.
Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
Works safely in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Agency Health and Safety Manual.
Demonstrates clinical practices, which are consistent with the mission, vision and philosophy of Youthdale Treatment Centres.
*As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will have to abide by the Agency’s Vaccination and IPAC policy.*
Job Responsibilities
Assesses and understands client mental health needs through a developmental and trauma informed lens and formulates methods of intervention in collaboration with the team.
Implements specific treatment interventions as indicated in the client’s individual treatment program including: individual counseling and group therapy; recognizing the stages of behavioural escalation and responding in a clinically appropriate manner to deescalate the behaviour; developing strategies to reduce the clients concerning behaviours, and supporting academic/vocational activities.
Carries out the structure and routine of the program and ensure all clients receive a high standard of care and therapeutic intervention.
Facilitates debriefing with clients following crisis/physical intervention
Assists with normal activities of daily living; recognizing physical signs and symptoms of health conditions, report concerns to nurse and/or physician as per program procedures; providing an assessment of a client in accordance to the Plan of Care goals; providing behaviour support.
Writes clients progress reports and ensure that client records are maintained, as per agency standards and in accordance with privacy policies and legislation.
Responsible at shift change for communicating verbally as well as in the written log any significant and pertinent information regarding each client.
Develops, implements, evaluates and fully participates in life skills and recreational programming.
Following successful completion of the Medication Training Program, administers regular scheduled medications and treatments, as prescribed by a physician or Nurse Practioner, and in accordance with the Youthdale’s Medication Procedure.
Medications, including orders from General Practioners and Nurse Practioners, are reviewed at Live-in Treatment admission by Youthdale physicians, and updated as needed.
As a Primary Counselor responsible for establishing a therapeutic relationship with assigned client(s) from intake to discharge, including direct client care and supervision of the following:
Welcome and orientation to the physical space and program at admission, and anything else at intake
Provision of individual care as per the treatment plan, developing and supporting their engagement in programs
Booking annual health care, clothing and personal needs inventories and arranging purchases as required
Supporting the client to express their needs
Reporting progress and identifying concerns at shift change and/or inter-professional meetings
Supporting the client’s preparations for transition and discharge as per the agreed plan including connecting with community resources, completion of discharge documentation
Maintains clinical records and documents in accordance with Youthdale and program policies and processes, such as:
Data collection related to specific individual programs
Complete Progress Notes in client clinical file
Conference reports on individual clients for use/information purposes for the treatment team
LIT/unit shift report, noting observations on individual clients
Complete incident reports serious occurrence, accident/injury and unusual occurrence reports, risk management and secure isolation documentation as indicated by program procedures and agency policies
Actively participates in the communication processes within the program, across the facility and with community partners by:
Liaising with family, guardians, educational and community partners to share/obtain information;
Attending meetings (within YOUTHDALE and community) to provide information, education, progress updates
Providing in school support as needed
Identifying compliance related issues to ensure program meets licensing requirements.
Effectively utilizes internal communication systems to convey client and program related information.
Attends and participates in meetings such as:
Treatment and Plan of Care meetings to review the client's progress, to receive and recommend direction on treatment for clients, and to discuss future directions
Qualifications
Education & Experience
College diploma or university degree in child and youth work or relevant field is required
Minimum of two years of experience in a live-in program or inpatient setting Experience working with children or youth in a mental health setting is required. In addition, experience working with children and youth with neurodevelopmental concerns and/or substance use challenges is preferred. Experience working with diverse communities.
Skills/Ability/Knowledge
Understanding of the complex issues facing children, youth and families.
Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group.
You have knowledge of and experience with utilizing evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with mental health problems, including behavioural modification strategies, learning theories, counselling skills and crisis prevention and management. Training in the clinical approaches that inform service delivery at Youthdale (e.g., DBT, Motivational Interviewing, etc.) is preferred. Strong knowledge of legislative requirements informing mental health service delivery for children and youth.
Able to safely and effectively manage behavioural crisis situations and respond in a trauma-informed approach.
Requires a working knowledge of professional, community and facility resources available to assist the child/family.
Strong administrative and organizational skills.
First Aid/CPR certification required upon hiring.
Completion of SMG training required upon hiring.
Valid G License and will be required.
Ability to work flexible hours within a rotating schedule, including days, nights and weekends.
Skills in Mental Health Assessment and Crisis Intervention.
Excellent communication (written and oral), listening and interpersonal skills.
Problem Solving
Good understanding of the rights and responsibilities of children in residence; admission requirements; and Live-In licensing requirements
Ability to manage many tasks simultaneously; ability to prioritize needs and risks on a minute-by-minute basis while on shift
Flexible and creative negotiation skills in solving problems
Crisis Prevention and Management Skills
Demonstrates knowledge of a range of crisis prevention and intervention approaches. Training in a model of assessment and intervention for suicidality (e.g., ASIST) is preferred. Utilizes SMG techniques appropriately
Knowledge of Clinical Issues and Best Treatment Practices
Demonstrates understanding of the dynamics and impact of trauma, child abuse, loss and grief, substance abuse, chronic learning problems, attachment difficulties, and other issues, and their treatment implications
Demonstrates knowledge about the primary psychotropic medications used in the treatment of children/youth and their actions and side effects
Ministry and Agency Mandatory Training
Youthdale’s medication training
Agency physical intervention Safe Management Training (SMG) training
Policy and Procedure Review (Administrative, Clinical, HR & OH&S)
OH&S Training – WHMIS; Occupational Health & Safety Awareness; Workplace Violence & Harassment; AODA Customer Service, Fire Extinguisher Training
Privacy Training
MCCSS mandated training
First Aid and CPR
About youthdale treatment centres
Youthdale (https://www.youthdale.ca [https://www.youthdale.ca]) provides comprehensive, integrated mental health services to children and their families, connecting them with the right programs and services, both at Youthdale and in their communities. We meet the complex needs of children and youth with a team of highly skilled and dedicated psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists and neuropsychologists, social workers, nurses, and child and youth workers. To know more about us and the amazing work that our team does, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@youthdale-ca [https://www.youtube.com/@youthdale-ca].
Application
At Youthdale, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. Youthdale is committed to providing accommodation in all parts of the hiring process. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
Please apply with an updated resume by August 14, 2026.
#ydc1
Requirements
Candidates must hold a college diploma or university degree in child and youth work or a relevant field. A minimum of two years of experience in a live-in or inpatient mental health setting is required.
bachelor degree
Documentation
Conflict resolution
Medication administration
Case management
Trauma-informed care
Crisis intervention
Individual counseling
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Mental health assessment
Safety planning
De-escalation techniques
Child and youth counseling
Group therapy
Life skills programming
Milieu therapy
Behavioral modification
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$28 - CA$28/hr
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Posted
Aug 4, 2026
Application
Employer website
In service and other educational programs
Shift changes, unit meetings, all staff forums, program meetings
Performs related duties such as:
Float money management as per agency procedures
Housekeeping duties to meet acceptable standards of cleanliness
Ensuring safety requirements are met including Emergency drills, night safety checks, noting and reporting structural and/or equipment problems; removing any immediate hazards
Assisting in the instruction and supervision of students
Some meal preparation and serving of client meals
Participates in and supports Youthdale/Ministry research and education initiatives by:
Completing questionnaires
Completing outcome measurement tools and rating scores as required by programs/protocols
Collecting and maintaining statistics, program evaluation and research data as requested
Represents the Agency in a professional manner when
interacting with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.
Participates actively in team meetings, supervision sessions, and ongoing Ministry and Agency mandated training on a regular basis.
Works any assigned shift during a twenty-four (24) hour period.
Other Duties as Assigned.
Recognizes the impact on children and youth of having parents with chronic mental illness
Able to develop and implement individual client treatment plan reviews, program evaluation, and educational programs and knowledge of professional, community and facility resources available to assist the child/family
Counselling Skills
Demonstrates ability to engage the child or youth and family in the treatment process
Family-Centered Approach
Uses language and behavior which is respectful of children, youth and their families
Demonstrates sensitivity to family concerns and needs, and invites their expression of information, concerns and needs
Ability to set appropriate, respectful boundaries with each family
Competency-Based Approach
Understands and implements a strengths-based approach in working with child and family
Respects and has a knowledge of diverse populations and their needs
Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Works in a cooperative, respectful and collaborative manner as a member of a multi- disciplinary team
Demonstrates ability to participate in making treatment decisions in the best interest of the child and family
Legislative Requirements and Standards
Demonstrates knowledge through practice of the Child and Family Services Act as it pertains to children in treatment, specifically:
rights and responsibilities of children
role of the Child Advocate
confidentiality
Demonstrates knowledge through practice of the Children’s Mental Health Ontario Accreditation Standards
Communication Skills
Excellent and effective oral and written communication skills to liaise and consult with relevant team members, clinicians, and provide counsel to residents, their families and community agencies.
Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
Professionalism
Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgement in conflictual and stressful situations.
Conducts all activities in a professional manner
adheres to the agency’s Code of Professional Conduct
Performs work in a positive manner
provides treatment activities regardless of personal biases and attitudes
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.
