Starling Community Services·Waterloo, Ontario
The Child and Youth Counsellor provides direct support, supervision, and counseling to youth while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. They are responsible for implementing daily routines, facilitating recreational programming, and documenting client behavior in accordance with ministry standards.
Join Our Team Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 22,586 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.
We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.
One full-time permanent Child and Youth Counsellor I, Benjamin Road (Night shift worker) position available, starting on October 05, 2026, working 37.5 hours per week.
Min - $24.10, Mid - $25.90, Max - $28.95.
A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
Enrollment in a defined pension plan with the Heath Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
Enrollment in our Modular Health and Dental Benefits plan with Sun Life.
Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
3 Weeks paid vacation (accumulated bi-weekly).
15 hours of personal time per year.
Paid sick time (accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
Employee Referral Incentive Program.
Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Staff appreciation events.
Undertakes various Child and Youth Care Worker duties in the assigned service area and works with the Primary Youth Worker, maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
Assists with recreational and skills development programming, working individually with clients and/or in a group format.
Supports the sustainability of social emotional learning.
Supervises, supports, and counsels clients, monitoring and documenting behavior and ensuring the continuity of goals and objectives of the service area.
Assists with the design and implementation of daily routines, norms and structure for groups and individuals and ensures Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services standards are met.
Maintains program areas in a clean and safe way which includes washing dishes, sweeping floors and putting things away.
Completes the required documentation specific to the assigned service area.
May create daily schedules which organize client needs, supporting staff needs, the break schedule and classroom staff coverage.
Works intentionally from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive perspective to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.
The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive
If you are community-focused and share our values and commitment to equity, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application in confidence, no later than 4 pm on September 02, 2026.
To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.
Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.
Candidates must hold a diploma or degree in child and youth work or a related discipline along with at least one year of relevant experience. Essential certifications include a current First Aid/CPR certificate, completion of CIT, and a valid G class driver's license.
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.