The counsellor provides mental health core services including intake, assessment, counselling, and crisis response for children and youth. They work as part of an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement care plans while maintaining clinical documentation standards.
Expense claim reimbursement for mileage and meals when travelling across the district Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time Opportunities for growth and professional development Agency Wellness Committee initiatives Financial assistance with relocation is available
The Counsellor, Children’s Services is a full-time, permanent (37.5 hours per week), on-site, in-person in Nipigon, ON.
Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor, Children's Services supports children and youth (birth to 17 years of age) living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities and their families/guardians and communities across the District of Thunder Bay.
The Counsellor, Children's Services, works as an integral part of a clinical team responsible for providing mental health core services funded by the Ministry, including but not limited to access/intake, assessment, brief service, counselling, crisis response, case management, and family support.
Services are delivered one-on-one and through group facilitation and may occur in person, in-community, or virtually.
The Counsellor, Children Services reports directly to the assigned Clinical Services Manager.
and Requirements THE “MUST HAVES” Education that grants eligibility or qualifying status, at the time of application, and a commitment to obtain regulated membership from one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA): Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma, Bachelor of Social Worker (BSW), or Masters of Social Worker (MSW) program or equivalent for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW); Master’s degree central to the practice of psychotherapy or equivalent Bachelor’s level program eligible for registration with College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CPRO); Baccalaureate Nursing (RN) Programs or equivalent (Registered Practical Nurse [RPN]) eligible for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO); Bachelor of Science degree or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or equivalent eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO); Master’s degree in psychology or equivalent eligible for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO); or Medical degree from an accredited Canadian or US medical school or from an acceptable international medical school eligible for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). The ability to actively engage with children, youth, and families while fostering sustainable and meaningful interpersonal professional relationships. Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed assessments, counselling techniques, and discharge planning tailored specifically for children, youth, and families. Demonstrated skill in developing goals and plans of care for children, youth, and families based on their individual needs and circumstances, based on the principles of person-centered planning, self-determination, and choice, and providing services reflective of this plan. Knowledge and hands-on experience in implementing clinical interventions for children, youth, and families. Specialized focus on understanding social determinants of health, developmental stages, mental health, substance use health, and family systems in providing one-on-one counselling support and facilitating group sessions. Sound knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario and relevant legislation. Knowledge of and experience with clinically sound documentation standards. Sound clinical acumen. An understanding of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the ability to effectively apply privacy practices within the rural living context. Ability to effectively organize and multi-task several competing priorities at any given time with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, with minimal supervision. Awareness and commitment to valuing the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position. An understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community and a sound understanding of culturally relevant approaches in service delivery. Clear understanding of how systemic racism and oppression have adversely affected the social determinants of health for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour) communities with a demonstrated ability to apply an anti-oppressive/anti-racist perspective in service delivery throughout the lifespan. Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of an imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts for service users. Clear understanding of the scope of practice as it relates to the position and in keeping with the applicable Regulatory College and performance of duties within this scope. Advanced skills in oral and written communication. Working knowledge and excellent application of technology, with experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook and confidence in utilizing other clinical databases and/or platforms (e.g., EMHware, DATIS, CATALYST, Time tracking software, etc.). A valid Ontario Driver's Licence is required. The use of a privately owned vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage are also required. Ability to travel across the District of Thunder Bay and/or out-of-district communities, as required. This position may require flexible work hours, contingent upon client needs. Qualifications and Requirements THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’ While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following: Membership in a Regulated Profession, in good standing, from one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). A preference of three (3) years of experience in a mental health and/or developmental services agency providing clinical interventions for children, youth, and families. Knowledge of the range of community health and social services across the District of Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario and how to access them. Familiarity with evidence-based therapy approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy [CBT], Solution-focused therapy [SFT], Dialectical Behavioural Therapy [DBT], Mindfulness, etc). Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is considered an asset. The ability to speak French is considered an asset.
Are you seeking exceptional experience working to improve mental health and social well-being in rural communities utilizing a generalist approach?
Look no further than North of Superior Counselling Programs (NOSP)!
At NOSP, we are a non-profit multi-service agency dedicated to working together to optimize health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
We strive to provide equitable, accessible, and client-driven services that make a real difference in the District of Thunder Bay.
Our services include on-site individual and group-based counselling and/or case management for mental health and addictions, school-based counselling, parental support, and access to specialized services like assessment and referrals for live-in treatment programs.
But that's not all!
We also provide supportive roles in formal on-site and virtual psychiatry and psychology diagnosis and assessments.
Plus, we offer housing case management with rental supplement support programs.
Through our incredibly dedicated volunteers, we provide enrichment and social engagement (EASE) to Adults (18 plus) with a physical disability or older adults (55 plus).
At NOSP, we believe in a generalist approach to care.
We aim to collaborate with other service providers to deliver responsive wrap-around, whole-health care through person-centric goal planning.
Through clear systems of care and innovative approaches, we strive to provide positive mental health outcomes for young people, adults, and families across the diverse communities of the District of Thunder Bay.
Are you curious about who we are and what we do?
Visit our website at http://www.nosp.on.ca. Discover how NOSP is making a difference, and join our team in improving mental health and social well-being in Northern Ontario's rural communities!
Candidates must hold a relevant degree or diploma and be eligible for registration with a regulated health profession college in Ontario. A valid driver's license and the ability to travel within the District of Thunder Bay are 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.
