Position Description:

Reporting to the Youth Wellness Hub Manager, the Mental Health Counsellor will work as part of the Youth Wellness Team. This position is responsible for identifying and responding to the needs of young people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, with a particular focus on supporting youth affected by gender-based violence. As part of the Youth Wellness Team, the Mental Health Counsellor will work with other service providers to reduce barriers and increase access to services.  

The Kenora Youth Wellness Hub is committed to hiring individuals who represent the diversity of the populations we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals including applicants from all cultures, Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, applicants with diverse sexual and gender identities, applicants with disabilities, and applicants with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

Position Title:                     Mental Health Counsellor

Department:                      Health Promotion Department

Term:                                    Full Time Contract (Contract ending March 31, 2027)

Location:                              120 Main Street, Kenora, Ontario

Reports to:                          Kenora Youth Wellness Hub Manager

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Youth & Family Engagement 

  • Collaborate closely with the Mobile Youth Outreach Worker and other members of the Youth Wellness Hub team to provide integrated and coordinated care.
  • Deliver individual mental health and substance use counselling to youth, utilizing evidence-based clinical approaches such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with a focus on supporting youth who have experienced gender-based violence.
  • Apply a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to care, supporting youth in navigating and accessing relevant services, while working to reduce systemic and individual barriers to support.
  • Support program implementation and service delivery by contributing to planning, monitoring and continuous improvement efforts to ensure services are responsive to youth needs.
  • Participate in ongoing evaluation of services, including data collection, reporting and feedback mechanisms to assess program effectiveness.
  •  Facilitate group programming on topics relevant to youth well-being, including healthy relationships, dating violence, and sexual exploitation.
  • Collaborate with community agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders to coordinate care, support client needs, and provide appropriate referrals.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary case consultations, team meetings, and service planning discussions to ensure holistic and comprehensive support for clients.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with organizational policies and professional standards.
  • Provide crisis intervention and after-care. 
  • Work within a harm reduction framework. 
  • Provide technology-based and in-person service. 
  • Additional duties as required.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in the field of social work, psychology or related field from a recognized post-secondary institution;
  • Membership in good standing with a Professional College such as the OCSWSSW or CRPO
  • Minimum 1-year experience counselling and/or doing healing work with youth and families; 
  • Ability to demonstrate and work through a lens of sensitivity to diversity related to race, religion, culture, cognitive functioning, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity. 
  • Interest in working with service providers across sectors including mental health, primary care, education and employment; 
  • Motivated to improve and develop youth wellness services, with an eye for addressing gaps in services and the needs of youth and families. 
  • Excellent rapport and ability to work with youth. 
  • Ability to deal with crisis and post-crisis situations. 
  • Excellent skills in the following areas: teamwork, documentation, organization, networking, interpersonal, presentation and communication (written & oral); 
  • Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language, and experience working in First Nation communities is an asset. 

Position Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
  • Current satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
  • Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Why Join Kenora Chiefs Advisory?

At KCA, we are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace where every team member can thrive. Our employees are valued for their contributions and are expected to uphold our mission, values, and objectives while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.

We believe in empowering our teams to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve and in creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. KCA offers a competitive compensation package and ongoing learning and development opportunities to support your success.

If you’re a dedicated and motivated professional who wants to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and become part of a team that’s helping to build stronger, healthier communities.

Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON P9N 3X4

Fax: 807-467-2656

Email:  resume@kenorachiefs.org

*Position open Until Filled

**We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted

*** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting

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