Job Description

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 16,000 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.

5 casual Child and Youth Counsellor I, Ben Rd, positions available, starting on October 06, 2025. - This position requires a minimum of 20 hours per month, including 2 overnight shifts and half of the statutory holidays.

What's In It for You?

Job Band E (hourly wages): Min - $23.62, Mid - $25.39, Max - $28.38. A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives. Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis. Access to our Employee and Family Assistant Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services. Paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly). Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise. Employee Referral Incentive Program. Agency Orientation and Training modules. Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Staff appreciation events.

Your Role:

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 behaviour 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

Your Talents and Experience:

Diploma or degree in child and youth work or related discipline plus at least one year's successful experience as a Child and Youth Worker or equivalent. Ability to design and implement recreational and group programming. Ability to communicate openly and honestly and coach youth and give and take directions. A sound understanding of different social and emotional learning models. Resiliency while working under physical and emotional stress is necessary. Required to hold completion of CIT or equivalent, current First Aid/CPR certificate, and a "G" class license.

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 12, 2025

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at hr@starlingcs.ca or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:

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.