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.

One full-time contract Families in Transition Counsellor, HS, starting on October 01, 2025, and ending on March 31, 2026. Working 37.5 hours per week.

This is a 6-month contract with the possible extension for another 6 months in 2026.

What's In It for You?

Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $29.51, Mid - $32.04, Max - $36.33 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 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.

Your Role:

Assists families who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless to access permanent housing. Assesses and provides support to families to minimize barriers to securing and maintaining housing. Assists families to develop and implement action plans to facilitate permanent housing. Assists families to addresses challenges with housing and to secure permanent accommodation. Works with families to address related needs as they attempt to access and adjust to permanent housing (i.e. Procuring furniture, dishes, cooking utensils, employment, education, transportation, etc).

The above tasks are representative but not all inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience:

A degree or diploma in social services with relevant experience working in a community-based setting. Experience in supportive counseling and case management. Knowledge of the local housing market and community services within Waterloo Region. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office; a valid driver's license and reliable transportation are essential for this position.

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 25, 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.