Job Description

Youth Counsellor - STEP (employment)

Location Base:

Whitby, Ontario

Employment Type:

Full-time (Permanent)

Hours of Work:

35 hours/week, Monday to Friday

Wage:

$23.85/hour to start

Salary Grade:

Class 5B

Reports To:

Program Coordinator, STEP Program

Union:

CUPE 2938.13

Vacancies:

1 Full-time Permanent

- includes Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Accident Insurance, Mileage, RRSP.

About Us

The John Howard Society is committed to supporting individuals in building healthy, independent lives through evidence-based programs and services. The

Skills Training for Employment and Post-Secondary (STEP) program

is funded through the

Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS)

-- the Government of Canada's initiative to help youth overcome barriers to employment, develop essential skills and knowledge for the labour market, and promote education and skills training as foundational to long-term career success.

Position Summary

The

Youth Counsellor

works directly with youth who face complex barriers to employment, helping them achieve meaningful careers, long-term employment, or further educational and vocational opportunities.



Working as part of a team, the Youth Counsellor will case manage participants, deliver quality Employment Skills Training, and create pathways to Quality Employment Opportunities. This includes intake and assessment, service plan development, advocacy, coordination of wraparound supports, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up activities.

Key Responsibilities

Service User Support

Determine youth eligibility and suitability for the program, assessing general employment and service needs Conduct participant intake and assessments to clarify career goals, identify factors affecting success, and evaluate motivation and interpersonal skills Use Cognitive Skills Counselling or other models to assess job readiness, readiness for change, and develop suitable action plans Develop individualized action plans addressing life stability, employment, employability, and career goals Provide case management, mentoring, and support to build interpersonal, relationship-building, and "soft" skills for workplace success Co-facilitate and evaluate workshops covering life stability, job readiness, career development, personal management, job attainment, employment-related, and job maintenance skills Deliver additional training such as Diversity in the Workplace, WHMIS, Smart Serve, Safe Food Handling, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Support vulnerable youth through post-secondary application processes Implement job coaching and job retention strategies

Case Management & Documentation

Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports, and client files with clear rationale for methods and interventions used Manage a caseload of youth with complex barriers and life stability factors Monitor and maintain financial tracking where required Operate office equipment, computers, and software applications Achieve service outcomes and targets as established by the funder and agency Submit required statistical reports and meet all deadlines Liaise with Employment and Training staff to coordinate services and resources

Community, Administration & Other

Provide education and work transition support to bridge participants into employment or further education Conduct follow-up with participants after program completion Contribute to program strategy by evaluating performance and recommending improvements Complete Employer Placement Agreements and Wage Subsidy Claim Forms promptly Partner with community organizations and JHS programs that support youth facing complex barriers (e.g., OW, ODSP, schools, CAS, courts, DRPS, probation) Establish and maintain relationships with employers in Durham Region to determine job opportunities and advocate for placements, ensuring ESA compliance and workplace health and safety Make referrals to community agencies as appropriate Represent the agency at community events, job fairs, workshops, and meetings Meet funder-defined targets and outcomes

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications

Post-secondary education in Social Service Work, Social Work, Employment Counselling, or a related field

Experience

Experience in group facilitation, instruction, employment counselling, and general counselling Extensive knowledge of pre-employment support methods, retraining opportunities, and labour market information/resources

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Cultural competence and sensitivity when working with diverse populations, including racialized, disabled, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications Skilled in using Zoom (hosting/co-hosting, polls, breakout rooms, annotation mode) Strong knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Hootsuite, and Wordpress Excellent written/verbal communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills Strong self-management skills to achieve project goals within tight timelines Ability to collect statistical data, meet deadlines, and reach performance targets Strong knowledge of Durham Region community services and referral processes Commitment to JHS service standards and values

Working Conditions

May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, or conditions Works in-office and may work remotely if required Required to work at all JHS Durham locations Physical activity includes sitting, walking, and standing; may require lifting up to 35 lbs Police Vulnerable Sector Check required CUPE-represented position

How to Apply

Send your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications to: https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/careers/426



Applications will be reviewed until

September 1, 2025

.