Job Description

Job Title: Youth Counsellor

Organization: The Saint John Learning Exchange

Location: 139 Prince Edward Street, Saint John, New Brunswick

Reports To: President & CEO of The Saint John Learning Exchange

The READY (Repairing Education & Employment Achievement Debts to Youth) is a 3.5-year initiative led by The Saint John Learning Exchange beginning in January 2025. The project aims to offer tailored education, employment, trades and health support to NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth in the community through flexible pathways and resource access.

Position Summary:

The Youth Counsellor is responsible for developing and providing tailored mental health support to youth in the READY program. This role involves conducting continuous needs assessments for program participants and collaborating with case management, the Youth Administrator, teachers, trainers, and youth to ensure the delivery of effective mental health services. As a flexible, part-time position, the role will adapt based on regular feedback from project staff and youth participants, evolving alongside the project's development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group counseling to youth, utilizing evidence-based practices to address a wide range of mental health concerns
• Design and deliver responsive mental health supports tailored to youth participants of the READY program
• Conduct ongoing needs analysis to assess the mental health needs of program participants, adjusting support plans as necessary
• Collaborate closely with case management, the youth coordinator, teacher, and trainer to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated approach to mental health support
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mental health interventions, adjusting approaches based on participant feedback and outcomes
• Support youth in developing coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques, fostering resilience and mental well-being
• Offer crisis intervention and de-escalation support when necessary, ensuring the safety and emotional stability of participants
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, ensuring compliance with privacy and ethical standards.
• Provide referrals to community resources and external mental health professionals when additional support is required
• Conduct workshops or educational sessions on mental health awareness, stress management, and wellness for program participants
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of mental health programming within the READY program
• Complete all project reporting requirements on an ongoing basis and work with the Project Manager to inform project delivery when required

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
• Registration with a professional regulatory body (e.g. CCPA) is required
• Proven experience in providing mental health counseling to youth, particularly in a program-based or educational setting
• Strong knowledge of mental health issues affecting youth, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use
• Experience conducting needs assessments and developing individualized case plans
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team
• Skilled in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, with the ability to manage sensitive situations with care and professionalism
• Knowledge of local community resources and referral pathways for mental health and youth services
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards of practice
• A strong commitment to promoting mental health and well-being for youth, with a compassionate and empathetic approach
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively
• Flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of the program and its participants

To Apply:

Located in The Social Enterprise Hub at 139 Prince Edward St., The Learning Exchange is not your standard workplace. For over 35 years we have provided a safe space for youth and adults to meet their education and employment goals. Our culture is built on looking for innovative solutions to complex problems in an environment that is inclusive and safe. If you are looking for a creative and collaborative environment where people work together to improve our community, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Application deadline: February 24, 2025. Please note, only applications that include a cover letter and resume will be reviewed. Applications should be sent directly to dayna.lutes@sjle.org .

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: $60.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-02-24