Youth Trauma Counsellor

Job Posting:

Youth Trauma Counsellor

Women’s Support Network of York Region (WSN) is the rape crisis/sexual assault centre in York Region. We are a feminist, non-profit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual violence and sexual exploitation for the purpose of human trafficking. WSN is situated, in

Newmarket, on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples whose presence here continues to this day. We honour and acknowledge this land and its people.

Job Title: Youth Trauma Counsellor

Number of positions: 1

Terms: Full-time one-year contract for 37.5 hours weekly (immediately to January 2027). Must be available to work onsite at WSN’s office in Newmarket, in schools, community spaces as well as from a private home office. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required.

Salary: $36.00 per hour

The Youth Trauma Counsellor provides individual counselling as well as group support to youth (aged 13-24) survivors of sexual violence. The Youth Trauma Counsellor reports to the Program Manager and works in co-operation with all staff at Women’s Support Network of York Region.

Major Responsibilities

Trauma Counselling, Crisis Intervention and Case Management

• Provide services from a trauma-informed, integrated feminist, anti-racist, anti-colonial, and anti-oppression framework
• Provide short-term counselling (individual and group) to youth survivors of sexual violence
• Provide these counselling services in-person as well as virtually or by phone
• Support youth using evidence-informed therapeutic approaches
• Coordinate client case conferencing/management with other service providers; provide advocacy (i.e. with youths’ caregivers, legal, schools, child protection, social services); and provide accompaniment to other service providers as required
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation
• Participate in case consultations, supervision, and team meetings
• Uphold ethical standards, professional boundaries, and mandatory reporting obligations
• Where crisis situations occur, respond in accordance with organizational protocols
• On a rotational basis, perform the role of staff back-up for volunteers responding to calls on WSN’s 24-hour crisis line.

Outreach, Education, Training and Resource

• Represent WSN on applicable community committees, situation tables, and coalitions addressing the needs of youth and youth survivors of violence
• Act as an advocate and resource person for WSN on youth sexual violence and youth living with trauma
• Outreach to other service providers and support warm transfers into WSN’s youth counselling program
• On a rotational basis (once a month), participate in the delivery of WSN’s bingo fundraiser in Newmarket (Sunday 3:45pm-6pm)
• Other duties as assigned.

Key qualifications:

• Theoretical and practiced understanding of sexual violence and commercial sexual exploitation of youth across diverse intersections of identity (e.g., race, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identities)
• Minimum of 2 years related experience providing counselling to youth survivors who have experienced sexual violence, including relationship sexual violence, sex trafficking, childhood sexual abuse, and incest
• Minimum of 2 years related experience coordinating (i.e. planning, intake, group session preparation) and cofacilitating trauma group support
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (i.e., the Child and Family Services Act), regional and community services.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing a tri-phasic model of trauma recovery (Safety & Stabilization; Remembrance & Processing; Integration & Reconnection)
• Demonstrated experience working with youth survivors from trauma-informed, integrative feminist, anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppression frameworks
• Experience outreaching to and collaborating with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management, conflict management, and interpersonal skills
• An ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Computer proficiency, and experience completing reports and client advocacy letters
• A second language other than English and French is an asset; Bilingualism is a strong asset
• A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance are required
• Related post-secondary education and experience
• Current registration with OSWSSW, CPRO or another counselling related regulatory body is an asset.

This position will remain open until filled.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Jeen maria Joseph at jjoseph@womenssupportnetwork.ca

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. WSN is committed to a staff team that reflects the diversity within the community. We encourage Indigenous, Black, women of color, immigrant women, differently abled, francophone, lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, and trans women to apply.