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Child and Youth Counsellor (Full-Time Contract)&nbsp;&nbsp;Ernestine’s Shelter is a community-based organization providing safety, advocacy, and support to women, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals, youth, and children experiencing genderbased violence. Grounded in a solidarity model, Ernestine’s acknowledges the complex realities facing survivors of abuse and delivers crisis intervention alongside a range of holistic, trauma-informed services. &nbsp;The Child and Youth Counselor is an integral team member that provides direct support to children, youth and parent/caregivers who reside at the shelter. This Individual will bring strong program facilitation, counselling and program development skills, knowledge in providing direct and indirect services to children, youth and caregivers escaping violence, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution and relationship building skills, advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling. The Child and Youth Counselor will interact with children, youth and adult clients and demonstrates commitment to antiracism, anti-oppression, and intersectional feminist practice. The Counsellor ensures the application of Ernestine’s guiding principle which recognizes the impact of violence on children and acknowledges that the rights of children are separate and distinct from those of their parents. &nbsp;Specifically, the Child and Youth counsellor develops implements and evaluates age appropriate programming for young children and youth. The Counselor will develop and deliver trauma-informed programs for children, youth and caregivers residing at the shelter. The counselor will also provide individualized support to children, youth and caregivers. Individual and group programming must meet the needs of pre-birth, infants, toddlers, pre-school, school age, youth and their parents/caregivers by supporting them with the following: trauma recovery; emotional regulation and attachment; harm reduction and appropriate boundaries; safety planning; advocacy and referrals.&nbsp;KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES&nbsp;<ul><li>Provide one-on-one client support in emotional, cognitive, social and physical development, and case management for children and youth residing in the shelter. </li><li>Conduct child and youth intake procedures, safety planning and risk management with clients. </li><li>Acts as an advocate with emphasis placed on developing appropriate child and youth resources and connections to community supports, including warm referrals to external programs and services as determined by each child, youth and/ or caregiver. </li><li>Take a leadership role in case conferences with internal and external teams to support client needs, including supporting parents/caregivers involved with child protective agencies. </li><li>Respond to crisis in the shelter and facilitate a co-operative living environment amongst children, youth and parents/caregivers by providing excellent crisis counselling, supportive counselling, role modeling, conflict mediation, and de-escalation skills. </li><li>Proficient in fostering and maintaining a trauma-informed approach and harm reduction framework in work with children, youth and parents/caregivers. </li><li>Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate on-site activities for the child and youth in the shelter, including attachment-based programming with child and caregiver. </li><li>Deliver, in group settings, a variety of educational and counselling sessions as determined by client needs. </li><li>Support planning of special events and celebrations, including birthdays, March break, summer programming and global holidays. </li><li>Develop and implement awareness building education and specialized programs on the impacts of gender based violence on child and youth and gender-based violence shelters for targeted audiences </li><li>Coordinate distribution of donated items to clients year-round and during organization-led events and holidays. </li><li>Work with external organizations to maximize clients’ access to resources and to enhance services (i.e., Parks and Recreation Activities; child care subsidy, academic support). </li><li>Under the direction of the Supervisor, Programs and Client Services, identify and participate in community committees, networks and initiatives that address systemic issues related to children and youth experiences of gender-based violence. </li><li>Keep current of trends, community resources and developments in the child and youth and gender-based violence sector by participating in workshops, conferences, and continued professional development. </li><li>Source and maintain opportunities for collaborative partnership and appropriate referral list with like-minded organizations to address needs of children and youth witnessing and/or experiencing violence. &nbsp;</li></ul>QUALIFICATIONS&nbsp;<ul><li>A minimum three years’ experience working in a counselling capacity with women, Two- Sprit, trans, non-binary and gender diverse individuals and children/youth who have experienced sexual abuse and/or violence in relationships. </li><li>Knowledge of the impact of systemic marginalization on women and children, including sexism, racism, poverty, homophobia, transphobia, and dis/ability. </li><li>Post-secondary education and previous front-line shelter work is required. </li><li>Demonstrated crisis intervention, risk assessment and management and case management skills. </li><li>Demonstrated competencies in communication, innovation, creative problem-solving, flexibility and adaptability, accountability and strategic and collaborative thinking.</li><li>Demonstrated organizational ability and time management skills to handle caseload requirements, set priorities, compile statistical data and reports for review and evaluation. </li><li>Experience working within a diverse work setting and with a diverse client population. </li><li>Excellent professional &amp; empathetic communication and conflict management skills. </li><li>Flexibility to adapt to client’s immediate needs effectively. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team in a collaborative environment. </li><li>Intermediate computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office. </li><li>Fluency in a second language considered an asset. </li><li>Valid vulnerable check and CPR. &nbsp;</li></ul>Position Details&nbsp;Job Type: Full-time, 1-year contract (to cover a leave)&nbsp;Hours: 35 hours per week, flexible schedule&nbsp;Salary: $50,000 – $55,000 annually (prorated to term of contract), two-weeks paid vacation, plus benefits.&nbsp;How to Apply&nbsp;If this opportunity resonates with you, please send your resume and cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role.&nbsp;Please include “Child and Youth Counselor” in the subject line.&nbsp;Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter upholds the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the Ontario Human Rights Code. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, trans and non-binary individuals to apply, including racialized, Indigenous and individuals with disabilities to apply.&nbsp;If contacted, please advise if you require accommodation at any juncture of the recruitment and/or hiring process.&nbsp;Application deadline: February 13 by 5P.&nbsp;No telephone inquiries, please.

Ernestine's Women's Shelter

Child and Youth Counsellor

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 
 
Job Title: Family Housing Worker 
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent, Bargaining Unit 
Number of Positions: 1 
Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy 
Rate: $29.40 per hour 
Vacation: 4 weeks to start 
Benefits: Group benefits with Life Insurance, AD&amp;D, Extended Health and Dental 

Care with premiums 100% paid by the employer, LTD with premiums 
100% paid by employees; paid sick leave and float day 

RRSP: RRSP with 6.5% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution 
after successful completion of probation 

Hours: 37.5 per week, must be able to work flexible hours including evenings 
Supervisor: Senior Manager, Family Housing 
Posting Date: January 21, 2026 
Application Deadline: February 4, 2026 
Location: 704 Mortimer Ave., 418 Dawes Road and 20 Palace Street 
 
Why Fred Victor? 
For 130 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in helping people rebuild their lives in Toronto. Our 
mission is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and 
homelessness. We are committed to ending homelessness, one person at a time. 

 
Family Housing – provides a low barrier, safe space housing for individuals who are experiencing 
deep poverty, chronic homelessness and often the long-term effects of trauma. At Family housing, 
tenants get support and referrals to ensure they are supported to maintain their housing. The 
program serves a diverse group of tenants, including single adults as well as families, youth and 
children who may be facing varying degrees of mental health, who may be fleeing domestic violence 
or who may be actively using substances, experience addiction, and/or social isolation and who 
come from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

 
Does this sound like work you want to be a part of? 
We offer a supportive and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of 
caring professionals, and a chance to make a difference. With over 75 programs and services and 
more than 25 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your career with us. Many members of 
the management team started in relief and front-line roles. 

 
What You Will Do: 

Daily Operations 
 • Manage the day-to-day housing operations for the Family Housing buildings at Fred Victor. 



• Ensure all tenants have the necessary support to maintain their housing. 
 • Liaise with partners and service providers to secure additional tenant support as required. 
 • Coordinate with Property Services to ensure building upkeep and maintenance. 
 • Collaborate with Housing Administration on all matters related to Rent and Rent Geared to 

Income (RGI). 
Tenant Engagement &amp; Community Development 
 • Encourage tenant participation in developing short- and long-term community strategies. 
 • Use a facilitative management approach to empower tenants. 
 • Support tenants to advocate for themselves and take responsibility for their lives. 
 • Foster a safe and enjoyable housing environment. 
 • Plan and deliver community development activities such as: Community Potlucks, Holiday 

Dinners, Recreational afternoons, Community Coffee Hours. 
 
What You Bring to the Team: 

• Degree or Diploma in social services and/or 2-3 years of proven experience, ability and skills 
working in not-for-profit housing. 

• Strong understanding of systems that cause homelessness, poverty and discrimination, and 
respect for those realities. 

• Demonstrated respect for, and expertise working with people who are or have been homeless, 
living in poverty, experiencing varying degrees of mental health, substance use, trauma, social 
isolation, immigration, unemployment and/or with a history with the criminal justice system. 

• Strong understanding that people living on low income are a resource to resolve community 
issues. 

• Strong understanding and commitment to social justice issues and anti-oppression practices. 
 • Strong understanding of and experience in community development practices. 
 • Well-developed conflict resolution and negotiation skills and crisis management skills. 
 • Well-developed interpersonal skills that will produce effective, productive, and appropriate 

relationships with the tenant community, external agencies and staff of Fred Victor. 
 • Highly developed written and oral communication skills. 
 • Highly developed and proven group and individual facilitation skills. 
 • Ability to work independently and within a team setting. 
 • Proven ability to give and receive constructive feedback. 
 • Highly developed understanding of and proven ability to communicate appropriate professional 

boundaries. 
 • Highly developed ability to prioritize and work through short- and long-term goals and remain 

flexible. 
 
What Sets You Apart: 

• A genuine passion for supportive housing and a commitment to tenant well-being. 
 • Proficiency with housing management software and databases (experience with Arcori and 

EMHWare is a strong asset). 
 • Excellent knowledge of community-based resources to provide comprehensive tenant support. 
 • Proven experience in planning, budgeting, and facilitating community development initiatives, 

such as food security programs. 
 • Fluency in a second language, particularly Farsi or Tigrinya, is a highly valued asset. 

 
Compensation and Benefits 



• For the Family Housing Worker, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of $29.40 
 • 4 weeks of vacation to start + 1 float day 
 • Generous paid sick leave allowance 
 • A comprehensive Dental, Extended Health and LTD group benefits package includes individual 

and family coverage, including prescriptions, hospital accommodation, hearing care, 
paramedical practitioners and a wide variety of dental care. Additional insurance includes vision 
care and travel for emergency medical services. 

• 6.5 % of your gross salary will be contributed to a group RRSP on your behalf after successful 
completion of probation; you will contribute 4% of your gross salary to the same RRSP. 

• Access to employee and family assistance plan 
 
How You Can Apply 
Send your resume and an email describing why you want to be part of the Fred Victor Team by 
February 4, 2026, to Kelly Blakeman at <a href="mailto:kblakeman@fredvictor.org" target="_blank">kblakeman@fredvictor.org</a> with ‘Family Housing Worker’ in 
the subject line. 
 
A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring. 
 
 
Accessibility &amp; Accommodation 
Fred Victor is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel 
valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, 
we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons 
with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities and have 
lived experience 
 
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application 
process, please contact us in advance. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation whenever 
requested. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

2 Child & Youth Worker Contract - Full Time Jobs