Job Overview
Youth Haven is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community focused North Simcoe County Outreach Counsellor to join our team. This position plays a vital role in supporting youth and young adults who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, and other barriers to stability.
The North Simcoe County Outreach Counsellor provides client centred, trauma informed, and strength based support through community outreach, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, and counselling. This role requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to meeting youth where they are while empowering them to achieve their goals.
Key ResponsibilitiesDirect Client Support
- Provide one-on-one counselling, emotional support, crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management to youth.
- Develop individualized, client-centred service plans that promote stability, independence, and overall well-being.
- Conduct regular client check-ins through community outreach, phone calls, text, and in-person meetings.
- Support youth in navigating housing, education, employment, income supports, healthcare, legal services, identification, and other community resources.
- Assist youth in securing and maintaining housing by attending viewings, communicating with landlords, and advocating on behalf of clients.
- Provide transportation to appointments, housing viewings, essential shopping, and other necessary services.
- Support clients with life skills development, including budgeting, meal planning, communication, conflict resolution, and independent living.
- Assist with food security through referrals, food bank access, and distribution of food hampers and care packages.
Outreach & Community Engagement
- Participate in street outreach initiatives and mobile outreach services to engage youth who may not otherwise access supports.
- Attend schools, after-school programs, and community events to increase awareness of Youth Haven’s services.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other service providers.
- Represent Youth Haven on community committees, working groups, and networking events.
Documentation & Administration
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation using internal reporting systems and external databases, including HIFIS and Coordinated Access.
- Complete data entry, case notes, assessments, referrals, and reporting in accordance with agency policies and funder requirements.
- Assist with program evaluation, data collection, and outcome reporting.
Professional Development
- Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and professional development opportunities.
- Stay current on evidence-based practices, community resources, and emerging trends related to youth homelessness, mental health, addictions, and trauma-informed care.
- Contribute ideas for program development and continuous quality improvement.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Social Service Work, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Mental Health and Addictions, Psychology, or a related field. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
- Experience working with youth, young adults, or vulnerable populations is preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, harm reduction, strengths-based, and client-centred approaches.
- Excellent communication, counselling, crisis intervention, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while demonstrating initiative.
- Valid Ontario driver’s licence, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport clients.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification is considered an asset.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check required prior to employment.
Working Conditions
- Full-time position.
- Community-based role requiring travel throughout North Simcoe County. Office is based in Midland.
- Flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Work includes office, community, outreach, and home visit settings.
At Youth Haven, we believe every young person deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. If you are passionate about supporting youth and creating meaningful change within the community, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $21.52 per hour
Work Location: In person
