Youth Counsellor – Gang Prevention & Youth Outreach
Position Title: Youth Counsellor
Division: AMRC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
About the Organization
Atlantic Muslim Resource Centre, a division of Ummah Society, is a Canadian Muslim community outreach organization dedicated to supporting individuals, strengthening families, and promoting positive community engagement through culturally responsive and faith-informed services. Our mission is to empower people to make healthy life choices, develop resilience, and contribute positively to society while upholding Islamic values of compassion, accountability, dignity, and service.
Position Summary
We are seeking a qualified and compassionate Youth Counsellor to provide clinical counselling, case management, and prevention-focused support to youth who may be vulnerable to gang involvement, criminal activity, violence, substance misuse, or other high-risk behaviours.
The successful candidate will work within a clinical and community-based setting, providing individual counselling, family support, crisis intervention, and youth development programming. The counsellor will integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches with a strong understanding of Islamic values, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counselling services to youth facing social, behavioural, emotional, or mental health challenges.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop individualized support plans.
- Deliver interventions focused on gang prevention, violence prevention, conflict resolution, and positive youth development.
- Provide crisis intervention and risk assessments when required.
- Support youth in developing healthy coping skills, emotional regulation, decision-making, and life skills.
- Engage and support families through counselling, education, and referral services.
- Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, social service agencies, and community organizations.
- Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation in accordance with professional standards and privacy legislation.
- Facilitate workshops and outreach programs related to youth wellness, resilience, leadership, and community engagement.
- Promote protective factors that strengthen youth identity, belonging, and positive social connections.
- Participate in case conferences, supervision, and ongoing professional development activities.
QualificationsRequired
- Degree in Social Work (MSW), Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counselling, or a related field.
- Registration or eligibility for registration with a recognized Canadian professional regulatory body (e.g., College of Social Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists, or equivalent provincial regulatory authority).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience providing counselling services to youth and families.
- Experience working with at-risk youth, gang prevention initiatives, youth justice programs, or community-based mental health services.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
- Strong understanding of confidentiality, ethics, and professional standards of practice.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to customize and create programs suitable to the needs of youth at risk.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counselling, or a related field.
- Knowledge and understanding of Islamic values, Muslim youth development, and culturally responsive counselling practices.
- Experience working within Muslim communities or faith-based organizations.
- Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Practice, or related therapeutic modalities.
- Experience facilitating youth groups and community outreach programs.
- Ability to speak additional languages commonly used within local Muslim communities.
Core Competencies
- Clinical assessment and intervention
- Youth engagement and relationship-building
- Cultural and religious sensitivity
- Conflict resolution and mediation
- Community collaboration
- Professional ethics and accountability
- Strong organizational and case management skills
Working Conditions
- Clinical office environment with community outreach responsibilities.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
- Ability to travel within the local community as needed.
Screening Requirements
Successful candidates will be required to provide:
- Vulnerable Sector Check / Criminal Record Check
- Proof of professional registration and good standing
- Verification of educational credentials
- References demonstrating experience working with youth and families
Compensation
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with education, experience, and professional qualifications.
Pay: $18.00-$35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
