Posting closes: June 7, 2026 at 5:00pm
About Us:
The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. We serve everyone from children to adults to seniors, all under one roof. Our programs help individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise. We have 400 staff at offices in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest.
We are fully accredited by Accreditation Canada and our proud of our Exemplary Status (the highest standing) received at our most recent accreditation exercise.
Why Join our Team:
Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Our compensation package includes a competitive salary and generous benefits supporting the wellness of our staff. We are proud to be members of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) offering one of Canada’s largest and most respected defined benefit plans.
Career Development Opportunities: Our wide range of services and supports allows for varied opportunities for career growth. Our multi-disciplinary approach to care offers cross collaboration and enhanced opportunities for learning. A formal succession planning process is key to our internal leadership recruitment.
Values that include: Mutual Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence and Innovation and a culture that is welcoming and inclusive.
Commitment to Health and Safety: We have a strong health and safety culture at CMHA WW and work tirelessly to address the health and safety needs of staff and the people we serve.
The Opportunity:
We are recruiting for a MENTAL HEALTH WORKER IN SCHOOLS
- This is a contract full-time opportunity to fill an existing vacancy until May 15, 2027 (35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) based at Alma Public School and 737 Woolwich St. Guelph
Reporting to the Manager, Children’s Services, this role will take the lead in the delivery of goal focused therapeutic support in an educational milieu, in partnership with the classroom teacher and educational assistant. This role is in partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board. Through individual and group work, young people will learn and practice life skills, recovery skills and social skills to support mental health and substance use health recovery goals. Alongside the academic team, this role will assist students to overcome the barriers to attending community school. Service is provided through a harm reduction model and with a trauma informed lens. This role will support primary age students (grades 2,3 and 4).
Responsibilities:
- Develop unconditionally accepting and compassionate therapeutic relationships with children in the classroom
- Together with the Service Manager, Classroom Teacher and Educational Assistant (EA) and other team members, work to establish a positive learning environment focused on children’s opportunities for achievement in the academic, social, emotional and behavioral skills areas.
- Perform and/or participate in the delivery of individual, family and group therapeutic support within the classroom
- Design and implement effective treatment methods for all children in treatment classroom.
- Meet with community school personnel (teachers, principals, Child and Youth Counselor’s, Educational Assistant’s) as needed, to inform them of children’s strengths, needs and effective management strategies.
Qualifications:
- Degree/diploma (minimum 3 years) in Child and Youth Counsellor or equivalent (psychology, social work, or relevant health or social science field)
- 2 - 3 years experience working in a Children's Mental Health setting
- Three or more years of experience working in the field of mental health with high-risk children and youth with complex needs
- Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving skills
- Able to handle multiple responsibilities with competing priorities in a fast-paced progressive environment
- Must be well organized, self-directed, set priorities and manage time effectively
- Strong interpersonal skills and must be able to interact patiently effectively and professionally with staff, community partners and family members
- Committed to service excellence and client safety
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong alignment with CMHA WW’s Mission, Vision, Values and Philosophy
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft office programs and technology including internet and intranet
- A valid driver's license, vehicle and insurance as travel is required
If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience meet the position requirements. We will be communicating with selected candidates via email. Please check your inbox and junk/spam folder near the closing date of the posting.
CLASSIFICATION AND RATE OF PAY: Level 5 (OPSEU) - $33.07 to $40.30 per hour
CMHA WW, as an equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.
Required
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3 year(s): Youth substance use and mental health
Required
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College Diploma or better in Social Work or related field
