Youth Counsellor - 2 positions available

Employment Type:

• Full-Time, Fixed Term (1 FTE) - May 1, 2025 to August 30, 2025
• Full-Time, Fixed-Term (1 FTE Maternity Leave Coverage, Approx. 12 Months)

Location: Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle

Shifts: Afternoons and Saturdays

Division: Clarington Youth Centres
Employment Group: CUPE 2936.13

Salary: $23.85 per hour (with annual and anniversary increases)

Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday, occasional Saturday, with flexibility as needed)

Benefits: Accident, RRSP, Mileage

Estimated Start Dates:

• Full-Time, Fixed Term: May 1, 2025 to August 30, 2025
• Full-Time, Fixed-Term: April 28 2025 to April 24, 2026

Closing Date: April 30, 2025

About the Role

The Youth Counsellor plays an essential role in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for youth (ages 12-19) within Clarington. Working alongside the Co-ordinator and program staff, this position is responsible for developing and implementing year-round after-school and summer programming that fosters social connections, confidence, and life skills.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging with youth to understand their needs and develop relevant programming.
• Leading youth centre activities alongside the Co-ordinator and contributing new ideas for program development.
• Collaborating with staff across locations to share best practices and achieve program goals.
• Creating a welcoming and supportive space where all youth feel valued.
• Participating in training and development opportunities to enhance professional skills.

The Clarington Youth Centres (CYC) include:

• The Loft Courtice
• The Firehouse Bowmanville
• NYC Newcastle

Work hours are scheduled around youth centre operational hours, currently Tuesday to Saturday. Programming is based on five core pillars: Social & Leisure, Sports & Recreation, Life Skills, Creative Arts, and Volunteer & Civic Engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Youth Support & Development

• Use effective communication to guide and support youth in navigating challenges.
• Encourage emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and self-reflection.
• Serve as a positive role model while fostering a safe and respectful environment.
• Introduce engaging activities that allow youth to build confidence and explore new interests.
• Connect youth with community resources and peer support when needed.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality while ensuring safety.

Program & Community Engagement

• Plan, schedule, and implement programming based on youth interests and feedback.
• Build and maintain relationships with local schools and community partners.
• Promote programs through social media and community outreach initiatives.
• Support fundraising efforts to enhance programming.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe centre environment.

Qualifications & Skills

Education:

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in Social Services, Child & Youth Work, or a related field.
  

Experience:

• Experience working with youth, including de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of youth programming trends and best practices.
• Strong ability to engage and support diverse youth populations.
• Recreation experience is an asset.

Skills:

• Creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm for youth engagement.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements:

• Class G drivers license with appropriate 2 million liability insurance with the ability to transport youth.
• First Aid/CPR Certification (required).
• Crisis Intervention & ASIST Certifications (preferred).
• Satisfactory Police/Vulnerable Sector Check.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter highlighting your skills, experience, and passion for youth work through this link:

https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/careers/408

About the John Howard Society of Durham Region

Our mission is to reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring practices and workplace culture. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Join us in making a difference in the lives of youth in Clarington!

To Learn More About our Agency

Website: https://johnhoward.on.ca/durham/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/john-howard-society-of-durham-region

Instagram: @jhsdurhamregion

Facebook: @JHSDurhamRegion

Twitter: @DurhamJobHelp

YouTube: JHSDurham