Bilingual Counsellor Children’s Services- English and French
Longlac, Ontario | Full-time permanent | Fully on site

Build a career supporting children, youth and families in northern Ontario. Our client, a non-profit community agency serving the District of Thunder Bay, is seeking a counsellor to provide accessible, person-centred mental health services. This opportunity combines direct clinical work, an interdisciplinary team and a comprehensive benefits package.

Recent graduates who meet the education and professional registration eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.

Compensation and benefits

• Starting salary up to $68,415.78 annually, with annual increases through grid progression and union negotiations.
• 5 hours per week. No regular evenings, weekends or on-call rotation; flexibility may be required to meet client needs.
• 100% employer-paid health and dental benefits and the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
• Four weeks of vacation, prorated in the first year, plus paid sick days.
• 12 paid statutory holidays, a winter holiday shutdown, three family care days and three floater days.
• Relocation support of up to $3,000.
• Up to $1,000 in agency-paid training incentives after probation.
• Mileage and meal reimbursement for work-related travel.
• Professional development opportunities and a collaborative interdisciplinary clinical team.

Working in Longlac

This position is based fully on site in Longlac, in the Greenstone area of northern Ontario. Applicants must be able to work locally or relocate. The role includes travel within the District of Thunder Bay and, when required, to communities outside the district. A valid Ontario driver’s licence, a privately owned vehicle and appropriate insurance are required.

Your responsibilities

Provide clinical support to children and youth experiencing mental health challenges, working with their families, guardians and community partners to coordinate care.

• Complete person-centred assessments, provide individual counselling and develop care goals, treatment plans and discharge plans with clients and families.
• Provide psychoeducation, information and referrals, and co-facilitate support groups and educational workshops for children, youth and families.
• Assess risk, intervene when immediate safety concerns arise and develop individualized safety plans.
• Coordinate with colleagues, physicians and community service providers to reduce barriers to care, avoid service duplication and maintain continuity of support.
• Support mental health assessments and implement psychiatrist recommendations within the scope of your role.
• Maintain an appropriate caseload and evaluate progress using standardized tools and evidence-based methods.
• Keep accurate, timely electronic clinical records and protect client confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and applicable professional standards.
• Uphold children’s and families’ rights, follow child protection requirements and practise within your authorized professional scope.
• Participate in clinical supervision, continuing learning, team meetings and program evaluation.
• Contribute to agency initiatives, community events and the learning of colleagues and students, as appropriate.
• Follow agency policies, professional standards and health and safety procedures, reporting identified risks.

Required qualifications

• Education that provides eligibility or qualifying status for registration with an appropriate Ontario regulatory college at the time of application, together with a commitment to obtain regulated membership.
• Relevant education pathways may include a Social Service Worker diploma; a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work; or an eligible qualification in psychotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology or medicine. Each pathway must meet the applicable college’s registration requirements.
• Knowledge and practical skills in evidence-based assessment, counselling, care planning and clinical interventions for children, youth and families.
• Understanding of child development, family systems, mental health, substance use and the social determinants of health.
• Knowledge of Ontario’s child protection system, privacy obligations and sound clinical documentation practices.
• Ability to build effective therapeutic relationships, exercise clinical judgment and manage competing priorities independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
• A culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach, including understanding of intergenerational trauma in Indigenous communities and the effects of systemic racism and oppression.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook and electronic clinical record systems.
• A valid Ontario driver’s licence, access to a privately owned and appropriately insured vehicle, and ability to travel as required.

Preferred experience and assets

• Bilingualism is mandatory: Candidates must be fluent in both English and French.
• Current membership in good standing with the applicable Ontario regulatory college.
• Three years of experience providing clinical interventions in a mental health or developmental services agency serving children, youth and families.
• Familiarity with approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and mindfulness.
• Knowledge of health and social services in the District of Thunder Bay and northern Ontario.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).