Youth Counsellor, Downtown Services and Drop In

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Reports to: Coordinator, Downtown Services and Drop-In

Employment Status: Casual Part-Time (3 positions)

Bargaining Unit Status: Included/Youth Worker

Hourly Wage: $29.73- $37.31

Language requirements: English is essential; French is an asset

Schedule: Rotational; Minimum 8 shifts per month

Bona Fide occupational requirement (BFOR): N/A

Competition Number: 26-127

Closing Date: December 15th, 2026

Vacancy: No

Posting stage: Internal/External

About us:

Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit agencies in Ottawa and a registered charity. It provides mental health services, employment programs, emergency shelter, community, health and housing services, and justice programs to youth in the Ottawa area, serving between 2,500 and 3,000 at‑risk individuals aged 12+ and their families every month. YSB employs 400 caring professionals in a unionized environment in over 21 locations across Ottawa.

Under the general direction of the Director and the immediate supervision of the Coordinator, Housing Case Management and Downtown Drop-In, the Youth Worker provides counselling, crisis intervention, housing and Ontario Works support to youth who access the Drop-In Services in accordance with the policies and directives established by YSB.

What you will do:

• Conduct admissions, needs assessments and develop a plan with youth to address their specific needs
• Provide supportive and crisis intervention to youth
• Engage youth who enter the Drop-In and create and promote opportunities for youth to take leadership roles
• Registers client in Trusteeship program and disburses monthly Ontario Works cheque to client
• Provide general housing assistance to youth who are unstably housed
• Actively refer youth to services and supports as needed
• Work in ally ship with youth
• Provide workshops or groups as requested to address the identified need of youth accessing the service
• Create and promote opportunities for youth to take leadership roles
• Advocate with and on behalf of clients as required including Ontario Works services
• Make referrals to appropriate community services/ resources
• Ensure both electronic and physical client files are maintained and current within established guidelines
• Ensure familiarity with all pertinent legislation
• Ensure timely submission of all administrative requirements in accordance with Bureau practice.
• Contribute to program and services development and evaluation
• Follows safe work practices as established by the Bureau and the Program.

This opportunity may be right for you if you have:

• Diploma or degree in social work or related field.
• Two years of experience in counseling skills working with youth
• Experience with homeless and at-risk youth
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills and ability to engage clients
• Knowledge of community resources and relevant legislation including Ontario Works eligibility requirements
• Available for shift work, days, evenings and weekends
• Knowledge of word processing and computers
• Oral and written fluency in English essential
• Oral and written fluency in French is an asset

Disclaimer:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbents may be asked to perform other duties as required.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to join a vibrant team and be part of truly meaningful and rewarding work;
• A team where you get to be yourself everyday and where you have the freedom to innovate.;
• Optional Pension plan from Day1.

Join us!

If you think this vacancy is a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Please visit the career section of our website to submit your resume and one-page cover letter. Don’t just tell us what we want to hear, tell us your story and why you would make a great addition to our team.

We know applying to a job takes time and thank all candidates for their interest. While we are not able to get back to every candidate, we will ensure shortlisted applicants are aware of their status and will do our best to provide feedback if that can be helpful. Please be advised that although ADP has embedded AI functions YSB does not use this AI function to make hiring decisions. All recruitment decisions including the screening of applications are made by our hiring team, who review each application with care and consideration. We value the individuality and potential of each applicant and strive to create an inclusive hiring experience. If you have any questions about our recruitment practices, we encourage you to reach out to our Talent Acquisition Coordinator.

At YSB, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ community and/or people with intersectional identities. Accommodation will be made available for applicants with a disability throughout the hiring process, kindly make your needs known in advance.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. In the event a qualified candidate is not found, candidates that do not meet the qualifications indicated on the posting may be considered. Qualified candidates may be contacted at any time throughout the application window, upon the closing date.