Job Description
Job Description
Salary : $23.85 per hour to start
Youth Counsellor - STEP (Employment)
Location Base : Whitby, Ontario
Employment Type : Full-time (Permanent)
Hours of Work : 35 hours / week, Monday to Friday
Wage : $23.85 / hour to start
Salary Grade : Class 5B
Reports To : Program Coordinator, STEP Program
Union : CUPE 2938.13
Vacancies :
- 1 Full-time Permanent includes Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Accident Insurance, Mileage, RRSP.
About Us
The John Howard Society is committed to supporting individuals in building healthy, independent lives through evidence-based programs and services. The Skills Training for Employment and Post-Secondary (STEP) program is funded through the Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) the Government of Canadas initiative to help youth overcome barriers to employment, develop essential skills and knowledge for the labour market, and promote education and skills training as foundational to long-term career success.
Position Summary
The Youth Counsellor works directly with youth who face complex barriers to employment, helping them achieve meaningful careers, long-term employment, or further educational and vocational opportunities.
Working as part of a team, the Youth Counsellor will case manage participants, deliver quality Employment Skills Training, and create pathways to Quality Employment Opportunities. This includes intake and assessment, service plan development, advocacy, coordination of wraparound supports, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up activities.
Key Responsibilities
Service User Support
Determine youth eligibility and suitability for the program, assessing general employment and service needsConduct participant intake and assessments to clarify career goals, identify factors affecting success, and evaluate motivation and interpersonal skillsUse Cognitive Skills Counselling or other models to assess job readiness, readiness for change, and develop suitable action plansDevelop individualized action plans addressing life stability, employment, employability, and career goalsProvide case management, mentoring, and support to build interpersonal, relationship-building, and soft skills for workplace successCo-facilitate and evaluate workshops covering life stability, job readiness, career development, personal management, job attainment, employment-related, and job maintenance skillsDeliver additional training such as Diversity in the Workplace, WHMIS, Smart Serve, Safe Food Handling, and Non-Violent Crisis InterventionSupport vulnerable youth through post-secondary application processesImplement job coaching and job retention strategiesCase Management & Documentation
Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports, and client files with clear rationale for methods and interventions usedManage a caseload of youth with complex barriers and life stability factorsMonitor and maintain financial tracking where requiredOperate office equipment, computers, and software applicationsAchieve service outcomes and targets as established by the funder and agencySubmit required statistical reports and meet all deadlinesLiaise with Employment and Training staff to coordinate services and resourcesCommunity, Administration & Other
Provide education and work transition support to bridge participants into employment or further educationConduct follow-up with participants after program completionContribute to program strategy by evaluating performance and recommending improvementsComplete Employer Placement Agreements and Wage Subsidy Claim Forms promptlyPartner with community organizations and JHS programs that support youth facing complex barriers (e.g., OW, ODSP, schools, CAS, courts, DRPS, probation)Establish and maintain relationships with employers in Durham Region to determine job opportunities and advocate for placements, ensuring ESA compliance and workplace health and safetyMake referrals to community agencies as appropriateRepresent the agency at community events, job fairs, workshops, and meetingsMeet funder-defined targets and outcomesQualifications & Experience
Education & Certifications
Post-secondary education in Social Service Work, Social Work, Employment Counselling, or a related fieldExperience
Experience in group facilitation, instruction, employment counselling, and general counsellingExtensive knowledge of pre-employment support methods, retraining opportunities, and labour market information / resourcesKnowledge, Skills & Abilities
Cultural competence and sensitivity when working with diverse populations, including racialized, disabled, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groupsHigh proficiency in Microsoft Office applicationsSkilled in using Zoom (hosting / co-hosting, polls, breakout rooms, annotation mode)Strong knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Hootsuite, and WordpressExcellent written / verbal communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skillsStrong self-management skills to achieve project goals within tight timelinesAbility to collect statistical data, meet deadlines, and reach performance targetsStrong knowledge of Durham Region community services and referral processesCommitment to JHS service standards and valuesWorking Conditions
May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, or conditionsWorks in-office and may work remotely if requiredRequired to work at all JHS Durham locationsPhysical activity includes sitting, walking, and standing; may require lifting up to 35 lbsPolice Vulnerable Sector Check requiredCUPE-represented positionHow to Apply
Send your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications to :
Applications will be reviewed until February 9, 2026.