CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services

Counsellor, Gender Based Violence
Regulated Direct Service - (OPSEU)
 Full-Time, Contract (End Date: March 31, 2027) 

This posting is the result of a current vacancy 
 London, Ontario (London Zone)
- Application Deadline: March 3, 2026 -

We believe that change is possible and aim to provide meaningful engagement for youth with services that are you-centered, developmentally appropriate and wholistic. The Youth Wellness Hub (YWH) is focused on youth and family partnership. All services are co-developed with youth and their families to match their needs. 

Working within the context of a multidisciplinary team at the Youth Wellness Hub, the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Counsellor will provide therapeutic interventions to meet mental health and addiction needs through the delivery of short-term counselling and crisis response to youth, ages 12-25, based on evidence-based practices. Using a client-centered approach, the GBV Counsellor will conduct mental health assessments, gender-based violence screenings and provide therapeutic support and/or interventions to youth. They will provide timely, responsive, evidence-based treatment and clinical support in one-on-one and group settings. These supports include but are not limited to solution-focused narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to youth who are dealing with addiction and mental health needs. 

The GBV Counsellor will promote and educate the community about the Youth Wellness Hub, gender-based violence, and dating violence. This will occur within the Youth Wellness Hub and community partner locations. They will provide prevention through the Healthy Relationships Plus Program (HRPP) and early intervention supports to youth regarding gender-based violence. The GBV Counsellor will support and assist in creating a safe and accepting environment for youth (12-25 years old) with a special emphasis on the 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous youth and other marginalized community youth.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour (Level 1 of the Direct Service, Regulated Professional Grid);
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8, $37.26 per hour
  • Premiums of $2.00 will be applied for eligible Evening/Night and Weekend Shifts
• When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; Predominantly Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, including some evenings 11am-7pm or 10am-6pm
• Your pension plan –Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• What your benefits will be – 9% in lieu of benefits

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Intake, Screening, Assessment and Crisis:

• Screen and assess need for supports and services, perform risk assessments, explore immediate therapeutic supports and/or interventions as needed.
• Work with other Wellness Hub staff to help identify when youth may require supports – either in terms of GBV, mental health or substance use.

Counselling and Treatment:

• Provides structured clinical counselling in one-on-one and group settings using a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc. with a focus on gender-based violence.
• In collaboration with the client, develop, implement, evaluate, revise, and maintain care plans according to the individual’s needs, preferences, and progress towards their identified goals.
• Meet youth where they are at in terms of treatment and interventions.

Case Management:

Service Coordination/Navigation, Education and Advocacy:

• Facilitate preventative workshops/groups/educational activities regarding gender-based violence. Support the development of the gender-based violence program in partnership with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.
• Help provide education and capacity to all Wellness Hub staff re: harm reduction and mental health.
• Participate in program planning, implementation, and evaluations.
• Ensure a safe and secure youth environment.
• Participate in meetings, professional development opportunities, training events, committees, etc. as required or approved.

Information and Referral

• Collaborate with Wellness Hub community partners.
• Provide referrals and make linkages to culturally appropriate services and supports as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:
 

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 2 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.
 
We require the following qualifications:

• College diploma or University Degree in a relevant field of study (e.g. BSW, MSW). (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Registration with an appropriate college (OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO)
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

 We prefer the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working in a related position
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR or willingness to complete within first 3 months of employment
• Assist trained
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention trained
• Clinical work experience with youth 12-25 years old.
• Experience and detailed knowledge of GBV, mental health and addiction.
• Experience working with black youth and people of colour, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples is an asset.
• A range of evidence-based interventions, including solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples, culture and healing practices.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Can work variable hours that might include evenings, weekends and weekdays depending on work demands.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with community service providers
• Proficiency with computers, smart phones, variety of software programs including presentation technology.
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of computerized documentation methods
• Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – March 3, 2026
 

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team. 

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]  
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Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes