Children and Youth Counsellor

Job Description – Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC)

Position Title: Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC)

Reports To: RockHaven Supervisor / Program Director

Employment Type: Part-Time (up to 30hours per week)

Location: RockHaven Children’s Services Foster Homes & Community Settings

Position Summary

The Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC) plays a vital role within RockHaven Children’s Services Inc., providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate support to children and youth placed in RockHaven foster homes. CYCs use therapeutic engagement, skill development strategies, de-escalation techniques, and strengths-based interventions to help youth achieve safety, stability, emotional well-being, and positive outcomes.

They work in partnership with foster parents, supervisors, placing agencies, schools, medical professionals, and community partners to ensure the youth’s needs are met according to RockHaven standards, Ministry regulations, and each youth’s individualized Plan of Care.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Care & Therapeutic Support

• Build safe, trusting, professional relationships with youth using trauma‑informed and culturally competent practices.
• Support youth with emotional regulation, coping strategies, conflict resolution, and life skills development.
• Provide one‑to‑one and group-based interventions aligned with the youth’s Plan of Care.
• Model healthy behaviour, communication, and problem‑solving.
• Maintain awareness of each youth’s triggers, risks, strengths, and goals.

2. Behaviour Management & Crisis Response

• Utilize Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) strategies, including preventative de-escalation, environmental adjustments, and safe intervention techniques.
• Participate in crisis stabilization plans and safety plans for youth exhibiting high‑risk behaviours.
• Only administer physical restraints when there is imminent risk of serious physical harm, and only if trained and authorized to do so. Physical restraints must comply with RockHaven’s strict policies.
• Complete incident reports, Safety Plan reviews, and Serious Occurrence documentation as required.

3. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, objective weekly logs on behaviours, progress, goals, and incidents.
• Complete serious incident reports, and any other required documentation.
• Ensure all records meet RockHaven, MCCSS, and licensing standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all privacy and information‑sharing protocols.

4. Collaboration & Team Support

• Work collaboratively with foster parents to provide consistent therapeutic routines and expectations in the home.
• Attend Plan of Care meetings, school meetings, professional appointments, and case conferences as required.
• Communicate professionally with the RockHaven Supervisor, Program Director, and Placing Agency workers.
• Contribute to team problem-solving, youth transition planning, and placement stability efforts.

5. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to RockHaven safety policies, including medication procedures, fire safety and emergency protocols.
• Monitor youth for medical, emotional, or behavioural changes and report immediately.
• Support youth with routines related to personal hygiene, nutrition, homework, recreation, and household expectations.

6. Advocacy & Youth Rights Support

• Support cultural, identity, spiritual, and community connections, including FNIM-specific needs when applicable.
• Understanding the Rights and Responsibilities of a youth in care.

7. Training & Professional Development

• Maintain valid certifications, including First Aid/CPR and NVCI.
• Adhere to any new Ministry mandated trainings.
• Participate in mandatory RockHaven training
• Engage in regular supervision and performance reviews.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, and professional growth.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education (Must meet one of the following):

• Child and Youth Care (CYC) Diploma,
• Social Service Worker (SSW),
• BA in Psychology, Social Work, or related field,
• Equivalent experience with special needs youth,
• OR FNIM Elder/Knowledge Keeper/Traditional Person as recognized under RockHaven qualification options.

Experience

• Experience working directly with children/youth with emotional, behavioural, developmental, or mental health challenges.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, de-escalation, and therapeutic engagement.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, emotionally demanding environment.
• Cultural competency and respect for diverse identity characteristics.
• Teamwork, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Other Requirements

• Clear Broad Record Police Check updated every 3 years with an annual Offence Declaration completed.
• Valid First Aid/CPR – level C Certification.
• Valid class G driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Valid vehicle insurance with proof of 2 million liability.
• Satisfactory Driver’s Abstract.
• Satisfactory Medical Reference.
• Maintain current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification.
• Satisfactory Child Welfare Record Check.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow all RockHaven and Ministry regulations.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily conducted in RockHaven foster homes, schools, and community settings.
• May involve transporting youth, supervising appointments, and responding to emergencies.
• Exposure to challenging behaviours, crises, or emotional situations is expected.
• Regular travel between homes and community resources may be required.

RockHaven’s Commitment

RockHaven Children’s Services Inc. is committed to providing safe, inclusive, culturally respectful, and therapeutic environments for all youth. We value diversity among staff and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including FNIM communities and equity‑seeking groups.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Greater Napanee, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• DCS / DEC (required)

Language:

• Fluent English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Class G Driver’s Licence (required)
• Work Location: In person