52-2026 Counsellor, Children, Youth and Families

We are hiring a Counsellor who is committed to providing compassionate, client-centered support and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. This is a unique opportunity to work as part of a collaborative clinical team delivering therapeutic services to a diverse population. The successful candidate will bring strong clinical judgement, trauma-informed practice, and a deep respect for the dignity and lived experience of every client.

Join a values-driven organization with over 100 years of service supporting Ottawa families through life’s challenges, where your work will have a lasting impact, and your professional growth will be supported

Location

Ottawa, Office-based. FSO-SFO is located on the unceded Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation

Start Date

Immediate

Position

Temporary Full-Time, (One-Year Contract) Unionized

Salary

Level 5, $58,793.87 to $66,052.17 (prorated to Hours/Week)

Hours of Work

35 hours per week, evening work required, may include weekends

Job ID

52-2026 Counsellor, Children, Youth and Families

About Us

Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSO-SFO) has been strengthening individuals and families—and, by extension, the Ottawa community—since 1914. We provide skillful and compassionate support to address the mental health, family conflict or violence, and parenting challenges that families face. Through accessible counselling, support groups, and educational programmes, families increase their knowledge and skills, adopt healthy strategies, build meaningful connections, and enhance resilience.

We serve individuals across the lifespan and within all types of family constellations, including children, youth, transitional-aged youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families. Our work is grounded in the real needs of our clients and families, the complex environments they live in, and a strong foundation of clinical and mental health expertise.

From Mothercare during the influenza epidemic of 1917, to supporting families through post‑WWII reintegration, to redefining family therapy to reflect the diverse realities of “family”, FSO‑SFO continues to innovate and evolve in response to the changing needs of our community.

We strive to lead and convene the best and most promising practices, ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful. Today, 98% of clients report that working with FSO‑SFO has had a positive impact on their lives.

As an accredited non‑profit charitable organization, FSO‑SFO is a trusted pillar of the Ottawa community. Our team is united by a commitment to well‑being, belonging, community, accountability, and client‑centered care.

Join us in making a lasting difference for Ottawa families.

About the Position

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Counsellor to join our dynamic Counselling Programs team. At Family Services Ottawa (FSO), we are committed to providing high‑quality counselling services to individuals, youth, families, and groups experiencing a range of mild to severe and persistent mental health challenges, including trauma, concurrent disorders, and complex psychosocial needs.

The position also contributes to community outreach, community development, and agency‑wide initiatives. This position is for 35 hours per week and requires availability for at least one evening per week, with occasional weekend work as needed to support client and program needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence‑informed, trauma‑informed, and strengths‑based counselling
• Conduct assessments, including risk assessment, and develop treatment plans with clients
• Provide individual, children, youth, family, and group counselling services
• Provide referrals and collaborate with community resources and service providers
• Be trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, with experience providing both brief or single‑session and moderate to longer‑term interventions
• Assist clients with navigating systems and accessing practical support (e.g., housing, income support, legal)
• Participate in team meetings, staff development, supervision, and consultations
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records and statistics
• Contribute to agency committees and organizational initiatives
• Prepare correspondence, case notes, and reports as required
• Maintain accurate, confidential client files and statistical data in accordance with agency and funder standards

About You

• A Master’s degree in Social Work, Counselling Psychology, or a related field
• Registration in good standing with CRPO, OCSW, SSW, or a relevant college
• 2‑3 years’ experience in psychotherapy with children, youth, parents, and families
• Experience working with trauma and diverse populations
• Strong communication, assessment, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Comfort with technology and client databases
• Fluency in English is required; French and other languages are an asset

Additional Requirements

• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada
• Satisfactory Criminal Police Record Check
• Availability for evening and weekend work

We look forward to hearing from you. FSO‑SFO is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know how we can best support you.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.