35-2025 Counsellor Temporary Full-Time Maternity Leave Replacement

35-2025 Counsellor Temporary Full-Time Maternity Leave Replacement (one year with possibility of extension) 

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: August 18, 2025 (one year  with the possibility of an extension)

Position: Counsellor Temporary Full-Time, Maternity Leave Replacement, Unionized

Salary: Level 5, $57,641.05 to $64,757.03

Hours of Work:  As assigned (evening work required, may include weekends)

Job ID: 35-2025  Counsellor, Temporary Full-Time  Maternity Leave Replacement

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 programs, 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.

We are grounded in and informed by the real needs of our clients and families, the complex environments they live in, and a foundation of clinical and mental health expertise. From mothercare during the influenza epidemic of 1917, to supporting soldiers and their families through post-WWII reintegration, to addressing the psychosocial needs of people living with HIV and their families, to redesigning family therapy to reflect the evolving definition of “family”—FSO-SFO continues to innovate and evolve in response to the changing needs of families, leading and convening best and promising practices. Most importantly, 98% of our clients report that working with FSO-SFO has had a positive impact on their lives.

An accredited non-profit charitable organization, FSO-SFO is a trusted pillar of the Ottawa community, powered by a team committed to accountability, a sense of community, well-being, diversity and inclusiveness, and client-centered care.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Counsellor to join our dynamic Counselling team. At Family Services Ottawa (FSO), we are committed to providing high-quality counselling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups experiencing a range of mental health challenges. This role includes direct clinical service with women (cis and trans) who have experienced intimate partner abuse. The position will include participation in community development and contributing to agency activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and strengths-based counselling

Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans with clients

Provide individual and group counselling for clients experiencing gender-based violence

Assist clients with navigating systems and accessing practical support (e.g. housing, income support, legal)

Offer appropriate referrals and collaboration with external resources

Advocate for clients when needed

Participate in team meetings, staff development, supervision, and consultations

Contribute to community outreach and development initiatives

Maintain timely, accurate and confidential client records and statistics

Prepare correspondence and reports as required

Contribute to agency committees and organizational initiatives

ABOUT YOU

You are an empathetic and skilled counselling professional with:

·         A Master’s degree in social work, Counselling Psychology, or a related field

·         Registration in good standing with CRPO, OCSWSSW, or a relevant college

·         2-3 years’ experience in psychotherapy with individuals, couples, or families

·         Experience working with trauma and diverse populations

·         Knowledge and experience in the area of gender-based violence; social and structural factors impacting women experiencing intimate partner violence and their children.

·         Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, employment and other social service resources in the community.

·         Demonstrated experience conducting safety planning 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; ability to provide counselling services in Arabic or French is preferred

Additional Requirements:

Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada

Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector 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.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.