63-2026 Counsellor Temporary Full Time (Approximately a 1 year contract with the possibility of extension)

63-2026 Counsellor Temporary Full-Time (approximately  one (1) year Contract with the 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 judgment, 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

Start Date: Immediate, ending September 21, 2027

Position: Union

Salary Range: $58793.87 to $66,052.17

Job ID: 63-2026– Counsellor Temporary Full-time

 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 help people navigate mental health concerns, parenting challenges, and family conflict or violence. 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. Our work is grounded in the real needs of clients, 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 during 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 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 and psychosocial challenges.

This role includes direct clinical service with clients presenting mild to moderate and/or complex mental health concerns, including trauma, concurrent disorders, and experiences of interpersonal or gender-based violence. The position also contributes to community outreach  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 include:

• 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
• Provide advocacy on behalf of clients as appropriate
• 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

Education & Experience:

• 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:

• 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, settlement, 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

Skills and Abilities

• Strong counselling, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with clients
• Ability to engage effectively with clients experiencing distress, conflict, or emotional escalation
• Skill in applying verbal de-escalation and supportive intervention techniques
• Ability to identify and appropriately respond to safety concerns within established protocols
• Ability to assess situations and determine appropriate responses where there may be risk of harm to self or others
• Strong assessment, case planning, and documentation skills
• Ability to support the development and implementation of client safety plans
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to maintain composure, sound judgment, and professionalism in high-stress or potentially volatile situations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team environment
• Ability to provide culturally responsive support to individuals across diverse cultures, identities, and lived experiences
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical boundaries
• Proficiency in technology, including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) and client database systems

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.

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