Youth & Family Counsellor I​/II - Wood's Homes Academy

Youth & Family Counsellor I / II - Wood's Homes Academy Job Description

We're a not-for-profit mental health centre based in Calgary, with locations across Alberta. Our mission is to build good mental health and well-being so everyone can thrive in their community.

We’re looking for our next cohort of Youth & Family Counsellors for 2026! Want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth? Keep reading and apply today!

About us

At Wood’s Homes, we prioritize dignity, integrity, and respect in all our interactions. We are committed to reducing stigma, promoting mental health, and supporting Truth and Reconciliation, diversity, and inclusivity. Commitment to high-risk adolescents, challenged with some very tough issues, is not easy. These are the times when our frontline workers spring into action. The type of work we do requires quick thinking, patience, confidence, forgiveness and persistence.

Why Choose Us?

• Competitive compensation package which includes:
  • YFC-I Salary Range: $21.25 - $30.56
  • Acuity premium ($1.00-$2.00/hr) depending on program area.
  • Shift premium ($3.00/hr) for all hours worked between 11:00pm and 7:00am
• Employer/Employee paid health benefits through Sunlife
• Retirement Pension Program (We'll match your contributions!)
• Opportunities for growth and professional development

The Role

The Youth and Family Counsellor works on a rotational shift schedule 4 days on/4 days off which includes days, evenings, weekends and awake overnight shifts, ensuring 24/7 coverage for the youth in our care. The Youth and Family Counsellor is responsible for the direct care and treatment of children within our programs. Providing support and services that impact the healing and wellbeing of children, young people, and families through individualized case management, and ongoing development of structure, routine, and goal setting within the program.

Responsibilities:

• Lead therapeutic interventions and case management for children and families, including attending meetings and consultations.
• Create and maintain a structured environment that supports therapeutic engagement and increased functioning.
• Teach daily life skills, including chores, routines, and personal hygiene.
• Develop and revise individual care plans and goals in collaboration with other team members.
• Provide cultural and spiritual engagement opportunities, connecting youth with Elders and spiritual leaders.
• Manage crisis situations using non-abusive restraint techniques aligned with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).
• Perform tasks related to program functioning, such as meal preparation, cleaning, and transportation.
• Ensure program compliance with Children and Family Services Licensing, COR Certification, and Accreditation Standards.

Qualifications:

• Class 5 driver’s license and own transportation.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Diploma or Degree in Social Sciences, Child and Youth Care, Addictions and Mental Health, Peer Support, Social Work, Nursing, or a related field, with a minimum of two to four years of related experience.
• Minimum of 2 years experience working with vulnerable populations within various systems including the child welfare, homeless serving, criminal justice, developmental disabilities, or FSCD systems of care.

We embrace each other’s differences and strive to learn and grow from them. If you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process, feel free to let us know and we'll be more than happy to assist you.

Why choose us. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We empower and are advocates for our employees by welcoming, respecting and valuing their unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. At Wood’s Homes we embrace each other’s differences and strive to learn and grow from them. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this position;

however, only those moving forward in the selection process will be contacted.