Support Worker, Crisis Counselor

This position is designated to work with vulnerable female populations, including cis‑gender, non‑binary, and transgender youth.

Location: Windrose Supportive Housing
Salary: $23.53 - $26.64 per annum based on work experience
Hours: Casual/part time hours per week (days/evenings/nights as required)
Employer: John Howard Society of Ottawa

Under direction of the Residential Coordinator, Windrose Supportive Housing provides young women who are at‑risk of or have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, or justice system involvement with long‑term safe and affordable housing and on‑site supports. The focus is on building life skills, mental health, substance use, crisis management, and peer relationships to help residents achieve positive community outcomes and lead healthy lifestyles.

• University degree or college diploma in the Social Sciences, or currently completing such a program.
• Experience de‑escalating crisis and supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
• Experience in a residential setting and/or community development.
• Experience working with youth within a strength‑based framework.

As the successful candidate, you have:

• Recently completed a Criminal Record Check (within the last six months).
• A desire to support youth in their transition to adulthood through an anti‑oppressive, anti‑racist, and feminist lens in an empathetic and caring manner.
• An understanding of youth mental health and development.
• The ability to effectively deal with neighbour or community complaints after hours if required.
• Interest and passion for working within a supportive community that includes residents and the Windrose staff team.
• Excellent people skills to facilitate relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and community members.
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills.
• High creativity to support interactive and engaging programming for the residents.
• Thoroughness in building maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning duties as required.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.
• Flexibility and availability to pick up extra shifts as required.

• Competency in engaging and establishing rapport with youth experiencing mental health and substance use issues.
• Competency in crisis management skills.
• Basic counselling skills to support case plans with residents as directed by the Coordinator.
• Clear understanding of operating within agency policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills to support the team with accomplishing various tasks set out in the JHS/Windrose work plan.
• Competency in report writing and interpreting data and outcome measures as required by the Coordinator.

• Commitment to providing the highest quality of care for clients through responsive, innovative, and evidence‑informed approaches.
• Drive and curiosity to achieve the best results for clients and communities served.
• Celebration of the uniqueness and lived experience of every person, creating belonging, safety, and better outcomes.
• Leadership that empowers employees to live their strengths and reach their potential.
• Compassion and care for others, helping JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.
• Belief in building meaningful connections across programs, partners, and neighbourhoods to foster inclusion and empowerment.
• Recognition of systemic inequalities and the right of all people to dignity, a home, and access to supports.
• Commitment to reducing harm through a non‑judgmental approach that builds resilience and accountability.
• Belief in the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation.

We woman, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and all candidates who further diversity of ideas are encouraged to apply. Accommodation is available throughout the hiring process upon request.