Child and Youth Counselor

Ernestine’s is seeking an experienced Child and Youth Counselor to co-lead our Child and Youth Program. The Child and Youth Counselor is an integral team member that provides direct support to children, youth and parent/caregivers who reside at the shelter. This individual will bring strong program facilitation, counselling and knowledge in providing direct and indirect services to children, youth and caregivers escaping violence.

The Counselor ensures the application of Ernestine’s values which recognizes the impact of violence on children and acknowledges that the rights of children are separate and distinct from those of their parents.

Specifically, the Child and Youth Counselor develops implements and evaluates age appropriate programming for young children and youth. The Counselor will develop and deliver trauma-informed programs for children, youth and caregivers residing at the shelter. The counselor will also provide individualized support to children, youth and caregivers. Individual and group programming must meet the needs of pre-birth, infants, toddlers, pre-school, school age, youth and their parents/caregivers by supporting them with the following: trauma recovery;

emotional regulation and attachment; harm reduction and appropriate boundaries; safety planning; advocacy and referrals.

Our Story
Since 1983, Ernestine’s has helped over 15,000 individuals and children rebuild with dignity and independence. Today, we serve over 700 survivors each year.

Our Vision & Mission
Transforming lives beyond violence.

Ernestine's provides advocacy, crisis intervention and shelter to adults and children experiencing violence, including Women and Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary and gender diverse individuals.

Our values

We understand gender-based violence broadly. It includes but is not limited to physical, emotional, psychological, financial and sexual violence. It also works at a systemic level that requires larger scale social justice change.

We center people who experience all forms of harm and exclusion including anti-Black racism, anti Indigenous racism, Transphobia, ableism and other forms of exclusion.

As a settler organization, we make an ongoing commitment to Reconciliation.

We recognize the impact of violence on children and acknowledge that the rights of children are separate and distinct from their parents.

Our Team
Ernestines’ mission is executed by a team of highly committed individuals in three distinct program areas:
Direct Service;
Engagement & Development;
Finance & Administration. The Direct Service Team consists of dedicated staff that provide programs and services in our 35 bed shelter as well as community outreach programs. Children and youth comprise our largest client demographic in shelter.

Key Accountabilities

Provide one-on-one client support in emotional, cognitive, social and physical development, and case management for children and youth residing in the shelter.

Conduct child and youth intake procedures, safety planning and risk management with clients.

Acts as an advocate with emphasis placed on developing appropriate child and youth resources and connections to community supports, including warm referrals to external programs and services as determined by each child, youth and/ or caregiver.

Take a leadership role in case conferences with internal and external teams to support client needs, including supporting parents/caregivers involved with child protective agencies.

Respond to crisis in the shelter and facilitate a co-operative living environment amongst children, youth and parents/caregivers by providing excellent crisis counselling, supportive counselling, role modeling, conflict mediation, and de-escalation skills.

Proficient in fostering and maintaining a…