TEMPORARY UNTIL MAY 2027
Under the direction of the Youth Wellness Hub Operations Manager, working within the context of a multidisciplinary team, the Gender Based Violence Specialist (GBV Specialist) will provide therapeutic interventions to meet mental health/addiction needs through the delivery of short-term counselling and crisis response to youth, ages 12-25, based on evidenced-based practices. Using a client-centered approach, the GBV Specialist will conduct mental health assessments, gender-based violence screenings and provide therapeutic supports and/or interventions to youth. They will provide timely, responsive, evidence-based treatment and clinical supports in one-on-one and group settings. These supports include but are not limited to: solution-focused narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to youth who are dealing with addictions and mental health needs. This can include various supports and services from referrals with the Hub, to external providers, and involve direct support and treatment from harm reduction to withdrawal support and relapse prevention services. The GBV Specialist will promote and educate the community about the Youth Wellness Hub, gender based violence, and dating violence. This will occur within the Youth Wellness Hub and within community partner locations. They will provide prevention through the Healthy Relationships Plus Program (HRPP) and early intervention supports to youth regarding gender-based violence. The GBV Specialist will support and assist in creating a safe and accepting environment for youth (12-25 years old) with a special emphasis on the 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous youth and other marginalized community youth.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario is opening a multi-service hub for youth aged 12-25 in Windsor-Essex. These sites provide rapid access to services that address the needs of youth related to mental health, substance use, primary care, employment/training, housing and other community and social services.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Screen and assess youth need for supports and services, perform risk assessments, explore immediate therapeutic supports and/or interventions as needed.
Provides structured clinical counselling in one-on-one and group settings using a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc. with a focus on gender-based violence.
Facilitate preventative workshops/groups/educational activities regarding gender-based violence.
Support the development of the gender-based violence program in partnership with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.
In collaboration with the client, develop, implement, evaluate, revise, and maintain care plans according to the individual’s needs, preferences, and progress towards their identified goals.
Provide timely, responsive, evidence-based treatment and clinical supports to youth and family members who are experiencing withdrawal.
Work directly with youth experiencing suicidal ideation.
With the agreement of the client, assist families or other support persons to develop strategies that will help them support the person and cope with their mental health issues and/or addictions.
Work with other YWH staff to help identify when youth may require supports – either in terms of gender-based violence, mental health or substance use.
Help provide education and capacity to all YWH staff re: harm reduction and mental health.
Participate in Program planning, implementation, and evaluations.
Collaborate with YWH community partners and maintain professional boundaries with others in circle of care.
Provide referrals/make linkages to culturally appropriate services/supports as needed.
Create a welcoming, culturally safe and secure environment that includes meeting youth where they are at in terms of treatment and interventions.
Document and maintain electronic youth client records (intake and assessment forms, progress notes, correspondences, client files, etc.).
Participate in meetings, professional development opportunities, training events, committees, etc. as required or approved.
Provide gender-based violence, mental health and addictions services at various locations within Windsor and Essex County (i.e. Leamington) as required.
Facilitate and develop therapeutic groups for virtual and in-person services for youth and families.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.
EDUCATION & SKILLS:
Requires the knowledge and skills acquired through the completion of a Master of Social Work degree (M.S.W) from an accredited University, with current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers; or
A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline accepted by the employer such as Counselling or Psychology with certification by the College of registered psychotherapists of Ontario;
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Addictions, Trauma and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy or other treatment modalities such as certification in grief is considered an asset for this position.
Two (2) years of recent clinical work, experience providing therapy primarily using treatment modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Strength Based Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, etc to individuals with addictions and mental illness. Specific experience working with youth ages (12-25) and those is required.
Experience with and detailed knowledge of gender-based violence, mental illness and addictions
Experience and comfortability working with youth exhibiting suicidal ideation
Experience working with people of colour, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples is an asset
Experience with development and facilitation of individual and group treatment programs, program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
Excellent assessment and crisis management skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills
Up to date knowledge of relevant mental health policy and legislation including the Mental Health Act
Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills and conflict resolution skills
A range of evidence-based interventions, including solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and motivational interviewing
Knowledge and experience in substance use and harm reduction
Familiarity of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples, culture and healing practices
Ability to establish trusting relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to act as an advocate for clients in accessing and maintaining support services. Advocacy may include but is not limited to: writing letters of support, phone calls, case conferences, and attending meetings
Knowledge of community resources for youth and families is an asset
Computer literacy skills and working knowledge or various Microsoft Windows application is required.
Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is considered an asset.
A valid Ontario Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position.
Hours of Work: Thirty-Five (35) hour work week. The agency’s regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexible hours are required to meet client and service needs.
Salary range: Grade 9, $37.84 – $44.81 per hour
Per 2022 - 2026 Collective Agreement
Applicable shift premiums are paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement, Article 17.11.
Please submit your cover letter and resume clearly stating how your skills and experience meet the position requirements prior to the posting closing date.
Posting Date: October 24, 2025
Posting Deadline: November 7, 2025 @ 4:30pm
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment at CMHA-WECB. We are however, unable to respond to individual calls. Only those individuals selected for consideration will be contacted for next steps. Thank you for your understanding.
This position is posted per Article 15 of the Collective Agreement. Internal candidates will be considered in priority as established by the Article, as such external candidates may not be considered if there is a qualified internal applicant.
We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities and experiences, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen CMHA. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at hrteam@cmha-wecb.on.ca.
Please note that candidacy for positions will require you to be authorized to work in Canada.
Please note that a satisfactory police vulnerable sector check is required as a condition of employment for all roles with CHMA-WECB.
