The Mental Health Counsellor – ACT provides recovery-oriented, client-centred counselling, crisis intervention, rehabilitation, case coordination, advocacy, and therapeutic support to individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness. Working as part of a multidisciplinary ACT team, the Counsellor develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates individualized care plans to support clients in achieving their recovery goals. Most client services are provided independently in community settings.

Start Date: Flexible. We are seeking a candidate who can start in late summer or early fall 2026.

Duration: This is a temporary position covering a maternity leave.

Program-Related Activities

• Provide recovery-oriented counselling, crisis intervention, and substance use support using evidence-informed approaches.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized rehabilitation and recovery plans.
• Support clients with symptom management, housing, employment, education, finances, daily living, and access to physical health care.
• Deliver community-based services, including home visits, evening/weekend support, and crisis response.
• Collaborate with clients, families, psychiatrists, hospitals, police, housing providers, and other community partners to coordinate care.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups and contribute to program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation, reports, and client records in accordance with organizational and professional standards.

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Registered, or eligible for registration, with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is an asset. 
• Training in psychiatric rehabilitation or recovery-oriented practice is an asset.
• Training and demonstrated competency in psychotherapy is an asset.

Professional Experience

• Three to five years of experience in community mental health.
• Experience providing counselling, rehabilitation, case coordination, crisis intervention, and recovery-oriented supports.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and diverse, marginalized communities.
• Experience in community-based or non-profit organizations is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act is an asset.

Key Competencies 

• Knowledge of counselling, assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and harm reduction practices.
• Understanding of community mental health resources and recovery-oriented care.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently in the community and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations and work safely in community environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic client record systems.

Language and Additional Requirements

• Advanced French language proficiency to support French Language Services is an asset.
• Fluency in another language commonly spoken within our community is an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to recovery-oriented, client-centered, strength-based, and community-based mental health practice.
• Ability to build supportive, respectful, and trusting relationships with individuals experiencing mental illness and with diverse and marginalized communities.
• Personal lived experience with mental health services, or as a family member/support person, is considered an asset.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends and on-call as required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle are required.