Youth Therapist (Contract)

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applicants for the position of:

Position Title:            Youth Therapist (Contract)

Department:               Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being Services

Hours of Work:          37.5 hours per week working onsite 8:30am – 4:30pm

Location:                    320 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON

Posting Date:             March 5, 2026

Posting Closes:         March 26, 2026

 

Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of the Specialized Services Model, the Youth Therapist provides culturally safe, trauma-informed, strengths-based counselling and therapeutic support to youth of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, helping adolescents navigate mental health, identity, and life challenges while fostering resilience and positive development. The Youth Therapist blends traditional healing practices with Western clinical approaches to support the wholistic needs of youth (emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical) and works closely with families, caregivers, schools, Elders/Knowledge Keepers, and community partners to ensure coordinated, wraparound care through individual, family, group, and community-based services.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual, family, and group counselling to youth experiencing emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges.
• Complete intakes/assessments, develop treatment plans, and deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe interventions.
• Integrate Anishnaabe cultural approaches (e.g., ceremony, land-based supports, Elders/Knowledge Keepers guidance) with evidence-informed clinical practices.
• Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and safety planning for at-risk youth.
• Support youth to build coping skills, resilience, and positive identity development.
• Facilitate culturally relevant groups, workshops, and activities that promote self-esteem, leadership, and healthy peer relationships.
• Collaborate with families/caregivers to strengthen supports and care plans.
• Work with schools and service providers to support youth wellbeing and improve academic/social outcomes.
• Advocate for youth within education, health, and social systems to improve equitable access to services.
• Build strong relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to ensure services are culturally grounded.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners to provide wraparound, coordinated services.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case notes, clinical records, intake documentation, and triage/safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, privacy requirements, and community protocols, including upholding the Seven Sacred Teachings in practice.
• Participate in clinical meetings, case reviews, supervision, consultation, and team debriefs as required.
• Contribute to program evaluation, data collection, reporting, quality improvement, and ongoing professional development/self-care.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or related discipline.
• Registration (or eligibility) with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO, CPO, CNO, etc.).
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience providing counselling and support to youth.
• Experience working with First Nations youth, families, and communities.
• Knowledge of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and cultural teachings.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification. 
• Must possess a valid “G” driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• Must possess a clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Screen/Check.
• Must have $1,000,000 automobile insurance coverage.

What Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Has to Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Access to a confidential Family Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, emotional, and family wellness.
• Two-week holiday closure over Christmas and New Year’s, providing dedicated time to rest and recharge with family and community.