Counsellor

Counsellor

• Company website link – https://jobs.toronto.ca
• Company name – City of Toronto
• Location – Toronto, ON
• Postal Code – M5H 2N2
• Region – Ontario
• Company Office local Address – 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
• Contact info – +1 416-392-2489
• email address – jobshelp@toronto.ca
• Country – Canada
• Job Type – Full-Time/Part-Time (Unionized position, role-dependent)
• Job Average Salary rate – $34 – $42 hourly
• Currency – CAD

Job description

Job ID: 59359
Job Category: Community & Social Services
Division & Section: Seniors Services & Long Term Care, LTC Regional Services
Work Location: Castleview Wychwood Towers, 351 Christie St. Toronto M6G 2A1
Job Type & Duration: Part Time, Indefinite
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $42.96 – $47.05
Shift Information: Monday to Sunday, 35 hours per week: Day, Evening, Weekend
Affiliation: L79 PT LTCH&S
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 19-Sep-2025 to 03-Oct-2025

The City’s Seniors Services and Long-Term Care Division supports Toronto seniors and residents in long-term care homes to have the healthiest, most fulfilling lives possible through exceptional care and services. Vulnerable individuals who reside in the community are supported through adult day programs, supportive housing services, tenancy support and homemakers and nurses services. CareTO is our brand for the culture change we are investing in for the City’s 10 directly operated long-term care homes (https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housing-tenant-information/finding-housing/long-term-care-homes/careto/). The division values Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence which shape our organizational culture, our priorities, and the experiences of all those who live, work, volunteer, and visit.

Reporting to the Manager Resident Services, this position will be responsible for providing intake, assessment, counselling, referral, follow-up and assisting residents and their families with navigating financial programs/resources as required.

Major Responsibilities:
• Processes applications/referrals from clients.
• Conducts assessments of clients’ needs, problems and qualifications for service/assistance.
• Obtains required information from clients, next-of-kin, consults/collaborates with doctors, agencies, etc., as necessary and completes appropriate documentation.
• Provides crisis intervention e.g. emergency situations, etc.
• Determines, develops and recommends courses of action based on legislation, divisional policies and procedures, and the evaluation of functional abilities, degree of urgency, finances, etc.
• Makes calculations for financial assessments and monitors assessments for changes.
• Counsels the individual and/or families as to the best alternatives and/or course of action.
• Assists with or coordinates referrals, provided adjustment/support to new situations through additional counselling, observation and research.
• Provides therapeutic counselling to clients/families re: behaviour, attitude, environment or to provide ongoing support.
• Advocates on behalf of individuals and/or clients.
• Refers individuals and/or clients to internal/external programs, services and agencies to complement, or in place of, City services.
• Co-ordinates referrals for admission to outside agencies, purchased services and City services by preparing forms, writing reports, presenting clients’ cases to admission boards and informing involved staff of information necessary for them to prepare for admission (e.g. ensuring accommodations are prepared etc.).
• Monitors individuals’ and/or families’ progress by additional visits, counselling, discussing any change in status, needs, etc. Liaises with agencies involved (re: clients’ attendance, suitability, problems, etc.). Modifies action plan, as required.
• Writes reports and prepares correspondence and maintains case documentation. Documents all information, occurrences etc. and prepares statistics related to case histories.
• Maintains records, charts, clinical reports, files, waiting list, etc. Prepares newsletters for clients/agencies, as necessary.
• Participates in program/design evaluation (e.g. recommendations for: implementation/adaptation/revision/standardization of policies/procedures/workplans; purchase of service from new agencies etc.).
• Participates in case conference meetings to review individuals’ and/or families’ goals, outstanding needs, program suitability, develop resident careplans, identify expected outcomes.
• Develops and conducts group sessions. Develops objectives and appropriate evaluations of the impact of each session on the client’s behaviour, status, etc.
• Develops and co-ordinates seminars, educational, workshops for clients/community agencies, etc. Distributes materials, information etc., as required.
• Consults and co-ordinates client progress with other appropriate staff
• Works as part of a larger team to identify client needs and assist the client in accessing appropriate programs and services.
• Maintains a high level of familiarity with applicable legislation and standards.
• Assists clients in developing a plan of action.
• Plans and implements the initial client assessment, case plan, case plan evaluation, discharge and follow-up.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:
• Post-Secondary Degree in Social Work or Diploma in Social Service Work.
• Must be currently registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and be in good standing
• Experience with adults living with complex health and mental health challenges, in either a recognized social service organization, in a long-term care, a continuing care/rehabilitation facility or a hospital setting.
• Considerable experience conducting psychosocial assessments using various clinical assessment tools and creating care plans to address the needs of physically and cognitively compromised residents and their families, while ensuring holistic and person-centered care.
• Considerable experience utilizing therapeutic interventions and facilitating referrals and community linkages to support the psychosocial needs of residents and their families.

You must also have:
• Advanced knowledge of human behaviour, supportive counselling and intervention techniques.
• Ability to evaluate mental status, psycho/social needs and abilities of the individual and to develop realistic long term and short-term plans to assist residents.
• Knowledge of complex health and mental health challenges and how they manifest in congregate institutional settings, such as long-term care.
• Ability to provide supportive, crisis, adjustment and palliative counselling to a diverse resident population, promoting community supports and linkages.
• Ability to deliver a high level of customer service, fiscal accountability, innovation, result orientation and teamwork and work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to develop strategies for care planning.
• Ability to develop and coordinate family and resident support sessions.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare, document and present case histories.
• Familiar with Senior Services and Long-Term Care and CareTO Model of Care
• Able to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.

“Excerpt from the official job listing”

See full job description from the company website.

Job Summary

The City of Toronto is seeking Counsellors to provide professional support and guidance to individuals, families, and groups accessing community or city programs. This role involves offering crisis intervention, developing support plans, and fostering safe, inclusive spaces that promote resilience and well-being.

About Us

The City of Toronto is Canada’s largest municipality, serving nearly 3 million residents through programs, services, and community initiatives. Focused on equity, innovation, and inclusion, Toronto delivers essential supports designed to enhance public health, safety, and overall quality of life.

Culture and Work Environment

Our culture prioritizes collaboration, respect, and compassion. Counsellors thrive in supportive teams that value diversity, accountability, and professional development to better serve Toronto’s diverse communities.

Why Work With Us

Joining the City of Toronto offers stability, strong union protections, growth opportunities, and meaningful work that directly impacts the well-being of individuals and communities across the city.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide counselling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to clients
• Develop personalized plans addressing client needs and goals
• Advocate for access to services and community resources
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners

Key Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a related field
• Professional designation or eligibility (e.g., MSW, RP, RSW) preferred
• Experience providing direct counselling services to diverse populations
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and equity-driven practices
• Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities

Benefits & Perks

• Hourly wage: $34 – $42 CAD
• Comprehensive health, dental, and pension plan (unionized)
• Paid training and professional development support
• Opportunities across various City divisions and programs
• Inclusive and equitable workplace

Location Insights

Toronto is a diverse, multicultural city with strong demand for social and counselling services. Working for the City offers professionals an opportunity to support vulnerable populations and make measurable contributions to community well-being.

Summary Table

Common 5 Interview Questions and Tips

1. How do you apply trauma-informed care in your counselling practice? – Focus on empathy and best practices.
2. Can you describe a crisis situation you managed? – Provide a clear, structured example.
3. What is your approach to maintaining professional boundaries? – Emphasize ethics and respect.
4. How do you adapt counselling strategies to support diverse clients? – Highlight cultural sensitivity.
5. Why work with the City of Toronto? – Align with values of public service and community impact.

Tip: Show both professional expertise and deep empathy—balancing clinical frameworks with compassion is crucial in municipal counselling roles.

Market-Based Salary Overview and Analysis

Counsellors in Toronto generally earn $33–$45 CAD hourly, depending on qualifications and specialization. The City of Toronto’s range of $34–$42 hourly is competitive, reflecting public sector stability, benefits, and the unionized structure that supports long-term career security.

Disclaimer

We aggregate publicly available job listings and link to the original source. We are not the hiring company and do not manage the recruitment process. Please apply only through the official careers website above.

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The City of Toronto is hiring Counsellors in Toronto, Ontario, offering $34–$42 hourly, unionized benefits, and the opportunity to deliver impactful community-based mental health and social support services.