Title: Career Counsellor
Reports to: Operations Manager
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Salary range: $62,050-$70,669 annually
Start Date: July 13, 2026
Office Locations: CBRM and Port Hawkesbury
Job Purpose
The YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works (NSW) Employment Services Centres offer an integrated bundle of employment services to help Nova Scotians understand, prepare for and meet the needs of the provincial labour market. Additionally, we provide services to support employers in recruiting, managing and developing the talent they require to be more productive in the global economy.
A Career Counsellor utilizes specialized counseling techniques, combined with tools and resources, to provide career guidance that supports clients facing difficult situations, in making complex decisions. The focus of Career Counseling is career exploration, career change, personal career development and other career related issues.
Duties and Responsibilities
In support of our mandate, team and clients, the Career Counsellor will:
- Provide career counselling support to individuals working through complex career, education and employment-related decisions.
- Assess client needs, strengths and barriers to support informed career planning and goal setting.
- Use counselling approaches, tools and resources to help clients explore options, address challenges and make healthy work-life decisions.
- Complete appropriate assessments, identify risks when required, and maintain accurate, confidential client documentation.
- Contribute to team discussions, service improvement and collaboration with Nova Scotia Works system partners to support quality service delivery.
Qualifications
- Graduate-level education in counselling, social work, psychology, education counselling, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated counselling skills with the ability to support clients facing complex career and employment-related decisions.
- Working knowledge of career development theory and its application in client service delivery.
- Solid understanding of counselling assessment processes, tools and resources.
- Knowledge of labour market information, employment services, and career-related programs, tools and resources.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment and commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, inclusion and respect for diversity.
- Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant professional association, and experience with psychometric or career assessments, would be considered assets.
We offer:
- Comprehensive Benefit and Pension Plan
- Strong Work Life Balance Programs – Paid time off (15 days paid vacation, 11 wellness days per year, paid holidays)
- YMCA Employee or Family membership
- Discounted Childcare and Program Rates
- We are an AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program) designated employer.
Apply Today!
Please email your cover letter and resume in one document to [email protected] by 4:30 ADT June 26, 2026. It is imperative that the cover letter and resume illustrate your professional competencies in relation to this position. Please reference: COUNSELLOR2026 in the subject line and note only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The YMCA of Cape Breton is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
The YMCA Experience
The YMCA of Cape Breton is one of the largest charities in Nova Scotia and a member of one of the most recognized organizations in the world. Its mission is to build a healthy and caring community by creating opportunities for all people to achieve personal growth in spirit, mind and body. Through building connections with people at all ages and stages of their lives – as well as the broader community – the YMCA of Cape Breton serves over 30,000 people annually.
Programs and services focus on addressing economic, health and social issues, these include health, fitness and aquatics; licensed childcare; employment programs; youth programming and related community services. The YMCA occupies 16 program sites across Cape Breton Island.
The YMCA of Cape Breton offers a great workplace culture achieved through an environment that embraces diversity and social inclusion, values differences, celebrates achievements and supports full participation by all employees. The YCB provides 250+ employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of those within our communities.
Pay: $62,050.00-$70,669.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Education:
- Master's Degree (required)
Work Location: In person
