Pine River Institute is a unique treatment center for youth 13 to 19 years of age struggling with substance abuse and addictive behaviours. Our program encompasses four seamless phases that include Outdoor Leadership Experience, Live In, Transition, and Aftercare; which create opportunities for youth to engage in a focused transformation of therapy, education, recreation, and life skills, alongside a parental/caregiver parallel process
As an employer, PRI endeavours to create an environment where staff can reach their full potential through ongoing learning. Our workplace strives to embrace individual differences, to recognize, appreciate, and respond to uniqueness, to encourage every member of our team to bring their whole self to work.
Position: Full-Time Youth Counsellor, 40 hours per week
Vacancy: Existing role
Location: Orillia, ON
Start Date: August 2026
Reports to: Lang House Program Manager
Salary: $25.72/hour
The ideal candidates will possess strong leadership, relationship, communication and positive role modeling skills. This position reports to the Transition House Therapist with responsibilities that include but are not limited to; organizing, leading and participating in student’s daily academic, work, recreational and therapeutic activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support all daily life-skill routines (self-care, cleaning, laundry, etc.)
- Participation in and facilitation of group meetings & discussions
- Guiding and supporting students’ engagement in daily programming schedule and house expectations
- Facilitate/co-facilitate all therapeutic/life-skills programming
- Support youth in identifying and accessing community engagement opportunities (ie: job search/resume development, recreation clubs/programs)
- Support family communications as necessary
- Coordination of student tasks within home environment (ie: academic support)
- Support student organization and teamwork of scheduled chores
- Mentor new YC employees through their onboarding process
- Development of student action plans
- Coordination of student recreational activities and life-skills development
- Contribute, as part of a multi-disciplinary therapeutic team to evaluate student progress and support individual plan modifications as required
- Help ensure the therapeutic goals of the program are fulfilled
- Ensure individual therapeutic plan for the students are realized
- Manage and deescalate crisis situations that may arise at Lang House and/or with Lang House students in the community
- Provide written reports as required in a timely and comprehensive manner
- Meal planning, budgeting and purchase, support student preparation of meals and related kitchen duties
- Create and maintain a safe environment for students within the home
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Police Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Demonstrated sound judgment, integrity, patience, commitment and a sense of humour.
- Diploma or University degree in relevant area
- Some experience with and training in child and youth care practices.
- Experience working in outreach or community placement services
- Experience in addictions and mental health field considered an asset
- Knowledgeable about the community of Orillia preferred
- Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and professional.
- Demonstrated commitment to personal growth and development.
- Valid First Aid Certification & Level ‘C’ CPR.
- Valid driver’s license
We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package, and the opportunity to be part of an exciting and innovative program.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Jess Bondy, Human Resources Manager, [email protected] or by Fax 519-925-9220 or mail to 606060 River Road Mulmur, ON L9V0S9 by July 10, 2026
We thank all candidates who apply. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Pine River Institute ensures that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free. If you require an accommodation, please advise in advance of attending an interview.
Pay: From $25.72 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
