ACB Mental Health Counsellor (Bilingual)

Two-year contract (with the possibility of extension)

Full time in-person role (35-hours per week)

What We Do

The South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC) is a community-based organization that has provided integrated, interdisciplinary team-based care for over 40 years. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of people who face inequities – by providing accessible community health and social services.  We look to bring people together with the resources, expertise and services they need so that we can do our part to build a healthy, thriving community. At the heart of our delivery model are our shared commitment to equity and social justice, whole person health, community collaboration, heart driven integrity and evidence informed excellence.

Our talented, passionate team at SEOCHC makes a real and tangible impact on the lives of the residents of our community. We collaborate to deliver best-in-class services and care, and we’re looking for our next ABC Mental Health Counsellor to join us in our mission.

Overview

This newly established role is part of the Black Mental Health Initiative for children and youth, aimed at enhancing access to culturally responsive mental health services within African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. The position supports the delivery of wholistic, community-based care that reflects the lived experiences and strengths of ACB populations.

Rooted in the principles of equity, affirming care, and Africentric approaches to well-being, the program delivers support through community outreach and education, individual and group counselling, system navigation, and client advocacy.

We are seeking a dedicated professional with a strong understanding of culturally responsive practice, anti-oppressive frameworks, and trauma-informed care. Experience working within ACB communities and a commitment to equity-driven service delivery are essential.

Please note: This role is part of a new and evolving initiative. We welcome applicants who are excited to help shape services that are locally driven and responsive to community needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mental health assessments, counselling, and psychosocial support to children, youth and families.


• Facilitate therapeutic groups and deliver community-based mental health education.


• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and system navigation.


• Coordinate client care and collaborate with internal and external service providers.


• Advocate for clients within social services, housing, education, and health systems.


• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and program statistics.


• Build and sustain relationships with ACB community members, leaders, and organizations.


• Stay current with evolving community resources, mental health practices, and culturally responsive approaches.

Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW), minimum 3 years of counselling experience or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with significant relevant experience


• Registered (or eligible) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers


• Lived/ living experience as a member of the ACB community, and a demonstrated commitment to a community-informed and community-driven care


• Strong clinical skills in assessment, case coordination, and therapeutic intervention.


• Deep understanding of racial trauma, grief, family dynamic, perinatal health, and child/youth mental health


• Knowledge of community resources and the social determinants of health.


• Proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and community-based settings, including schools, youth organizations, and health services.


• Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and adapt to flexible work hours (including evenings and weekends)


• Adaptable to evolving organizational priorities.


• Fluency in English, French and other languages spoken within SEOCHO catchment area (e.g, Somali and Arabic) is considered a strong asset


• Proficiency with electronic medical records and clinical documentation.


• Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.

Salary

• $61,115.60 to $71,926.40 per year

Additional Information

For more information on our Centre visit www.seochc.on.ca.

Please apply directly at: https://seochc.bamboohr.com/careers/319 with your resume and a cover letter by 4pm ET on July 14th, 2026. This posting is for an existing position in our organization.

Artificial Intelligence will not be used to screen, assess or select applicants for this position. Thank you for your time and interest, however, please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Centre is committed to employment equity. SEOCHC will provide accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If at any stage in the selection process you require accommodation due to disability, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and others with lived experience of systemic barriers to equity.