Job Opportunity: Psychotherapist
Job title: Psychotherapist Reports to: Program & Clinical Manager
Category: Permanent, Full-Time Start Date: Immediately
Hours & Compensation: 35 hours/week, $37.66/hour OPSEU Bargaining Unit: Yes
About Us and Summary of the Role
Mission
North York Women’s Shelter (NYWS) actively supports the rights of women and children to build lives free of violence
by providing non-judgmental safe shelter, advocacy, and a range of programs & services including 24-hour crisis
support.
Vision
Our vision is to create a community characterized by gender equality where women and their children feel empowered
and safe, and all services are provided according the NYWS’s Trauma-Informed Key Principles.
Purpose
The Psychotherapist provides counselling/psychotherapy sessions to individuals, children/youth up the age of 18, and
their families. Therapists address a range of mental health and addiction issues, including emotional, behavioural
and/or psychiatric symptoms that may be impacting functioning in their lives, shelter, school, socially or in the
community. Intervention strategies are determined following a thorough intake and assessment. As a therapist, you
will need to be part of a growing, dynamic learning focused organization that is survivor centered and believes in the
inherent resilience and strength of women, trans, non-binary folks and their children.
Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
• Conduct bio-psycho-social intake and formulate treatment plan with a trauma informed knowledge, clientcentered and strength-based approach
• Conduct clinical assessment using a variety of tools and formulate treatment plan with a trauma informed and
harm-reduction knowledge, client-centered and strength-based approach
• Provide clinical counselling and work in collaboration with internal and external resources to support
• Formulate assessment and treatment plans and provide counselling using a range of evidence-based practices,
as well as provision of psychoeducation as needed.
• Sound knowledge of evidenced based treatment modalities including but not limited to, Dialectical Behaviour
Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Emotion Focused Skills Training,
Emotion Focused Family Therapy, trauma focused therapy, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure
therapy, Mindfulness, ACT, motivational interviewing Trauma-informed and Attachment-based therapy while
also incorporating a cultural lens
• Knowledge and experience with working with women, including, trans, non-binary folks and their children,
BIPOC population who have experienced gender-based violence.
• Ensure high quality clinical interventions by reviewing and researching update evidence-based best practices
• Clinical competence to provide structured psychotherapy and counselling in the areas of trauma, racism,
anti- blackness, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and/or addictions in person and on-line.
• Maintain client records according to professional standards of their affiliated regulated body and maintain
accurate NYWS monthly statistical information
• Ensure high quality clinical interventions by reviewing and researching update evidence- based best practices
• Co-create and deliver remotely and in-person as needed, goal-focused treatment and intervention plans in
partnership with women and children• Provide individual treatment involving a number of different modalities, incorporating cultural lens
(e.g., trauma focused therapy, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, CBT, Mindfulness,
ACT, motivational interviewing).
• Works respectfully and maintains confidentially with clients, co-workers, and the organization
• Attend and participate in additional team building, training, in-services, and community outreach projects as
required
• Perform related duties as assigned by Manager
• Must be flexible to work evenings and at least one day of the weekend as required
Key Performance Indicators
Continuous Improvement/Training (PD participation)
• Training and Capacity building Initiatives (Attain and Maintain necessary certifications/qualifications i.e.,
Participate in minimum of 3 online learnings/Trainings Annually)
• Adhere to health and safety requirements (First Aid/CPR certificates must be always valid) and participate in
refresher learnings
• Seek out trainings that increase own capacity to add value to the organization and apply it to improve teaching
practices
Operations and Client Satisfaction
• Timely therapeutic counselling sessions
• Proper update/documentation of client files
• Prompt escalation of issues to Program & Clinical Manager (i.e., not less than 3hours)
• Prompt resolution of client issues as required
Team collaboration
• Build positive relationships with colleagues/team members/parents
• Ensure knowledge sharing and collaboration
• Identify and share trends, topics and resources that will increase the relevance and value of our service deliver
and seize opportunities to grow knowledge
Administration and Commitment to Trauma-Informed Principles
• Identify resources that maintain or improve general department/organization standards and practices
• Maintaining communication that is consistent, open, respectful, and compassionate
Alignment with Mission, Vision, Values
• Exceptional stakeholder service: Deliver a high-quality service experience across all interactions by being
always connected and responsive to clients, colleagues, etc. (Not less than 24 hours)
• Drive quality assurance and commitment across the organization.
Functional Competencies, Skills, and Experience
• Completion of a master’s degree in Health or Social Sciences preferred or at minimum, completion of a
bachelor’s degree program in Health or Social Sciences, with five (5) or more years of practical and related
experience
• Member in good standing of appropriate regulated health professions College (including Ontario College of
Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario)
• Proven risk management skills, strong ability to prevent and manage crises from a feminist, ARAO standpoint
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience and training in Trauma-Informed care, mental health
recovery, harm reduction and substance use and are able to work with cultural humility
• Able to communicate and work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment
• Post professional training in group facilitation and group/individual counselling required
• Experience providing psychotherapeutic assessments and structured psychotherapy treatment for individuals
presenting with a wide range of mental health conditions
• Additional training and experience in other specific interventions preferred (e.g., DBT, ACT, Mindfulness,
cultural competencies)
• Experience providing services via information and communication technology (e.g., telehealth/telemedicine)
preferred.
• Training/certification in crisis intervention an asset
• Experience with case management an asset
• Experience providing psychotherapeutic assessments and structured psychotherapy treatment for individuals
presenting with a wide range of mental health conditions
• Creative can take the assessment tools and tailor them to the client population-I.e., trauma, persons of colour
• Good Knowledge of community and clinical resources
• Preference will be given to candidates who represent the population served by NYWS
• Current CPR and First Aid certificates.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Checks (PVSC) with future checks.
• Demonstrated written/oral communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and in crisis situations
• Demonstrated organization and planning skills
• High degree of confidentiality and discretion.
• Able to successfully work from an anti-racist/anti-oppression and trauma-informed practice framework.
• Experience in crisis support and the ability to mediate conflict using restorative justice and non-violent
communication.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a strong dynamic team
• Ability to work weekends and could be on call
• Computer literate, including high proficiency in Microsoft Office programs i.e., Word and Excel
Physical Requirements
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment and adhere to COVID-19 infection prevention principles
• Able to lift up to and including 30lbs. Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing,
pulling, and moving items is occasionally required.
• Exposure to illnesses such as cold and influenza on a weekly basis
• Exposed to loud sounds and high noise levels on a weekly basis.
• Exposure to external threats (abusive partners)
• As employees of an organization committed to harm-reduction, exposure to women who may be under the
influence of substances including, but not limited to cannabis.
• Exposure to pets on a regular basis
• Must always be able to function effectively and accountably with women, children, and adolescents who may
have mental or behavioural challenges. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behaviour,
express appropriate emotions. Hostility, aggression and unnecessary or inappropriate physical actions as well
as inappropriate emotional expression are not acceptable.
Application
Email resumé and cover letter to careers@nyws.ca with subject ‘Psychotherapist 2022’.
In accordance with our feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework, NYWS is committed to the development of
an organization that reflects the communities that we serve. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity.
Position vacant until filled.
Potential candidates will be contacted. We respectfully ask no phone calls, and any made will not be returned.