73-2026 Intake Worker – Counselling Programs Temporary Full-Time

We are seeking a skilled, compassionate, and client-centered Intake Worker to join our Counselling Programs team.

The Intake Worker serves as the first point of contact for individuals requesting services, providing initial screening, assessment, and triage to ensure clients are connected to the most appropriate supports.

This role is well-suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, community-based environment and brings strong assessment, crisis intervention, and interpersonal skills.

Location: Ottawa, Office-based (312 Parkdale Avenue) Ottawa, Office- based. FSO-SFO is located on the unceded Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation

Start Date: ASAP

Position: Temporary Full-Time, Unionized Level 4

Salary: $53,476.41 to $60,078.14

Hours of Work: Full-time hours 35 hours per week

Job ID: 73-2026 Intake Worker (Temporary Full-Time)

ABOUT US

Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSO-SFO) has been strengthening individuals and families - and, by extension, the Ottawa community - since 1914. We provide skillful and compassionate support to address mental health, family conflict or violence, and parenting challenges that families face. Through accessible counselling, support groups, and educational programs, families increase their knowledge and skills, adopt healthy strategies, build meaningful connections, and enhance resilience.

We serve individuals across the lifespan and within all types of family constellations, including children, youth, transitional-aged youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families. Our work is grounded in the real needs of our clients and families, the complex environments they live in, and a strong foundation of clinical and mental health expertise.

From Mothercare during the influenza epidemic of 1917, to supporting families through post-WWII reintegration, to redefining family therapy to reflect the diverse realities of “family”, FSO-SFO continues to innovate and evolve in response to the changing needs of our community.

We strive to lead and convene the best and most promising practices, ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful. Today, 98% of clients report that working with FSI-SFO has had a positive impact on their lives.

As an accredited non-profit charitable organization, FSO-SFO is a trusted pillar of the Ottawa community. Our team is united by a commitment to well-being, belonging, community, accountability, and client-centered care.

Join us in making a lasting difference for Ottawa families.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Intake Worker is responsible for responding to incoming service requests, conducting initial assessments, and providing crisis intervention when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to all intake calls promptly and professionally
• Conduct initial assessment and screening of clients requesting service
• Provide supportive crisis intervention and assess for suicide or violence risk
• Gather and enter accurate client information into the database
• Maintain counsellor’s availability and assign cases appropriately
• Provide referrals and liaise with community agencies Intake
• Open and close client files and support file administration
• Provide input on client needs and service trends
• Participate in team meetings, training, and administrative duties

ABOUT YOU

You are calm, empathetic, and professional in your interactions with clients and colleagues. You are comfortable supporting individuals in distress and bring strong assessment[BS1] , crisis intervention, and decision-making skills.

You are highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You value teamwork while maintaining the ability to work independently, and you are committed to delivering culturally responsive, client-centered care.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in a social services setting
• Experience working with diverse populations and clients in crisis
• Knowledge of risk assessment, community resources, and referral processes
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Proficiency in Office 365 and client database systems
• Bilingualism (English and French) is required
• Registration with OCSWSSW and training in suicide risk assessment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Legal eligibility to work in Canada

We look forward to hearing from you.

FSO-SFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know how we can best support you.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.