Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Community Homes for Opportunity - Elgin

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in St. Thomas, Ontario, is seeking a full-time Addiction and Mental Health Worker to provide mental health and addiction support. Ideal candidates will hold a post-secondary degree and have at least two years of related experience. Responsibilities include assessing client needs, assisting with wellness planning, and coaching daily living activities. A valid driver's license is required. Application deadline is December 23, 2025. Competitive starting rate of $27.14 per hour with various benefits offered.

Benefits

9% in lieu of benefits

Optional enrollment in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in mental health and addiction.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Current clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).

Responsibilities

• Assess clients' strengths and needs.
• Assist clients in identifying personal goals.
• Coach clients in daily living activities.

Skills

Mental health and addiction experience

Effective communication

Team focus

Problem-solving skills

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma

Bachelor-level degree in social work, psychology, or nursing

Job description

Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Community Homes for Opportunity

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full‑Time, Contract (March 31, 2028)

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario (Elgin, London, Middlesex, South Huron, Oxford, Chatham CHO Zones)

Application Deadline: December 23, 2025

Every person in our community has the right to safe, affordable, quality housing and to live with dignity and as much independence and choice as possible.

Our Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) program lives this ideal by providing mental health and addictions supports to CHO Homes and encouraging residents to become active members of their community. As a member of the CHO Team, you’ll work with residents as well as independent CHO Home staff to enhance the quality of life for each individual resident and to empower the ability to gain life skills, grow their personal strengths and gain choices for their wellbeing.

Create a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) within the last six months. If you need a PVSC, apply for one as soon as possible to avoid delays.

What We’re Offering

• What you’ll be making –Starting rate $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service). Wage differential based on regulation: $30.01 per hour for Level 1 (Regulated).
  • Registered with a designated professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) – receive the wage differential.
  • External applicants start at Level 1, grid progression to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non‑regulated, $37.26 per hour for regulated).
  • Internal applicants receive grid level placement according to the Collective Agreement.
• When you’ll work –70 hours over a two‑week period; Monday‑Friday 9 am‑4:30 pm or compressed work week.
• Benefits –9% in lieu of benefits.
• Retirement –Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

How You Will Be Making a Difference

• Assess clients’ strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
• Assist clients to identify personal goals and preferences during wellness planning, in partnership with the CHO team and appropriate supports.
• Include and encourage clients’ natural supports (family, significant friends), clarifying each role in rehabilitation.
• Help clients explore resources, options and consequences of choices.
• Champion clients’ capacity for independent community living.
• Coach clients in daily living activities such as personal hygiene, chores, budgeting, and socialization.
• Provide health teaching on mental illness and symptom management with community partners.
• Coordinate recreational outings and activities to enhance quality of life and community connection.

Qualifications – Required

• Post‑secondary degree or diploma (proof of credentials required).
• Minimum two years of mental health and addiction experience.
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle with insurance for occasional client transport.
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly.
• Current, clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor‑level degree, preferably in social work, psychology, or nursing.
• Registration in good standing with OCSWSSW, CPO, or CNO.
• Problem‑solving skills, initiative, team focus, and leadership experience.
• Effective communication and time‑management skills.
• Knowledge of serious mental illness, best practices, psychosocial rehabilitation, psychiatric medications, community resources, electronic documentation, and health and safety.
• Experience with individuals with mental health issues, addictions, or substance use.
• Training/experience in trauma‑informed care.
• Residential/community housing experience and familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Current certifications in Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Standard CPR / First Aid, and/or ASIST.
• Bilingual in both official languages (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Able to climb stairs (homes are not fully accessible).

Internal Applicants

Current staff must apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Application Deadline

Submit your application by December 23, 2025.

E‑Equal Employment Opportunity

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community, including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].