Addiction Counsellor

Anishinabek Employment & Training Services; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,194 - 67,543; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible learning and development opportunities

Comprehensive compensation package

Career development across ministries

Job summary

Anishinabek Employment & Training Services is seeking an Addiction Counsellor at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre. This role provides a chance to make a significant impact on clients' lives through addiction counselling services.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of substance abuse theories and strong communication skills to connect with a diverse client population. This full-time position offers competitive salary ranges and benefits as part of the Ontario Public Service.

Qualifications

• Understanding of addiction counselling practices and techniques.
• Familiarity with community agencies for discharge resources.
• Ability to work as part of an inter-professional committee.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing addiction counselling programs.
• Provide rehabilitative addiction counselling services.
• Liaise with community agencies for client support.

Skills

Knowledge of addiction counselling theories

Experience in group and individual counselling

Ability to connect with diverse clients

Proficiency in communication skills

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply and expand your expertise in addictions and substance abuse while making a difference in the lives of others?

Consider the role of Addiction Counsellor with the Ministry of the Solicitor General at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre or Thunder Bay Jail, where you will have a unique chance to work with diverse clients as well as a multi-disciplinary team to deliver meaningful services within a correctional environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of addiction counselling programs
• Contribute as part of an inter-professional committee focusing on addictions and re-integration of offenders
• Provide rehabilitative addiction counselling services by working with individual or groups of offenders
• Participate in case conferences, treatment planning meetings, discharge planning conferences, and contacting family members, to assist in the coordination of treatment of offenders within the institution
• Liaise with community agencies and self-help organizations, citizens' groups, business, industries, colleges and universities
• Facilitate the completion of recognized addiction assessments
• Other duties, as required

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Occupation Type: Social and community service workers

Total Positions: 1

Wage: $1,213.06-$1,484.47

Hours/Week: 36.25

Days of Work: n/a

Closing Date / Apply By: 7/6/2026

Start Date: n/a

Qualifications

What you bring to the team

Specialized Knowledge and Experience

• You have knowledge of current addiction counselling theories, practices and counselling techniques, substance abuse indicators, group/individual counselling strategies and referral network in the community
• You have understanding of risk and needs assessment tools, criminogenic factors, rehabilitation theories, and related counselling practices
• You have knowledge of community agencies and resources to identify and arrange the appropriate support and discharge resources
• You understand the various sectors involved in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates after release (i.e. mental health agencies, shelters, employment services, etc.)
• You are able to apply relevant legislation as well as demonstrated ability to acquire knowledge of and follow organizational policies and procedures

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You are able to connect and build rapport with a diverse client population with varied cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds as well as complex needs
• You have experience providing one-on-one and group counselling
• You are able to effectively communicate with correctional staff, other professionals, and external agency stakeholders
• You have written communication skills to prepare correspondence and accurate reports
• You have tact and diplomacy to handle requests and respond to inquiries
• Proficiency with computer software and databases

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You can determine offender/program needs based on input from institutional staff and offenders
• You have reasoning skills to assess an individual's treatment readiness and motivation
• You can resolve issues or matters pertaining to offender participation
• You have organizational skills to prioritize and manage workload

Benefits

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province.

• Career can grow across ministries and job functions
• Flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package
• Base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
• Tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
• A modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment