Addictions Counsellor

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Barrie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health centre in Barrie, Ontario, seeks a compassionate Addiction Counsellor to provide essential support in substance recovery. Responsibilities include offering individual and group counselling, conducting assessments, and maintaining meticulous documentation. Candidates should have relevant qualifications such as a diploma in Health or Social Science, addiction studies training, and experience with diverse socio-economic barriers. This role emphasizes collaboration within multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective recovery pathways for clients.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years direct care experience with individuals with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.
• Experience with co-existing socio-economic barriers like poverty, discrimination, and homelessness.
• Current Basic CPR and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling.
• Complete addiction related assessments.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation.

Skills

Supportive counselling techniques

Knowledge of community resources

Crisis intervention techniques

Education

Degree or Diploma in Health or Social Science field

College certificate in Addiction Studies

Certification as an Addiction Counsellor (ICAD or CCAC)

Job description

Job Summary & Requirements

RVH’s Supportive Pre-Treatment Program provides a low-barrier, substance‑free, live‑in based service for individuals who do not require intensive Live‑In Treatment or are awaiting admission to more intensive treatment services. The Addiction Counsellor is responsible for providing a broad range of addiction counselling and related supportive services to clients and their family. The Addiction Counsellor facilitates client activities within a Live‑In program and ensures clients participate in daily activities that support their recovery goals. In collaboration with other team members, they support clients and families through admissions, ongoing assessments, individual and group counselling, life skills and discharge planning.

We Currently Have the Following Opportunities Available

7 Regular Full‑Time
3 Regular Part‑Time

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Health or Social Science field or equivalent required.
• College certificate in Addiction Studies from a recognized institution required.
• Certification as an Addiction Counsellor (ICAD or CCAC) preferred.
• Membership with a relevant college/registering body considered an asset (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
• Certification in non‑violent crisis intervention considered an asset.
• Formal training in CBT/DuBT/solution‑focused therapy/Family Therapy or supportive counselling considered an asset.
• Suicide Prevention (ASSIST training) considered an asset.
• Current Basic CPR and First Aid certifications.

Experience

• 1‑3 years direct care experience with individuals with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.
• Experience with co‑existing socio‑economic barriers such as poverty, isolation, difficulty accessing programs, discrimination, criminalization, and homelessness.
• Experience with risk management and de‑escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources to support addictions and mental health.
• Knowledge of pharmacology and prescription medications preferred.

Competencies

• Supportive counselling techniques to assist clients in gaining self‑confidence and achieving goals.
• Facilitating psychoeducational group sessions and discharge planning considered an asset.
• Guide clients in using support systems and acquiring needed services and resources.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation (admission notes, daily progress reports, and related reports).
• Identify additional services and complete referrals as required.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.
• Strong commitment to client‑centered care.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling.
• Complete addiction related assessments.
• Provide health teaching and education in individual and group settings.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and life skills groups.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation (admission notes, daily progress reports, and discharge summaries).
• Utilize crisis intervention techniques as required.
• Complete referrals to community partners and facilitate transition to alternative community supports.
• Develop transition plans with clients and supports and facilitate family information/support sessions as required.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Act as liaison between patients and community partners, ensuring patients are connected with appropriate community agencies prior to discharge.
• Complete intakes, assessments, and case management services using a client‑centered, strength‑based, harm reduction approach to clients experiencing substance use and mental health challenges.
• Coach or assist clients in developing and maintaining daily living, self‑care, crisis management, symptom management, support network, and life skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, and other life skills.
• Support patients in coordinating safety plans and liaising with services that support recovery goals.
• Other duties as assigned.