Addictions Counsellor

Northwest Employment Works; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a meaningful and impactful role as an Addictions Counsellor at the Thunder Bay Jail. Work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide rehabilitative services and develop addiction counselling programs for diverse clients. You will make a real difference in the lives of offenders while working in an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation and benefits package

Flexible learning and developmental opportunities

Career progression opportunities across ministries

Tailored work arrangements and flex hours

Modern and accessible work environment

Qualifications

• Knowledge of addiction counselling practices and theories.
• Understanding of risk and needs assessment tools.
• Familiarity with community agencies and resources for support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver addiction counselling programs.
• Provide rehabilitative counselling services to offenders.
• Liaise with community agencies and facilitate support resources.

Skills

Addiction counselling theories

Group/individual counselling strategies

Communication and interpersonal skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Education

Relevant degree in counselling or psychology

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 Addictions Counsellor with the Ministry of the Solicitor General at the 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.
About the job
• 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, citizen’s groups, business, industries, colleges and universities
• Facilitate the completion of recognized addiction assessments
• Other duties, as required
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
• Proficiency with computer software and databasesCommunication 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 inquiriesAnalytical 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
Don’t meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario’sHuman Rights Codeand theAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodationto address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
accessibility
Anti-Racism Policy

What we offer
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. We offer:
• a career that 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

Closing Date:2025-06-11

How to Apply: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Preview.aspx?Language=English&JobID=230133