Addictions Counsellor

Ottawa Catholic School Board; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 96,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa Catholic School Board seeks an Addictions Counsellor to deliver assessment, counseling, and harm-reduction programs for students in grades 7–12. The role collaborates with school staff, families, and community partners to support well-being, mental health, and academic success.

The position requires a Master’s degree in Social Work or related field, membership in the governing college, and 5+ years in addictions/mental health with youth.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work or counselling/addiction field.
• Member of the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in addictions/mental health with youth and families.
• Strong understanding of substance use disorders and treatment options.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Administer screening questionnaires and assessments for students.
• Develop tailored treatment plans with students and families.
• Identify concurrent medical or psychiatric conditions and refer as needed.
• Provide individual and group counseling focused on harm reduction and recovery.
• Address crises and ensure safety and stabilization as needed.
• Monitor and adjust recovery plans over time.
• Deliver school-wide prevention programming on wellness and safe decision-making.
• Collaborate with families, school teams, and community partners.

Skills

Therapeutic rapport

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Community-based resources

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work or counselling/addiction field

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Addictions Counsellor

Special Education and Student Services Department

OSSTF (CAT II)

(Professional Group)

The OCSB is currently seeking an Addictions Counsellor . The possible work addresses for this position can be found in our school directory .

Why Work With The Ottawa Catholic School Board: The OCSB proudly serves over 50,000 students across 90+ work locations. We offer an education that respects all faiths' universal values and is grounded in Catholic principles. We foster innovation to inspire Deep Learning so that all can realize their full potential. We offer a collaborative work environment, fulfilling careers, and the opportunity to make a difference in our students' lives.

The OCSB is committed to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is dedicated to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students and our communities. The OCSB is actively seeking applications from Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized people, persons with disabilities, people from gender diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities, as well as individuals who can contribute to continuous diversification of ideas.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledges that the land on which our schools are located is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabek Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Reporting to the Social Work Lead, the Addictions Counsellor delivers clinical assessment, harm-reduction and recovery-focused counseling, crisis intervention, and substance use prevention programming to students in grades 7 through 12. Working within a trauma-informed framework and alignment with OCSB standards, this role collaborates with school administration, student services, families, and community partners to support student well-being, mental health, and academic success.

Job Description:

• Administer screening questionnaires and conduct comprehensive substance abuse and social-emotional assessments.
• Develop tailored treatment plans in collaboration with students and families to support recovery from substance use, dependency, and familial dependency.
• Identify concurrent medical, psychiatric, or physical conditions and facilitate timely referrals to specialized healthcare professionals.

• Provide individual and group counseling centered on harm reduction strategies, school success, and recovery maintenance.
• Utilize a trauma-informed approach to support students experiencing self-harm, eating disorders, and concurrent mental health challenges.
• Manage student crises related to addiction and mental health, ensuring immediate safety and effective stabilization.
• Monitor, document, and adjust recovery plans as student needs evolve over time.

• Assess school-specific prevention needs and design targeted awareness initiatives across intermediate and secondary schools.
• Deliver school-wide prevention programming to promote healthy decision-making, wellness, and awareness regarding the risks of substance use.
• Facilitate psychoeducation sessions for students, parents, and staff on coping mechanisms, healthy habits, and positive mental growth.

• Partner with multidisciplinary school teams, student services, and administration on urgent cases, crisis interventions, and Violent Threat Risk Assessments (VTRA).

• Work closely with families to offer guidance, counseling, and recovery resources.
• Liaise with community agencies, self-help groups, and supportive organizations; assist families with applications for external services (e.g., day treatment programs or residential care).
• Maintain continuous professional learning on evidence-based practices in addiction and youth mental health care.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Social Work or counselling/addiction related field
• Membership in the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working within the addictions or mental health field as well as working with families, youth and children
• Strong understanding of substance use disorders, including signs, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various therapeutic approaches and strong clinical skills
• Ability to establish solid therapeutic rapport with students and families
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent sensitivity and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring that counseling practices are inclusive and respectful of all students and their families
• Knowledge of community-based services in the addiction and mental health sectors
• Technology skills in preparing educational resources and in working collaboratively within Google Suite and other applicable databases

This is a full-time permanent position with an annual salary range of $96,013 - $112,815 . There is also a benefit and pension package available. The start date will be as soon as possible.

Information Collection Authority and Purpose: Pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) , personal information is collected under the statutory authority of Section 265(1)(d) of the Education Act , as amended. This information may be utilized for any or all of the primary administrative functions relating to the operational activities of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, including educational programs and services, student records, and interactions with Ministries of the Government of Ontario. The Board’s 'Notice of Collection Use and Disclosure', the 'Protection of Privacy Policy', and the supplementary document 'Privacy and Information Management of Personal Information' are accessible on the Board’s website at www.ocsb.ca. Inquiries may be directed to the school Principal or to the Privacy Officer, Ottawa Catholic School Board, 570 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean, ON K2G 3R4. Contact information: 613-224-2222 | [e-mail] .