Addictions Counsellor I

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services; Gander; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services in Gander seeks an Addictions Counsellor I as part of the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team. The role involves intensive mobile services, assessment, and recovery planning for individuals with serious mental illness and concurrent disorders.

Work emphasizes harm reduction, client education, and linking clients to treatment services. Requires a driver’s license, local stakeholder collaboration, and adherence to I CARE values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master degree in relevant field.
• Eligibility for regulatory registration.
• At least 2 years recent experience in addictions/mental health.
• Knowledge of best practice standards in assessment and counselling.
• Ability to assess, interview and deliver crisis intervention.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Independence with teamwork and community liaison.
• Valid driver's license and access to private vehicle.
• Demonstrated NL Health Services values: I CARE.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive client assessments and recovery planning.
• Deliver harm-reduction oriented services and support.
• Link clients to addiction treatment services and advocate on their behalf.
• Collaborate with FACT team, employers, and community agencies.
• Ensure safety and integrate safety into work practices.

Education

Bachelor of Social Work or Masters in Clinical Psychology or Graduate Degree in Clinical Discipline

Eligibility for professional registration

2 years current experience in addictions/mental health

Crisis intervention, assessment, counselling

Job description

Zone: Central Zone
Location: MCCURDY - McCurdy Complex, Gander
Addictions Counsellor I
Central Zone - HCS FACT Team - Gand
Temporary Full-time (Approximately 4 months)
NAPE HP
44347RP1

Hours (8 hours; Days)

Salary CGHP39 (CAD40.88 - CAD49.71 per hour)

Competition Number VAC0030020

Posted Date 2026-10-09

Closing Date Open until filled.

Definition of Work:

The Addictions Counsellor is an integral member of the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team that provides intensive mobile services and case management to individuals with serious mental illness and concurrent disorders. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive client assessments and support to individuals in establishing personal recovery plans as well as short and long term goals. The successful candidate will work from a harm reduction approach and educate and engage clients to manage risk factors associated with substance use/abuse, link clients with substance abuse treatment services and provide advocacy. The addictions counsellor I will consult and work in partnership with local employers, service providers and community agencies in the provision of service to clients of the FACT team. This work is performed independently with strong links to community stakeholders and other staff within the FACT team.

The successful candidate must demonstrate an awareness of and be responsible for promoting and supporting person-and family-centred care, demonstrate a commitment to safety and partner with all team members to improve worker and patient safety by integrating safety into work practices, identifying risks and implementing improvements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree, Masters in Clinical Psychology or Graduates Degree in a Clinical Discipline.
• Eligibility for registration with a professional regulatory body.
• 2 years current experience (within the last 5 years) in an addictions and/or mental health setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of professional addictions and concurrent disorder, Best Practice Standards as it relates to assessment, treatment, planning, counselling, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability in skill assessment, interviewing and crisis intervention techniques, social work programming, and delivery methods.
• Demonstrated analytical, as well as, oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated independence, initiative, and ability to work with others.
• Use of a private vehicle and valid driver license are a condition of employment.
• Consistent demonstration of the core values of NL Health Services: Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE)
• Satisfactory Record of work performance and attendance is required for this position.
• A satisfactory certificate of conduct from the RCMP or local police authority.