Addictions Counsellor - Opioids Program

Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

RRSP matching

Health/dental plan

LTD/Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

4 weeks vacation

Remote work 1 day per week

Professional development

Job summary

PAARC in Mississauga is seeking an Addictions Counsellor/Case Manager to lead the Opioids Program, providing counselling, education and support on treatment options. This role involves processing referrals, conducting comprehensive assessments, and creating evidence-informed care plans, including crisis and communication plans.

We are hiring for one full‑time, permanent role working at our office in Mississauga and within the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.
• Current CPR and First Aid required; GAIN Q3 MI ONT preferred.
• Strong trauma-informed counselling skills required.
• Proficiency in languages common in Peel; French is a plus.
• Valid Ontario driver's license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake, screening, assessment and treatment planning to determine eligibility.
• Provide ongoing supportive counselling and case management with defined caseload.
• Respond to crises with appropriate interventions and support healthy boundaries.
• Facilitate groups and use tech to improve access and responsiveness.
• Build relationships with clients, families, and community partners.
• Maintain client files and documentation per best practices and laws.

Skills

Counselling skills

Crisis intervention

Case management

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Trauma-informed practice

Opioid use knowledge

CPR/First Aid

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Relevant experience

Job description

About the role

As an Addictions Counsellor/Case Manager , you will be integral to the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of PAARC’s Opioids Program. This program supports clients struggling with opioid use including providing counselling, education and/or support on prescription aids treatment options. This role involves processing referrals, conducting comprehensive assessments, and creating evidence-informed care plans, including crisis and communication plans.

We are hiring for one (1) full-time, permanent role working at our office in Mississauga and within the community,

Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, group health/dental plan, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, remote work one day per week, professional development opportunities

What you’ll do

• Conduct intake, screening, assessment, and treatment planning, using appropriate tools and methods to ensure the eligibility and ongoing needs of applicants.
• Provide ongoing supportive counselling and case management, including assessment, referral, aftercare, and discharge, while effectively managing a defined caseload.
• Respond to crisis situations with appropriate interventions and support clients in developing and understanding healthy boundaries.
• Facilitate structured content and process groups, utilizing technology to improve access and care responsiveness.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with acquired and referred clients, community organizations, and healthcare providers; advocating for the clients’ rights and needs.
• Initiate and maintain client files and documentation in accordance with best practices and legal guidelines, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical skills in substance abuse withdrawal management, with the ability to perform brief psychosocial and risk assessments.
• Proficiency in non-violent crisis intervention techniques and CPR/First Aid.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work empathetically with people from all socio-economic backgrounds, including marginalized/stigmatized populations
• Critical thinking skills and the capacity to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues with withdrawal and a philosophy of substance abuse aligned with PAARC’s philosophy.
• Experience with supporting people struggling with opioid use, including opiate replacement therapies and/or other prescription aids.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field from an accredited institution or relevant education with commensurate experience.
• Experience: Specified minimum 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid required; GAIN Q3 MI ONT Certification preferred.
• Counselling Skills: Strong evidence-based, trauma-informed counselling skills essential.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in prevalent languages in the Region of Peel and French considered a strong asset.
• Transportation: Valid Ontario Driver’s License, insurance, and reliable vehicle required.

Working Conditions

• Office environment and community-based settings/
• 35-hour work week; Mon & Wed - Fri 8:30 am- 4:30 pm, Tues 12:30pm-8pm
• Required travel to clients homes and community facilities (60-80% of the role).

By joining our team at PAARC, you’re not just accepting a job; you’re embarking on a rewarding career path that offers growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive community.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.