Addictions Counsellor, Problem Gambling and Behavioural Addictions

Adapt; Burlington; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse team

Work-life balance

Top benefits

Career development

Training opportunities

Job summary

ADAPT in Halton Region is hiring a PGBA Addictions Counsellor/Day Treatment Facilitator. This full‑time, hybrid role (Burlington with travel across Halton) focuses on delivering clinical services to clients with gambling and behavioural addictions.

You will assess needs, develop treatment plans, facilitate groups and counselling, and support day treatment programming both remotely and in person. Collaboration and ongoing training are integral to the role.

Qualifications

• University degree/diploma in Social Work or Health field with Addiction Studies cert.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is an asset.
• 1–2 years counselling experience in addictions or related field.
• Experience in community development, group facilitation, and presenting.
• Know-how in records management, crisis intervention, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs using diagnostic tools and structured interviews.
• Develop individual treatment plans in consultation with the client.
• Facilitate psycho-educational groups and workshops.
• Provide individual counselling and/or group facilitation.
• Make referrals to other support services as needed.
• Conduct relevant case management and documentation.
• Provide consultative services to community agencies or professionals.
• Participate in clinical supervision sessions.
• Co-facilitate Day Treatment programming Mon–Fri; deliver remotely and in‑person.
• Offer direct services to clients with gambling concerns and aftercare as needed.
• Organize and participate in community education events on PGBA issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Cultural sensitivity

Independence

Crisis intervention

Active listening

Education

University degree/diploma in Social Work

Addiction Studies certification

Ontario College of Social Workers registration

Tools

EMHware

Job description

JOIN ADAPT'S IMPACTFUL TEAM

Become part of the ADAPT team-where your work truly matters. We champion career development, foster a positive and supportive culture, and celebrate a diverse and inclusive environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position: PGBAAddictions Counsellor/ Day Treatment Facilitator, Probelm Gambling and Behavioural Addictions

Type of role: full time

Location: hybrid (Burlington; traveling across Halton Region may be required)

Posting is for an existing vacancy.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• A fun, cooperative, and diverse team environment
• Exceptional work-life balance with growth opportunities
• Top of the line benefits and competive salaries with clear progression path
• Cross- professional collaboration to enhance your skills and impact
• Access to ongoing training and career development

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Clinical Level Responsibilities

• assesses client needs through the use of diagnostic tools and structured interviews
• in consultation with the client, develops an individual treatment plan
• facilitates psycho-educational groups and workshops
• provides individual counselling and/or group facilitation to address clients' needs
• makes referrals to other appropriate support services and agencies, as needed
• conducts appropriate case management services
• provides consultative services to community agencies, professionals or individuals, as required
• maintains accurate and complete clinical records and service tracking data according to guidelines established by ADAPT, the MOHLTC and/or the funding agency
• participates in clinical supervision sessions

Day Treatment Facilitation Responsibilities

• co-facilitates programing Monday-Friday
• delivers the Day Treatment programming remotely to clients across Ontario, with facilitation taking place in-person at the office.
• provides direct clinical services to the clients of the ADAPT Day Treatment Program for individuals with gambling concerns
• provides consultation and/or counselling services to collateral clients of those attending the Day Treatment Program, where appropriate
• provides follow-up communication to all referral agents regarding clients referred by that agency according to established standards
• provides after care services to graduate clients, as assigned;

Community Education and Awareness Responsibilities

• is involved in research and development of presentation programming and material
• organizes and facilitates community events to raise awareness towards PGBA issues
• participates in Problem Gambling awareness and education activities within the community
• facilitates PGBA drop-in programming and in house presentations
• maintains up-to-date content for presentations

WHAT WE ASK FOR

Education

• University degree/ diploma in Social Work/ Social Service and/ or Health related field plus Addiction Studies certification, or equivalent combination of experience and education

Licenses, certification, credentials

• Professional registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and designation of Social Service Worker an asset;
• Non-violent crisis intervention, First Aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are assets;

Experience

• 1-2 years counselling experience in addictions or a related field;
• Experience in:
  • Community development and networking;
  • Facilitating skills-based groups and delivering presentations to diverse audiences;
  • Record keeping and file management;
  • Basic life skills counselling, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and group work;
  • Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change;

YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Broad knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories (with emphasis on on best practices for Behavioural Addiction), mental health, concurrent disorders and community resources is required;
• Familiarity with community services and resources;
• Strong communication and active listening
• Ability to: function independently, maintain effective working relationships with others, work effectively under pressure or deadlines and work outside regular office hours as required, use good judgement to make sound decisions
• Interpersonal skills that require an attention to detail and rapport building with clients
• Experienced sense and awareness of ethical boundaries and clinical reporting obligations
• Ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services
• Cultural knowledge of key populations in Halton Region that will be served to address disparities in specific services
• Ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races
• Knowledge and understanding of diverse communities and unique social, cultural, developmental, and system factors that may impact individuals and their access to service, including 2SLBGTQIA+ communities and individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Good organizational skills
• Active time management and scheduling
• Ability to effectively present complex clinical information in writing and verbally
• Knowledge of EMHware an asset;
• Knowledge of second language is an asset

WORK CONDITIONS

Work conditions depend on the ADAPT model of operations, and may, but do not have to, include a combination of remote and in-person work arrangement

• Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions;
• Working remotely from home-office
• Community: public places, partners' facilities and clients' homes;
• Flexible hours;
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions).

WHY ADAPT?

ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of Ontario's largest and most diversified addiction and mental health agencies, offering comprehensive services to help those impacted by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

We believe your best work comes when you feel empowered, included, and supported, because thriving employees create thriving communities. We offer competitive compensation, generous paid time off, a flexible hybrid work environment, and comprehensive tools to support your professional growth.

Accessibility and Accommodation

ADAPT is committed to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): we will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process. When invited to an interview, you can request accommodations, and we'll tailor the process to suit your needs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

ADAPT values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience to apply.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hiring

ADAPT is not using AI in hiring for this role.

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Personal information is managed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.