Addictions Specialist (lifespan)

Canadian Mental Health Association; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A local mental health organization in Kenora seeks a Full-Time Addictions Specialist to facilitate recovery-oriented services and crisis support for clients. The role requires strong knowledge of addiction services, collaborative delivery models, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Candidates must possess a BSW or equivalent, with 3-5 years of relevant experience and skills in crisis management and assessment.

Benefits

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Paid Vacation Days

Learning & professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in addiction services with complex clinical issues.
• Documented formal training in CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
• Experience in a community-based or outpatient mental health setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement collaborative service delivery models across multiple sites.
• Provide addition-related support services and crisis counseling.
• Develop client recovery plans and ensure compliance with funders' guidelines.

Skills

Addiction services knowledge

Interviewing skills

CBT knowledge

Motivational Interviewing

Crisis management

Community resources knowledge

Case management

Cultural competence

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Education

BSW preferred or equivalent

Membership in a relevant college

Job description

Overview

Why join CMHA Kenora?

We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:

• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation Days
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply: September 17, 2025

Job Title: Addictions Specialist (lifespan)

Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch

Work Location: Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Clinic

Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent

For more information, please visit: www.cmhak.on.ca

Responsibilities / Duties

• Adherence to all policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Assurance of confidentiality of all clients, personnel, and organizational records and information
• Implement a collaborative service delivery model in multiple sites which will also include a landing space location identified for the MMHAC
• Work collaboratively with community partners to reduce barriers and develop collaborative approaches to ensure that a range of mental health and addiction services is accessible to persons who were previously unserved or underserved
• Ensure completion of clinical screening and assessment tools (OCAN Assessment, Integrated Assessment Record, GAIN-SS etc.) within the Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Clinic as identified within the funding agreement as well as internally by the organization
• Provide addiction related support services, crisis support and counselling
• Thorough screening and assessment of client needs related to substance use and development of appropriate recovery plans (GAIN-Q3 Assessment completion)
• Psychoeducation regarding substance use and harm reduction
• Refer to internal multi-disciplinary MMHAC where appropriate and promote interagency collaboration and integration to external community agencies and services
• Provision of treatment of clients of the MMHAC by utilizing evidence-based practices (e.g. CBT, Motivational Interviewing)
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of client recovery plans
• Complete relevant assessment tools around substance use and support clients with information and subsequent referrals to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation specific to substance use
• Re-assess goals/recovery plans, refine/continue intervention techniques as needed
• Educate clients to identify early warning signs for substance use disorders and prepare to maintain changes
• Engage in education of client, family, and community
• Development and facilitation of therapy, treatment, skills enhancement, or education groups
• Ensure compliance with funder’s financial guidelines, targets, and operational mandates
• Conducting regular formal or informal evaluation of client satisfaction, achievement of goals, reassessment of service requirements and/or needs in consultation with the client
• Actively participate in quality improvement across the organization
• Actively participate in the development of sustainability of the ongoing Accreditation Standards, Required Organizational Practices and Quality Improvement projects
• Promote the MMHAC in various public events and by presenting program information to groups and organizations at community education events
• Ensure all file management and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner
• Participates and contributes toward the effective working of the team and overall operation of the agency
• Participate in clinical team meetings and staff meetings as scheduled by the MMHAC Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer
• Assist in program orientation and training of new employees of the MMHAC
• Provide support and supervision to agency volunteers and students assigned to the program area
• Maintain client files consistent with policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Professionally representing Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Drafting all necessary correspondence and reports regarding clients as directed by the MMHAC Team Lead
• Participation in administrative and office functions, including ongoing maintenance of MMHAC locations
• Participate in educational and professional development opportunities
• Ensure safety and security of all clients of the MMHAC during shift, including interpersonal safety and safety of the MMHAC staff
• General administration duties
• Complete regular reviews and audits of program files to ensure compliance with the agency's policies and procedures
• Participate on specific committees or working groups as assigned by the MMHAC Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer
• Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherence to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans
• Ensure client safety and client safety activities are emphasized throughout orientation of new staff members
• Operate any equipment and work in a way that does not endanger oneself or any other worker
• Identify and report workplace hazards to the MMHAC Team Lead, Operations Coordinator, Finance Manager and Chief Executive Officer
• Support an environment which avoids, prevents, and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of mental health services
• Responsible for self-care
• Other duties as directed

Qualifications

• BSW preferred, or demonstrated equivalent
• Membership in good standing in a College or Association which governs the health profession
• 3 to 5 years of experience in addiction services with in-depth knowledge of complex clinical issues
• Demonstrate skills in conducting interview, screening and assessment of needs and mental status
• Documented evidence of formal training (e.g. CBT, Motivational Interviewing)
• Experience working in a community-based or outpatient mental health setting is preferred
• Knowledge of mental health/illness and mental health difficulties and treatment modalities
• Assessment, Treatment and Evaluation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, team colleagues, and community stakeholders
• Ability to participate side by side with individuals to accomplish tasks, develop meaningful activities
• Case management and advocacy skills
• Understanding of the Recovery Philosophy
• Leadership skills
• Professionalism in the performance of duties
• Working knowledge of community resources, and agencies
• Cultural Competence for diverse populations
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Computer literacy and recording skills
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations
• Valid Driver’s License

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: [e-mail]

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.