Counsellor, Concurrent Disorders

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services; Woodstock; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP pension

9% in lieu of benefits

Salary grid progression up to Level 8

Job summary

Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services seeks a Counsellor for Concurrent Disorders to deliver client-centered, recovery-focused support across Woodstock, Tillsonburg and Ingersoll. The role encompasses intake, assessment, crisis response and planning, with a focus on reducing barriers to care and fostering engagement.

The position works within a multidisciplinary team, using evidence-informed approaches and supports clients’ recovery goals in a

Qualifications

• College diploma or university degree in a mental health/addiction field; transcripts may be requested.
• Current registration with a professional college in good standing.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to transport clients.
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed within six months.
• Bilingual in English and French preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake, screening and assessment to determine eligibility and needs.
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning for clients.
• Develop and review individualized treatment and recovery plans.
• Offer counselling and psychoeducation in individual and group settings.
• Engage in outreach, case management and service navigation; advocate for clients.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Counselling

Case management

Advocacy

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Bilingual (English/French)

Education

College diploma or university degree in mental health/addiction field

Current professional college registration (OCSWSSW/CNO/COTO/CRPO/CPSO/CPO)

Valid Driver’s License

PVSC completed

Demonstrated reliability/regular attendance

Job description

Counsellor, Concurrent Disorders

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full-Time, Contract (End Date: Approximately 6 Months)

This posting is the result of a current vacancy.

Woodstock / Tillsonburg / Ingersoll, Ontario (Oxford Zone)

Application Deadline: October 18, 2026

We believe that everyone has the right to live with dignity, autonomy and independence in our community.

Working within a multidisciplinary team framework, the Concurrent Disorders Counsellor provides client-centered, recovery-focused support to individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.

Responsibilities include intake, screening, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment and recovery planning, counselling, case management, outreach, service navigation, advocacy, referrals and follow-up. Services are delivered in a variety of settings, including onsite, clients’ home, community locations, virtual platforms and other outreach environments.

Using strengths-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction, motivational interviewing and other evidence-informed approaches, the Counsellor partners with clients to support their recovery goals and overall wellness. The role focuses on reducing barriers to care, enhancing engagement and connecting clients with appropriate mental health and addiction supports.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated)
  1. Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($37.26 per hour); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• When you'll work-70 hours biweekly; Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm; unpaid 1 hour break
• Your pension plan–Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• What your benefits will be –9% in lieu of benefits

HOW YOU WILLBE MAKINGA DIFFERENCE:

Intake, Screening, Assessment, Crisis Support and Follow-Up

• Participate in scheduled intake processes as outlined for the program.
• Complete screening to determine eligibility, risk, strengths, needs and support areas.
• Select, administer, interpret, and document standardized and evidence-informed screening and assessment tools to support the identification of mental health, substance use, and concurrent disorder concerns and guide service planning.
• Assess clients' overall functioning and support needs, including mental health, substance use, physical health, social determinants of health, readiness for change, safety concerns, and barriers to care.
• Partner with clients experiencing crisis to reduce immediate risks, develop safety and crisis prevention plans, promote stabilization and coordinate appropriate follow-up supports.
• Review and update treatment, recovery, discharge and transition plans as clients’ needs and goals change.

Counselling, Treatment and Recovery Planning

• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients through respectful, ethical, strengths-based, trauma-informed, recovery-focused and culturally responsive care.
• Utilize harm reduction, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the Stages of Change model, psychosocial rehabilitation, and other evidence-informed counselling approaches in individual and group settings.
• Develop and review individualized treatment and recovery plans with clients, including goal setting, coping strategies, referrals and discharge planning.
• Provide counselling, psychoeducation, skill development, and support to help clients achieve their recovery goals and enhance overall well-being.
• Facilitate groups, provide education and participate in outreach activities as needed.

Outreach, Case Management, Service Navigation and Advocacy

• Provide outreach services in a variety of community settings to reduce barriers and improve access to care.
• Manage a clinical caseload, meet direct and indirect service requirements and balance competing priorities in a timely and organized manner.
• Coordinate access to the most appropriate available services based on screening, assessment, treatment planning and client preference.
• Support clients with navigation and connection to mental health, substance use, primary care, housing, income, justice, social assistance, developmental services, acquired brain injury supports and other community resources.
• Advocate for client needs, rights, and access to treatment, supports, resources, and services while promoting self-advocacy, empowerment and informed decision-making.
• Participate in and lead client‑centred case conferences, coordinated care plans, community plans and collaborative planning with internal teams and external partners.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 4-5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We require the following qualifications:

• College Diploma or University Degree in a mental health and addiction related field, preferably Social Work, Social Service Worker, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychology, and Child and Youth Care (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Current registration and in good standing with an appropriate college (OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO)
• Valid Driver’s License: minimum G2 class required
• Transportation of clients in personal vehicle required; two million-dollar ($2 000 000.00) liability insurance required
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

We prefer the following qualifications:

• Current certification in First Aid/CPR or willingness to complete as required
• ASIST trained
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention trained
• Experience providing clinical services to individuals with concurrent mental health and substance use concerns, including intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, counselling, group facilitation, crisis intervention and case management.
• Demonstrated experience using recovery-focused, trauma-informed, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, psychosocial rehabilitation and evidence-informed treatment approaches.
• Experience and knowledge of assessment tools such as GAIN SS, ADAT and other relevant mental health, substance use and risk assessment tools.
• Experience working with individuals who experience multiple and intersecting challenges, including marginalization, trauma, homelessness, poverty, complex health needs, involvement with the justice system, acquired brain injury, developmental disability and barriers to service access.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use and addiction, concurrent disorders, evidence-informed treatment approaches, medications used to support mental health and addiction treatment, and community resources and supports.
• Strong assessment, crisis intervention, de‑escalation, safety planning and risk management skills.
• Ability to develop short‑and long‑term treatment, recovery, transition and discharge plans in partnership with clients.
• Excellent verbal, non‑verbal, written and electronic communication skills, including accurate clinical documentation.
• Strong advocacy, service coordination, relationship‑building, collaboration, problem‑solving, planning, organization and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently in the community and collaboratively within a multi‑disciplinary team and with community partners.
• Computer literacy and competence with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and electronic documentation systems.
• Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team.

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail]

Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes