Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA) Counsellor – Substance Use & Problem Gambling), MHSUHA

Centretown Community Health Centre; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A community health center in Ottawa is seeking a regular part-time Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults Counsellor specializing in substance use and problem gambling. The role involves providing counselling services to seniors, developing community partnerships, and facilitating workshops. Candidates must have a master's degree in Social Work or Counselling and experience in mental health. Proficiency in English and French is required. The position offers excellent benefits and a competitive hourly wage.

Benefits

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Excellent benefits package

Qualifications

• Three to five years of mental health and addictions experience.
• Experience working with marginalized and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of substance use health and addictions best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling services to older adults seeking support.
• Develop and maintain key community partnerships.
• Represent the program at community forums and workshops.

Skills

Counselling experience

Knowledge of Harm Reduction principles

Proficient in Motivational Interviewing

Excellent communication skills

Experience with marginalized populations

Education

Master’s level degree in Social Work or Counselling

Tools

Windows based systems

Electronic Medical Records

Job description

Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA) Counsellor – Substance Use & Problem Gambling), MHSUHA

Regular Part-Time Position – working 28 hours / week (Vacant position)

Pay Scale

$36.49 - $43.96 / hour

Pension and Benefits

Excellent benefits package including Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Application Deadline

January 21, 2026 at 4:59:00 a.m.

About the Role

The LESA counsellor is responsible for the provision of counselling services for older adults (55+) seeking mental health and addictions (substance use and problem-gambling) support. The Counsellor is part of Centretown Community Health Centre’s Mental Health, Substance Use Health and Addictions (MHSUA) team; specifically the Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults program(LESA). The LESA program works from a harm reduction model of support and strives to decrease barriers faced by older adults in the maintenance of health and wellness.

The LESA program provides longer term counselling to program participants and is flexible in its service delivery (provision of virtual, off site or home counselling sessions when necessary; integrated care approach; combination of individual and group counselling; opportunities to decrease isolation through therapeutic recreation activities).

The LESA Counsellor is also responsible for developing and maintaining key partnerships and contacts within the community to increase the accessibility of services to marginalized and vulnerable older adults struggling with the impact of addictions and mental health issues on their quality of life and overall health.

This position may be required to represent the LESA program at community forums, workshops and events. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills in conjunction with excellent group facilitation skills within a therapeutic setting are required for this position.

Requirements

• Master’s level degree in Social Work, Counselling or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Three to five years mental health and addictions experience in a community setting (both individual and group).
• Counselling experience in a community setting with marginalized and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of the Harm Reduction principles and practices.
• Knowledge in best practices as it relates to substance use health and addictions including problem-gambling counselling.
• Knowledge of issues affecting older adults.
• Experience and proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and SMART Recovery.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and access to car; ability to work out of multiple locations.
• Proficient with Windows based computer systems, MS Word, e-mail and Electronic Medical Records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• English, written and spoken.
• French, written and spoken.

Start Date

As Soon As Possible

How to “Express an Interest” for this Opportunity

Submit your letter of interest along with your résumé on or before January 20, 2026, 11:59 pm to [e-mail]

Please note the following:

• The subject line of your email should read “LESA Counsellor – Substance Use & Problem Gambling”
• The file name for your resume should read “(last name)_(first name)_ Resume”
• The file name for your cover letter should read: “(last name)_(first name)_ Cover Letter”

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants invited to an interview will be contacted.

Candidates requiring accommodation during the application and/or the interview process should contact us at [e-mail] so arrangements can be made. CCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce and as such, we encourage applications from individuals who reflect the broad diversity of communities we work with.

Centretown CHC has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, as such applicants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccinations to be considered for employment. Reasonable accommodation will be considered for persons with medical exemption or other exemptions under the Ontario Human Rights Code.