MHSU Counsellor - Addiction Services

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 77,000; Part time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) is seeking a MHSU Counsellor - Addiction Services for multi-site work. The role emphasizes assessment, intervention, treatment, outreach and/or detoxification within a rehabilitation/recovery/harm-reduction framework.

The position requires a health-related baccalaureate degree, two years of related experience, knowledge of mental health and addiction issues, and a valid BC driver’s license. Travel between sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution.
• Recognized post basic education related to mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction; Two (2) years recent related experience; understanding of mental health/addiction issues; substance misuse assessments, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics.
• Valid BC Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, intervention, treatment, outreach and/or detoxification and/or recovery consultation and referral for clients with mental health and alcohol/drug addiction issues.
• Work within an interdisciplinary treatment team and VIHA framework focused on rehabilitation/recovery and harm reduction.
• Travel between multiple sites may be required and transportation must meet VIHA operational requirements.

Skills

Addiction treatment

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teaching skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Windows software

Education

Baccalaureate Degree in a health related discipline

Job description

MHSU Counsellor - Addiction Services - (236875)

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

As Required

Days Off

As required

Vacancy Type

Casual

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$44.85 - $56.02

Paid FTE

n/a

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

n/a

Planned Start Date

Oct. 9 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Pending Return of Incumbent

No

CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)

Yes

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at VIHA; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Under the direction of the Clinical Coordinator or designate, works within the organization's framework and standards, and a rehabilitation/recovery harm reduction focused model, as a member of a interdisciplinary treatment team, the Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor - Addiction Services provides assessment, intervention, treatment, outreach and/or detoxification and/or recovery consultation and referral for clients experiencing mental health and alcohol & drug addiction problems and their caregivers/families.Travel may be a requirement of this position and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirement s of the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Baccalaureate Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution.

Recognized post basic education related to mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction; Two (2) years recent related experience; an understanding of mental health and alcohol and drug addiction issues; substance misuse assessments, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics.

Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as Mental Health and Child Protection legislation. Knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering services in the community. Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Driver's License.

Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated competence in the treatment of addiction and mental illness congruent with VIHA's framework and standards within a rehabilitation/recovery, harm-reduction focused model;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem solving and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy in working with addiction clients.
• Work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Promote positive change and independence.
• Prioritize and organize workload.
• Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Operate a personal computer with a variety of Windows based software.