MHSU Counsellor - Addiction Services

Island Health; Victoria; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Island Health in Victoria, BC is seeking an MHSU Counsellor specializing in addiction services. You will work within an interdisciplinary treatment team to assess, intervene, and refer clients facing mental health and substance use challenges.

The role emphasizes harm-reduction approaches, outreach, and possible detoxification and recovery services across multiple sites. Travel between sites may be required. A BC driver’s license is 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; 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, intervention, and referral for clients experiencing mental health and substance use disorders.
• Deliver outreach and detoxification and/or recovery consultation as required.
• Work within an interdisciplinary treatment team and adhere to VIHA frameworks and standards.
• Support caregivers and families with information and resources.

Skills

Communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Organizational skills

Assessment skills

Empathy

Teaching skills

Windows software

Education

Baccalaureate degree in health-related field

Post-basic education in mental illness/addiction

Two years related experience

Valid BC Driver's License

Tools

Windows OS

Job description

MHSU Counsellor - Addiction Services - (238238)

Eric Martin Pavilion (EMP) - Victoria, BC V8R 4Z3 CA (Primary)

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

08:30-16:30

Days Off

Vacancy Type

Temp FT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$44.85 - $56.02

Paid FTE

1.0

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

75

Planned Start Date

Dec. 1 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Sep. 30 2027

Pending Return of Incumbent

Yes

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.

This position is with Regional AMSU Access Central. Strong knowledge and understanding of substance use care is required.