Addictions Counsellor and Case Manager

Addictions Counsellor and Case Manager (2 positions: Full time Permanent and 1 yr Contract)

Are you passionate about supporting Indigenous community members on their healing journey?

Do you want to make a difference by helping individuals access the care and cultural supports they need?

At Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, we’re looking for two compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team asAddictions Counsellors and Case Managers. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by serving the growing and diverse urban Indigenous community in Ottawa.

Wabano is a fast-paced, client-focused organization rooted in Indigenous values of balance, respect, and community. We provide holistic care that integrates cultural teachings with modern health practices, ensuring our community receives the support they deserve.

About the Role:

As an Addictions Counsellor and Case Manager, you’ll work closely with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clients to help them prepare for treatment, navigate systems, and access the community, professional, and cultural supports they need for long-term wellness. You’ll also play a vital role in aftercare and advocacy, ensuring each client’s journey is met with respect, understanding, and effective support.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide harm reduction support and one-on-one counselling.
• Facilitate and/or co-facilitate group support and education, including at least one support group.
• Providing 1-1 addiction counselling.
• Advocate for clients and assist with navigating systems related to housing, education, legal concerns, income supports, and more.
• Prepare clients for residential treatment programs and provide follow-up aftercare.
• Build strong relationships with clients, focusing on trust, respect, and cultural safety.
• Connect clients with appropriate professional and cultural supports.
• Offer life skills coaching and crisis intervention.
• Maintain confidential client records and complete reporting requirements.

What We’re Looking For:

• A post-secondary degree in a Mental Health field with specialization in Addictions, or equivalent experience in substance misuse or dependency. Examples include Social Services Worker, Social Worker, or Addictions and Mental Health Diploma.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, with knowledge of issues affecting the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
• A harm-reduction approach combined with an understanding of Indigenous cultural practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and counseling skills.
• A nonjudgmental, inclusive, and positive attitude toward clients facing substance use challenges.
• Crisis management and decision-making skills.
• Cultural competency to provide services grounded in Indigenous traditions.

Salary Range:

$57,000 – $60,000 with benefits

Why Work with Wabano?

• Be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Indigenous community members.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and a defined benefit pension plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Four weeks of vacation annually.
• 93% of staff report feeling their work is meaningful and impactful.

Preference will be given to First Nations, Inuit, or Métis candidates. Please self-identify in your application.

Successful applicants will be required to submit a criminal reference check for working with vulnerable populations.

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, with preference given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application). Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interview, please advise if you require accommodation. We appreciate all applicants, but only those selected for consideration will be contacted.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.