Full Time Counsellor

Counsellor, Addiction – Substance Use
Direct Service, Regulated - (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Permanent
This posting is the result of a current vacancy
We believe that change is possible, for those who are concerned with their substance use and ready to explore options of support.

As a Counsellor in the Substance Use program, you’ll met clients with empathy, and use a strength-based, harm reduction approach to work alongside them on their recovery journey. Through one-to-one and group sessions you’ll help clients improve their health, social outcomes and overall quality of life; The position includes providing intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, counselling, referral for those experiencing addiction and mental health concerns.

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

What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated:
# Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($37.26 per hour for regulated); Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, 1-hour unpaid break
Your pension plan –Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
What your benefits will be –After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare benefits

Recognize and respond effectively to an individual/group/community in crisis
Adhere to the quality assurance measures for the provincial standardized assessment tools
Provide clinical interpretation of assessment tools and utilize skillful motivational interviewing techniques for the purpose of informing the development of a client-centered treatment plan.
Counselling and Treatment:
Actively increase client motivation by utilizing a Stages of Change paradigm and motivational interviewing
Apply a comprehensive range of evidence-informed counselling styles and techniques aimed at improving the client’s overall bio-psycho-social-spiritual health
Develop a formalized treatment plan including preliminary case management, goal setting, individual and/or group counselling, referrals, advocacy and education as appropriate in collaboration with the client to improve their social determinants of health
Demonstrate knowledge and skill required to match clients with the most appropriate available services as determined through the screening, assessment, referral and treatment planning process.
Participate in the facilitation of community treatment groups as needed and appropriate.

Coordinated Care Plans (CCP’s), Community Plans etc. Provide services in person, on the phone or another means of communication about addiction and mental health services and supports.
Provide education to clients and concerned others regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies.
As requested, deliver effective outreach services targeting prevention and health promotion, early intervention, treatment and/or after care service to a broad range of client populations.
Engage in community development, community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner.

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 5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

Post-secondary education in a related field, e.g. BSW, post-graduate diploma in addictions or equivalent (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
G Driver’s Licence and proof of current automobile insurance and access to a reliable vehicle
Registration with a professional college (i.e. First Aid & CPR
Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST training program
Clinical work experience ideally in substance use treatment including intake services
Experience working with individuals experiencing addiction concerns, supporting youth populations, and supporting individuals experiencing criminal justice involvement an asset.
Comfort and skill with public speaking and group facilitation
Interdisciplinary experience in the following sectors: child welfare, medical, mental health, violence against women
Demonstrated ability to work with individuals living with multiple challenges related to marginalization, including involvement with the criminal justice system, mental illness, addictions, substance use, complex health challenges, street-level sex work, poverty, homelessness, abuse and trauma
Strong ability to work collaboratively with community service providers
Proficiency with computers, smart phones, variety of software programs including presentation technology
Bilingual in both official languages, preferred ; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux languages officielles du Canada

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. 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 Human.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