Addictions Counsellor

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Become part of the ADAPT team-where your work truly matters. We champion career development, foster a positive and supportive culture, and celebrate a diverse and inclusive environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position: Addictions Counsellor, Youth Problem Gambling and Behavioural Addictions

Type of role: full time, permanent
Location: hybrid (Burlington and Oakville, with possible travel to Milton and Georgetown, based on program needs + work from home)

Posting is for an existing vacancy.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

A fun, cooperative, and diverse team environment

Exceptional work–life balance with growth opportunities

Top of the line benefits and competive salaries with clear progression path

Cross‑professional collaboration to enhance your skills and impact

Access to ongoing training and career development

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Clinical Level Responsibilities: provides direct clinical services, through individual and group modalities, to youth clients of the PGBA program (some support with adult population may be required as well):

assesses client needs through the use of diagnostic tools and structured interviews

in consultation with the client, develops an individual treatment plan

provides individual and/or group counselling to address clients’ needs

participates in and supports, as required, Problem Gambling awareness and education activities within the community

makes referrals to other appropriate support services and agencies, as needed

conducts appropriate case management services

provides consultative services to community agencies, professionals or individuals, as required

maintains accurate and complete clinical records and service tracking data according to guidelines established by ADAPT, the MOHLTC and/or the funding agency

participates in supervision sessions

assists in the promotion of ADAPT and its programs to other agencies and the general public

participates in meetings as required   

provides input into the operational and strategic planning related to ADAPT programs as required

Day Treatment (adult and youth) Facilitation Responsibilities:

co-facilitates programing (30-hour program Monday-Friday)

delivers the Day Treatment Program remotely or throughout Ontario (in program delivered in person); may be required to follow the established policies and procedures of host agencies

provides direct clinical services to the clients of the ADAPT Problem Gambling Day Treatment Program

provides consultation and/or counselling services to collateral clients of those attending the Day Treatment Program, where appropriate

provides follow-up communication to all referral agents regarding clients referred by that agency according to established standards

provides after-care services to graduate clients, as assigned

WHAT WE ASK FOR

Education

University degree/ diploma in Social Work/ Social Service and/ or Health related field plus Addiction Studies certification, or equivalent combination of experience and education

Licenses, certification, credentials

Professional registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and designation of Social Service Worker, or equivalent is an asset

Non-violent crisis intervention, First Aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are assets

Experience

1-2 years counselling experience, including working experience with youth up to the age of 24, in the area of addictions and mental health

Experience in:

Individual, family, and group counselling

Community development and networking

Record keeping and file management

Basic life skills counselling, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and group work

Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change

YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Broad knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories (with an emphasis on harm-reduction), mental health, concurrent disorders and community resources is required

Broad knowledge of behavioural and process addictions theories

Knowledge of duty to report and duty to obtain consent from minors

Familiarity with community services and resources

Strong communication and active listening

Ability to: function independently, maintain effective working relationships with others, work effectively under pressure or deadlines and work outside regular office hours as required, use good judgement to make sound decisions

Interpersonal skills that require an attention to detail and rapport building with clients

Experienced sense and awareness of ethical boundaries and clinical reporting obligations

Good organizational skills

Active time management and scheduling

Ability to effectively present complex clinical information in writing and verbally

Experience with client data entry systems such as EMHware is preferred

To successfully fulfill duties of the role, current valid driver's licence and regular access to a dependable vehicle is required.

WORK CONDITIONS

Work conditions depend on the ADAPT model of operations, and may, but do not have to, include a combination of remote and in-person work arrangement

Working remotely from home-office

Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions

Community: public places and partners’ facilities

Flexible hours

Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals

Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions)

WHY ADAPT?

ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of Ontario’s largest and most diversified addiction and mental health agencies, offering comprehensive services to help those impacted by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

We believe your best work comes when you feel empowered, included, and supported, because thriving employees create thriving communities. We offer competitive compensation, generous paid time off, a flexible hybrid work environment, and comprehensive tools to support your professional growth.

Accessibility and Accommodation

ADAPT is committed to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): we will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process. When invited to an interview, you can request accommodations, and we’ll tailor the process to suit your needs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

ADAPT values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience to apply.

APPLY NOW

You are invited to submit your resume and cover letter.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hiring

ADAPT is not using AI in hiring for this role.

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Personal information is managed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.