Addictions Specialist (lifespan)

Why join CMHA Kenora?

We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Paid Vacation Days

Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply: February 9th, 2026

Addictions Specialist (lifespan)

Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Clinic

Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch

Job Title: Addictions Specialist (lifespan)

Work Location: Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Clinic  

Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent   

For more information, please visit www.cmhak.on.ca

Overview:

Reporting to the Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Clinic (MMHAC)Team Lead, the MMHAC Addiction Specialist, has the clinical skill and experience to assess, plan, develop, coordinate, connect and support services to program clients across the lifespan. The Addictions Specialist will participate in screening, assessment, and coordination of recovery plans specific to addiction related needs of clients. The MMHAC Addiction Specialist will possess strong clinical skills and expertise in completing comprehensive assessments, developing recovery goals, monitoring progress through measurement-based care, and delivering approaches that support the needs of those requiring the service (e.g., CBT, Motivational Interviewing). The MMHAC Addiction Specialist is expected to work as a member of a team and is expected to participate in clinical supervision with the Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Team Lead. The MMHC Addiction Specialist will ensure that the following objectives are achieved through the clinic: improving access to mental health and addiction services for unserved and underserved areas; improving health outcomes by removing barriers to access, including geography, transportation, and stigma; reducing healthcare costs by encouraging and easing intervention early and mitigating the need for higher intensity support later on; and reducing health disparities by ensuring access to services that are culturally and developmentally appropriate and available where and when clients need them. The MMHAC Addiction Specialist will develop relationships with external providers to implement a collaborative service delivery model in multiple sites which will also include a landing space location identified for the MMHAC. The MMHAC Addiction Specialist will ensure that high standards of quality client care and professional conduct is maintained, and that services provided are evidence-based, best practice approaches in partnership with traditional approaches as identified by the community and area

Qualifications:

BSW preferred, or demonstrated equivalent

Membership in good standing in a College or Association which governs the health profession

3 to 5 years of experience in addiction services with in-depth knowledge of complex clinical issues

Demonstrate skills in conducting interview, screening and assessment of needs and mental status

Documented evidence of formal training (e.g. CBT, Motivational Interviewing)

Experience working in a community-based or outpatient mental health setting is preferred

Knowledge of mental health/illness and mental health difficulties and treatment modalities

Assessment, Treatment and Evaluation skills

Ability to work collaboratively with clients, team colleagues, and community stakeholder

Ability to participate side by side with individuals to accomplish tasks, develop meaningful activities

Case management and advocacy skills

Understanding of the Recovery Philosophy

Leadership skills

Professionalism in the performance of duties

Working knowledge of community resources, and agencies

Cultural Competence for diverse populations

Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Computer literacy and recording skills

Cultural Competence for diverse populations

Ability to work independently and self-motivated

Computer literacy and recording skills

Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations

Valid Driver’s License

Duties:

Adherence to all policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch

Assurance of confidentiality of all clients, personnel, and organizational records and information

Implement a collaborative service delivery model in multiple sites which will also include a landing space location identified for the MMHAC

Work collaboratively with community partners to reduce barriers and develop collaborative approaches to ensure that a range of mental health and addiction services is accessible to persons who were previously unserved or underserved

Ensure completion of clinical screening and assessment tools (OCAN Assessment, Integrated Assessment Record, GAIN-SS etc.) within the Mobile Mental Health & Addictions Clinic as identified within the funding agreement as well as internally by the organization

Provide addiction related support services, crisis support and counselling

Thorough screening and assessment of client needs related to substance use and development of appropriate recovery plans (GAIN-Q3 Assessment completion)

Psychoeducation regarding substance use and harm reduction

Refer to internal to multi-disciplinary MMHAC where appropriate and promote interagency collaboration and integration and to external community agencies and services

Provision of treatment of clients of the MMHAC by utilizing evidence-based practices (e.g. CBT, Motivational Interviewing)

Facilitate and monitor the implementation of client recovery plans

Complete relevant assessment tools around substance use and support clients with information and subsequent referrals to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation specific to substance use

Re-assess goals/recovery plans, refine/continue intervention techniques as needed

Educate clients to identify early warning signs for substance use disorders and prepare to maintain changes

Engage in education of client, family, and community

Development and facilitation of therapy, treatment, skills enhancement, or education groups

Ensure compliance with funder’s financial guidelines, targets, and operational mandates

Conducting regular formal or informal evaluation of client satisfaction, achievement of goals, reassessment of service requirements and or needs in consultation with the client

Actively participate in quality improvement across the organization

Actively participate in the development of sustainability of the ongoing Accreditation Standards, Required Organizational Practices and Quality Improvement projects

Promote the MMHAC in various public events and by presenting present program information to groups and organizations at community education events

Ensure all file management and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner

Participates and contributes toward the effective working of the team and overall operation of the agency

Participate in clinical team meetings and staff meetings as scheduled by the MMHAC Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer

Assist in program orientation and training of new employees of the MMHAC

Provides support and supervision to agency volunteers and students assigned to the program area

Maintain client files consistent with policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch

Professionally representing Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch

Drafting all necessary correspondence and reports regarding clients as directed by the MMHAC Team Lead

Participation Participate in administrative and office functions, including ongoing maintenance of MMHAC locations

Participate in educational and professional development opportunities

Ensure safety and security of all clients of the MMHAC during shift, including interpersonal safety and safety of the MMHAC staff

General administration duties

Complete regular reviews and audits of program files to ensure compliance with the agencies policies and procedures

Participate on specific committees or working groups as assigned by the MMHAC Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer

Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHIMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans

Ensure client safety and client safety activities are emphasized throughout orientation of new staff members

Operate any equipment and work in a way that does not endanger oneself or any other worker

Identify and report workplace hazards to the MMHAC Team Lead, Operations Coordinator, Finance Manager and Chief Executive Officer

Support an environment which avoids, prevents, and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of mental health services

Responsible for self-care

Other duties as directed

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: [email protected] 

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.