Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor

Stonehenge Therapeutic Community provides a range of residential and community-based treatment services to individuals struggling with addiction and concurrent mental health issues. Our agency is committed to taking the journey together and supporting those with whom we work to grow, thrive, and contribute to society.

About the Role:

The Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor’s core responsibilities are to support clients with substance use issues/concurrent disorders through the acute phase of withdrawal from substances in community settings. Community Withdrawal Support Counsellors also support the family and friends of those withdrawing from substances, work with community agencies and primary care providers to build their capacity to support their clients who are withdrawing, and assist clients in accessing additional supports needed to maintain their wellness. As part of their regular responsibilities, this position will also support the effective functioning of the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic by providing assessment and brief counselling services to RAAM clients.

The Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor will work independently in various community settings, including travelling across Guelph and Rural Wellington to complete home visits and to meet with service providers. This role entails community education, collaboration with other service providers, direct client support/intervention and will involve working with individuals who have acute/chronic substance use and/or concurrent issues, some of whom may also have correctional involvement. 

Role Type: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Guelph-Wellington area (including Fergus, Elora, Mount Forest and surrounding area)

Hours: Monday-Friday, days 
Number of Current Vacancies: 1

Why Work for Us?

Comprehensive Benefit plan (no employee co-pay required)

Enhanced vacation and paid time off entitlements

Employee and Family Assistance Program available

Paid Wellness Time

RRSP Matching plan

Stonehenge is proud to be a learning environment - professional development opportunities available

Qualifications:

BSW or other relevant university education and at least 2 years of direct experience in the following required:

withdrawal management service (residential or community); or

providing withdrawal supports in a community-based addiction service; or

providing withdrawal supports in an Opioid Substitution Clinic

Previous experience working with addiction mandatory, experience in mental health/concurrent disorders and trauma an asset

CSC Clearance conducted by PWGS Canada

Standard First Aid/CPR Level C

Valid G Driver’s License and satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record

Reliable vehicle and willing to transport program participants if required

Must provide proof from Insurance provider of 1) at least $2 million in general liability and 2) have declared scope of vehicle use to Insurance provider (may be required where transporting program participants is required)

Lived experience related to addictions and/or mental health an asset

Experience providing services in a rural setting an asset

Role Responsibilities:

Screen and complete intake procedures with clients

Coordinate and deliver clinical and support services for clients of the program including:

Developing withdrawal support plans and monitoring withdrawal symptoms

1:1 supportive counselling and psychoeducational interventions that support progress towards identified goals and enhance overall health and well-being, particularly in relation to addiction and mental health

Education and support for family / friends of those withdrawing

Direct liaison with primary care to facilitate withdrawal as required

Crisis intervention as required

Utilize evidence-informed practices including (but not limited to) Motivational Interviewing, Stage-Matched Intervention, Trauma-Informed approaches, CBT and relapse prevention

Make referrals to internal and/or external program or services, as appropriate

Comprehensive and collaborative discharge planning

Support the effective functioning of the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic by providing assessment and brief-counselling on-site to clinic clients

Facilitate community capacity building regarding addiction and withdrawal with service providers and primary care providers across Guelph and rural Wellington

Participate in program development activities as required

Complete program evaluation and data collection/input into electronic health records

Applications will be accepted until February 10, 2026 at 4pm.

We look forward to meeting you!

STC accommodates the needs of applicants throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the (AODA) and Human Rights legislation. Should you require, accommodation can be made at any point, upon request.

Stonehenge Therapeutic Community recognizes that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce. We believe in equitable opportunities for all and encourage cultural diversity as part of the recruitment and selection processes.  We welcome applications from qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to enrich our collective growth and learning.