Adult Addictions Counsellor

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Job Title: Adult Addictions Counsellor HART HUB (SWCHC)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Reports To: Manager, Adult Services

Job Status: Full-Time Permanent Position (37.5 hours per week)

Starting Rate of Pay: $28.91/hour

We are currently receiving applications for one (1) Adult Addictions Counsellor who will work in a full-time permanent capacity.

Summary of Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) HART HUB SWCHC is a non-profit, community-governed organization that serves a diverse population facing a complex mix of challenges, including substance use, mental health, poverty, and homelessness. SWCHC aims to support people and communities to enjoy the best possible health and well-being by providing health and social services and removing barriers to accessing services. The HART (Homeless Addictions and Recovery Treatment) Hub is a new service model that aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals facing homelessness, substance use challenges, and seeking an integrated approach to substance use treatment. The hub will offer a full spectrum of services—including primary care, mental health and substance use support, rapid referrals to withdrawal and medical stabilization beds, along with direct pathways to supportive housing. The SWCHC HART Hub will be located in the downtown core of Ottawa.

HART HUB Addictions Counsellor Position

The Addiction Counsellor will primarily be deployed to support the addiction counselling activities of the HART Hub, in collaboration with a wide variety of roles including Peer Coaches, Basic Needs Coordinators, Housing Case Managers, and other health and social service professionals. The Addiction Counsellor will work closely with Hart Hub and Rideauwood leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-centered services for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, and mental health needs. HART hub services align with trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and harm reduction principles. The Addiction Counsellor will work closely with leadership, partners, and clients to foster a collaborative, inclusive environment and support continuous improvement efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide clinical practice and interventions relating to intake, assessment, education, treatment, consultation, and referral for clients who are currently experiencing, or are affected by problems related to substance use.

• Provide individual counselling, group counselling and psychoeducational groups to clients, both in short-term & long-term capacities.

• Work effectively with clients who present with multiple and complex problems, including challenges with substance use, concurrent addiction and mental health issues, trauma including PTSD, legal problems, unemployment and limited income, medical problems, and limitations imposed by restrictions in access to other socio-economic determinants of health.

• Work within Rideauwood’s framework and standards, using both harm reduction and abstinence focused models based on the client’s needs.

• Reviews and evaluates client’s progress and makes adjustments to treatment plans as required. Provides feedback and support to clients.

• Accept and make referrals to outside agencies.

• Take an active role in preparing for and participating in community presentations and meetings.

• Develop and deliver training and consultation activities for Partner agencies acting as a knowledge broker and content expert

• Participate in all assigned meetings, staff development and training as required.

• Participate in the training and mentoring of other professionals and students.

• Contribute actively to administrative and teamwork functions.

• Maintain client records and statistics.

• Other duties, as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• College diploma (e.g., Addiction Services Worker, Social Services Worker) and/or Bachelor’s level University degree with a specialization in behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, social work, counselling)

• Minimum of three years (3) recent related experience.

• Significant understanding of substance use issues, mental health issues, concurrent disorders, problem gambling, and evidence-based treatment practices to address them.

• Experience in facilitation or co-facilitation of group programming for youth, adult and/or parents required

• Experience in working with clients who are experiencing trauma, particularly PTSD, as well as having substance use disorder(s) is essential.

• Experience in working with clients who are experiencing housing insecurity, residing in shelter or are un-housed is essential.

• Knowledge and understanding of medication assisted treatment (ex. OAT), in particular leading practices such as Safe Supply, is essential.

• Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in contemporary assessment and psychosocial counselling techniques, including addiction and mental health issues.

• Comprehensive knowledge of and skilled practice in individual, group, and crisis counselling methods, and case management.

• Ability to provide culturally competent service to clients of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is essential and experience completing comprehensive mental health assessments as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Ability to deal effectively with crisis, including a threat of self-harm, or harm to others.

• Knowledge of mental health and trauma and how they relate to addictions.

• Knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering services in the community.

• Knowledge of legislation applicable in the performance of job responsibilities.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Familiar and proficient with computers, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office suite of tools.

• Familiar and proficient in documenting client care in an Electronic Health Record system.

• Knowledge of applicable privacy legislation and experienced in its application within healthcare delivery

• Ability and willingness to work within regular office hours – with regular evening and occasional weekend hours.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record / Vulnerable Person Check.

• Bilingualism in English and French is a preferred asset.

• Professional registration which enables the provision of psychotherapy (ex. CRPO, OCSWSSW) is a preferred asset.

About Rideauwood Addiction & Family Services

Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services is a community-based treatment centre operating in Ottawa for more than 40 years. Dedicated to supporting those impacted by substance use, behavioral addictions and related mental health challenges, the organization serves youth, young adults, adults and families. Rideauwood runs over 15 comprehensive programs that include prevention, education, individual and group treatment. Whether it’s substances, gambling gaming or technology use; and whether individuals want to reduce their use, use in safer ways or eliminate their use, Rideauwood counsellors are here to help. At Rideauwood there is no “right path” to recovery – only the path you choose. www.rideauwood.org.

WAGE PROGRESSION

• Step 1 - $28.91
• Step 2 - $29.21
• Step 3 - $29.50
• Step 4 - $29.80
• Step 5 - $30.09
• Step 6 - $30.40
• Step 7 - $30.70
• Step 8 - $31.02
• Step 9 - $31.34

If you are interested in this position, please submit a current resume and letter of interest via Indeed answering the following questions:

Based on your experience and practice, and given what you know about this position:

(1) what motivated you to apply for this position, and

(2) what makes you a suitable candidate for this position?

Rideauwood values Equity and Diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. If any accommodations are needed for applicants during the selection process, please notify Human Resources.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $28.91 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Education:

• DCS / DEC (required)

Experience:

• Addictions Counselling: 3 years (preferred)

Language:

• French (preferred)

Work Location: In person