Addiction Counsellor (CC)

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills

Sensitivity to and knowledge of issues relating to and impacting on all genders and all marginalized populations Commitment to stage matched, strengths based, person-centred quality psychotherapy services Knowledge of and training in substance use including associated health risks Knowledge of community resources and provincial addiction treatment services Demonstrated capacity for accurate and efficient documentation and computer data entry Demonstrated ability to calmly problem-solve in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment Strong communication and listening skills Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team Ability to accept and apply feedback and take initiative Experience working within a non-profit and/or social services environment Commitment to work with and support training of students, volunteers and new employees as required Commitment to ongoing professional development and training Ability to accept and apply feedback and take initiative Group facilitation and management skills

Education/Experience

University Degree in Counselling, Social Work or a Related Field of Study Professional registration, in good standing, as either a Social Worker or Social Services Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or a Psychotherapist (including qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) Minimum 1 year experience in an addiction and/or counselling setting Demonstrated understanding of working with individuals experiencing concurrent disorders Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of substances, problematic substance use and recovery oriented interventions, evidence informed practices and clinical treatment modalities required

Critical Skills

Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive work environment including the ability to navigate change in a positive and productive manner Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges Excellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, planning and detailed record keeping

Compensation

At House of Friendship, we know that our team members are the key to the success of our organization and our ability to provide essential services to the community. In support of our mission and in alignment with our values, House of Friendship is committed to ensuring fair, market competitive, and rewarding compensation practices for all of our team members. We aspire to support our team members to create a great work environment where our team is able to thrive, succeed, and have a positive work experience.

House of Friendship compensation practices including our pay grid, have been developed using documented leading pay practices in the not-for-profit sector including Pathways to Decent Work (Ontario Nonprofit Network) and Ontario Living Wage Network. We value the experience that new team members bring to the organization and have a process in place to review previous related experience for placement on our pay grid.

We value the work that you do with fair pay and benefits

Time off includes three (3) weeks of vacation, 5 personal days and sick credits totaling approximately 12 days per year Full-time benefit plan including Extended Health Care (EHC), Dental, Group Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Long Term Disability (LTD), Flexible Spending Account and Employee & Family Assistance Program We believe strongly in supporting the mental health of our team members, including providing access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, $2,000 for counselling services and our workplace Wellness and Psychological Health and Safety programs We help you save for the future by providing a retirement plan that includes a matched Group Pension Plan as well as a Group RRSP and a Group Tax Free Savings Account

Rate of Pay

At House of Friendship all compensation ranges are categorized under a series of “grades” and we base our payment structure on internal equity. When determining rate of pay, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration.

Grade

• 5
• Min: $27.86
• Mid: $31.97
• Max: $36.08

Working Conditions

37.5 hours per week Required to work intensively with program participants in emotionally charged situations Required to assess situations and make decisions under pressure with minimal supervision or working alone Some group facilitation at community locations Required to meet with participants in their homes and in the community for some programs Travel within Waterloo Region and Wellington County required for some programs Encountering participants at program sites who may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness can be expected

• This role is being posted to fill a current vacancy.
• House of Friendship is open and inviting to qualified candidates with lived experience.
• House of Friendship supports justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace.
• We strive to be a workplace free of harassment and discrimination and we are committed to removing barriers and being an inclusive, work environment.
• House of Friendship is a place where each person can bring their true selves and feel that they belong.
• We aspire to be an organization that is anti-racist and anti-oppressive so that our team, and therefore our community, can truly belong and thrive.
• We invite applications from all qualified candidates and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to accessing employment including, but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
• If you require accommodations to be able to participate fully at any stage in the recruitment process, including applying for this position, please let us know so that we can discuss accommodation options.
• Accommodations will be provided upon request.
• If you are as passionate as we are about serving the community, let’s talk.
• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here: https://house-of-friendship.hirehive.com/addiction-counsellor-cc-kitchener-on-XfiWze By end of day June 15, 2026.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not being used in the screening of applications.