Provide intake, screening, assessment, and evidence-informed counselling for clients experiencing substance use and mental health concerns. Develop client-centered treatment plans and facilitate service navigation and advocacy to improve overall wellness and social outcomes.
Requirements summary
Requires post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., BSW or addictions diploma), registration with a professional college, and a valid driver's license with a vehicle. A current Police Vulnerable Sector Check is mandatory for employment.
Counsellor, Addiction – Substance Use Direct Service, Regulated - (OPSEU) Full-Time, Permanent This posting is the result of a current vacancy London, Ontario (London Zone)
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 -
We believe that change is possible, for those who are concerned with their substance use and ready to explore options of support.
As a Counsellor in the Substance Use program, you’ll met clients with empathy, and use a strength-based, harm reduction approach to work alongside them on their recovery journey.
Through one-to-one and group sessions you’ll help clients improve their health, social outcomes and overall quality of life; while also providing referrals and connections to other supports and resources to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving their wellness.
The position includes providing intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, counselling, referral for those experiencing addiction and mental health concerns.
Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!
WHAT WE'RE OFFERING: What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated: Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, 1-hour unpaid break Your pension plan –Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) What your benefits will be – After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare benefits HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Intake, Screening, Crisis: Scheduled participation in the provision of Intake Services Select, administer and interpret evidence-informed screening tools as a part of a standardized screening process to determine program eligibility and level of care required.
Recognize and respond effectively to an individual/group/community in crisis Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation Assessment: Utilize standardized provincial assessment tools to determine a client’s suitability for services and level of care.
Adhere to the quality assurance measures for the provincial standardized assessment tools Provide clinical interpretation of assessment tools and utilize skillful motivational interviewing techniques for the purpose of informing the development of a client-centered treatment plan.
Benefits
Extended Healthcare Benefits
Healthcare Of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Provide re-assessment on an on-going basis for individuals to assess treatment progression and adjust treatment plan as appropriate Counselling and Treatment: Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients to maximize the benefits of engagement through high ethical standards Actively increase client motivation by utilizing a Stages of Change paradigm and motivational interviewing Apply a comprehensive range of evidence-informed counselling styles and techniques aimed at improving the client’s overall bio-psycho-social-spiritual health Use best practice, promising practices and evidence-informed models and treatment modalities when working with clients in individual or group settings.
Develop a formalized treatment plan including preliminary case management, goal setting, individual and/or group counselling, referrals, advocacy and education as appropriate in collaboration with the client to improve their social determinants of health Evaluate and update the treatment plan as appropriate.
Case Management: Demonstrate knowledge and skill required to match clients with the most appropriate available services as determined through the screening, assessment, referral and treatment planning process.
Manage and meet targets for a clinical caseload and maintain direct service requirements.
Participate in the facilitation of community treatment groups as needed and appropriate.
Service Coordination/Navigation and Advocacy: Facilitate successful service navigation for clients through empowerment and/or advocacy Participate and lead client centred case conferences i.e.
Coordinated Care Plans (CCP’s), Community Plans etc. to assist in provision of care.
Advocate Evaluate and update the treatment plan as appropriate.
Information and Referral: Demonstrate a knowledge of best practices and provide support in regards to addiction treatment, including a basic understanding of all types of addiction, the treatment continuum and the continuum of use.
Provide services in person, on the phone or another means of communication about addiction and mental health services and supports.
Provide education to clients and concerned others regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies.
As requested, deliver effective outreach services targeting prevention and health promotion, early intervention, treatment and/or after care service to a broad range of client populations.
Engage in community development, community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY: Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months.
Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.
We require the following qualifications
Post-secondary education in a related field, e.g. BSW, post-graduate diploma in addictions or equivalent (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript) G Driver’s Licence and proof of current automobile insurance and access to a reliable vehicle Registration with a professional college (i.e. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO) Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly
We prefer the following qualifications: First Aid & CPR Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST training program Clinical work experience ideally in substance use treatment including intake services Experience working with individuals experiencing addiction concerns, supporting youth populations, and supporting individuals experiencing criminal justice involvement an asset. Comfort and skill with public speaking and group facilitation
Interdisciplinary experience in the following sectors: child welfare, medical, mental health, violence against women Demonstrated ability to work with individuals living with multiple challenges related to marginalization, including involvement with the criminal justice system, mental illness, addictions, substance use, complex health challenges, street-level sex work, poverty, homelessness, abuse and trauma
Resourcefulness: Able to recognize and diffuse potential conflict situations; confidence to provide recommendations in high intensity situations "on the record" to advocate for client rights and needs Strong ability to work collaboratively with community service providers Proficiency with computers, smart phones, variety of software programs including presentation technology Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux languages officielles du Canada
Internal applicants
To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address. Get your application in by – June 15, 2025 Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact Human.Resources@cmhatv.ca
Legal
Notifications:
For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes
