Provide support and counselling to individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges to help them overcome dependencies. Develop educational programs and assist clients in maintaining community supports and daily living skills.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Health or Social Services and at least 2 years of experience in addiction counselling or crisis management. Mandatory certifications include CPI, CPR, First Aid, and a valid Ontario Class G driver's license.
The Addiction Worker has a passion for supporting program participants that are experiencing mental health and/or problematic substance abuse challenges and has the potential to or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide support to individuals with mental health challenges to overcome dependencies who may also have identified substance use concerns
Offer motivational interviews by using the stages of change and a harm reduction philosophy
Conduct assessments for clients identified with substance use challenges and provide counselling to those with complex addictions
Assist with activities of daily living, supportive services, conflict resolution, and crisis avoidance
Consult with other team members to lead the development of educational programs focused within addictions which may include liaising with other community addictions services
Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living and social skills necessary to maintain independency in the community
Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
Responsible for client/resident safety
Key Attributes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Ability to communicate with a highly diverse range of individuals of varying levels of education, professions, and personal life experiences from a broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Able to work respectfully with different cultures and differing perspectives
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Health Services, Social Services, or equivalent
2+ years’ experience with Mental Health Crisis Management and/or Addiction Counselling
Benefits
Competitive Salaries
Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP
Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
Paid Vacation Days
Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Experience or training with Addictions assessment and treatment
Trained on the GAIN-SS and ADAT tools
Experience with the mentally ill while collaborating with partners and other community resources
Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery
Knowledge of mental health and addictions/justice support services
Individual and group counselling skills
Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage is required
Valid certification in CPI, CPR, First Aid, and Assist is mandatory
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply
Reporting Function
The Addiction Worker will report directly to the Program Manager. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization.
They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and organization.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Hours are generally Monday –
Friday, 3:00pm to 11:30pm
Average amount of physical effort is required
Requires the ability of handling light and moderate weight objects including office equipment and other office supplies
Staff will work in an environment designed to accommodate animals of various sizes and temperaments, and must be comfortable performing duties in a pet-controlled setting with exposure to noise, fur, and unpredictable animal behavior
Staff may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. Staff receive training within the first eight weeks of employment
Frequently sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time
Vehicle travel to community sites
Ability to walk up and open doors as required
Ship Values: Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional
About Us
Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.
Accessibility
“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do.
Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process.
We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments.
Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.
Why Work For Us?
Work-Life Balance
SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization
Our Mission To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness
Our Culture Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.
Our Commitment People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:
Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
10 Paid Vacation Days
3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Generous Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Company Culture to be Proud of
Possibility to Create a Real Impact
35+
Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families
5,000+
Clients and Residents served annually
20+
Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario
500+
Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees
Monday - Friday 3
30pm-12am Union | 37.5 hours per week
Market context
Behavioral health roles remain in steady demand
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
