Canadian Mental Health Association·McDougall, Ontario
Provide counselling, support services, and care planning to individuals and families impacted by substance use and gambling. Collaborate with community partners to build capacity and reduce stigma through education and prevention.
35 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Permanent Base office: Parry Sound Competition #: 52-26 Purpose of the Position: The Addiction Counsellor provides counselling and support services to individuals, families and communities experiencing and/or impacted by substance use and/or gambling to aid in the understanding of the effects of substance use and gambling. This position includes care planning, referrals, group facilitation and supportive counselling. The position will encompass community-based capacity building and stigma reduction through education and prevention, consultation, and collaboration. Intervention aids in the understanding of the effects of substance use and co-occurring mental health issues and enhanced coping, improved health status and skill development in all life domains. The role will involve working closely with key community partners such as area schools, children’s mental health, school personnel, family physicians, hospitals, withdrawal management services, etc. Service delivery occurs in a range of office and community settings. Education and Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a human service/health science discipline relevant to the position. Equivalency may be considered for a combination of educational experiences. Examples of equivalency include: Addictions: Diploma in human services/health sciences PLUS post-diploma specialization in addictions Mental Health related diploma with relevant work experience PLUS registration with a regulated health professional college Registration with a recognized college (i.e., OCSWSSW) an asset One year of experience working with persons who have mental illness and/or developmental disability and/or substance use issues preferred, plus experience in providing one or more of the following preferred: supportive counselling case management crisis intervention Manage internal and external relationships, to have and demonstrate empathy and compassion, to be aware of emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and the understanding of the feelings, ideas and beliefs of others Indigenous cultural awareness and education is an asset Ability to work autonomously as well as cooperatively within a team environment in a rural setting Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, the Internet, and electronic medical records A willingness to serve clients within the communities of the District of Muskoka and Parry Sound A valid Ontario G or G2 driver’s license, a safe and reliable means of transportation, and appropriate insurance for work purposes on your vehicle with a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage. Bilingual in French/English language considered an asset Work schedule may include days/evenings/weekends and statutory holidays. Salary scale: $29.85 to $39.09 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Optional enrollment in aRegistered Retirement plan with HOOPP where contributions start on date of hire. You are invited to submit your application by quoting competition number 52-26 by 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, to: The Hiring Committee Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka-Parry Sound Branch 173-202 Manitoba Street Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1S3 Telephone (705) 645-2262 Online: CMHA MPS Careers Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka – Parry Sound (CMHAMPS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace. Qualified consumers/survivors and/or family members are encouraged to apply We retain all applications submitted for one year after the closing date of this posting for consideration in any future postings. As part of our commitment to Accessibility, if you wish this information in a different format, please contact our office at 705-645-2262 or email feedback@cmhamps.ca. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know prior to the interview if you require accommodation. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in human services or health sciences, or an equivalent combination of diploma and specialization. Preference is given to candidates with experience in mental health, substance use, and a valid Ontario driver's license.
Market context
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.
