Provide strengths-based, harm-reduction counseling to clients through individual and group sessions to improve health and social outcomes. Manage a clinical caseload, conduct intake and assessments, and coordinate care plans while advocating for client needs.
Counsellor, Substance Use Direct Service - (OPSEU) Full-Time, Contract (End date
February 8, 2027) This posting is the result of an upcoming vacancy London, ON (London Zone)
Application
Deadline: August 25, 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 support clients (ages 12+) with a strengths-based, empathetic, harm reduction approach and 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. 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 (Level 1 –
Direct
Service,
Regulated): Successful candidates must be registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) 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 over two-week period;
Hours will be
Monday to
Friday including daytime shifts 8:30am-4:30pm and one evening shift 12pm-8pm Your pension plan - Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of
Ontario
Pension
Plan (HOOPP)
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-centred treatment plan. 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
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.
Supervision
Actively participate in the clinical supervision matrix, i.e. engage in both individual and group clinical supervision to improve client care and increase staff confidence and clinical competence Actively participate in administrative supervision to ensure compliance with agency and regulatory bodies, policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines
Provide peer support
Scheduling/Coverage: Provide coverage for other team members as volunteered/directed. Be available for evening clinical work during regular office hours and on occasion outside of regular hours as needed and when appropriate. Provide clinical services in satellite offices and other locations as required
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 4 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 required (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript) Registration with a professional college (i.e. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, COTO) required Valid Driver's Licence and access to a vehicle with adequate insurance to transport clients Current, clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly
We prefer the following qualifications: 3 years’ experience working in addictions or mental health Clinical work experience ideally in substance use treatment including intake services Demonstrated ability to work with clients who live with multiple challenges related to marginalization, mental illness, substance use, complex health challenges, street level sex work, poverty, homelessness, and trauma Extensive knowledge of community resources, service & support programs, and barriers clients face in accessing same Working knowledge of a variety of treatment, intervention, and support strategies Computer literacy Ability to assess level of risk in regards to clients ASIST and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training First Aid & CPR Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues 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 –
August 25, 2026: 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
Requirements
Requires a post-secondary degree in a related field such as BSW or a post-graduate diploma in addictions, along with registration with a professional college. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
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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.
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