Addictions Counsellor

Job Summary & Requirements

RVH’s Supportive Pre‑Treatment Program provides a low‑barrier, substance‑free, live‑in based service for individuals who do not require intensive Live‑In Treatment or are awaiting admission to more intensive treatment services.

The Addiction Counsellor is responsible for providing a broad range of addiction counselling and related supportive services to clients and their families. The Addiction Counsellor is responsible for facilitating client activities within a Live‑In program and ensuring the clients participate in daily activities that support their recovery goals. In collaboration with other team members, they will ensure clients and their families are supported through the completion of admissions, ongoing assessments, individual and group counselling, life skills and discharge planning.

2 Regular Part‑Time

• Degree or Diploma in Health or Social Science field or equivalent required.
• College certificate in Addiction Studies from a recognized institution required.
• Certification as an Addiction Counsellor (International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICAD) or Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor (CCAC)) preferred.
• Membership with a relevant college/registering body considered an asset (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
• Certification in non‑violent crisis intervention considered an asset.
• Formal training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/Dialectical Behavioural Therapy/ Solution‑focused Therapy/Family Therapy and/or Supportive counselling considered an asset.
• Suicide Prevention training (e.g., ASSIST) considered an asset.
• Current Basic CPR and First Aid certifications.

• 1‑3 years direct care experience working with individuals with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.
• Experience working with individuals who face co‑existing socio‑economic barriers such as poverty, isolation, difficulty accessing programs and services, physical isolation, discrimination, criminalization, and homelessness.
• Experience with principles of risk management and de‑escalation techniques.
• Working knowledge of community resources to support addictions and mental health.
• Knowledge of pharmacology and prescription medications is preferred.

• Use of supportive counselling techniques to assist clients to gain self‑confidence and progress in their goals.
• Experience facilitating psycho educational group sessions and facilitating discharge planning considered an asset.
• Assist clients in determining how their support systems are involved in their care and work collaboratively with clients to acquire and maintain needed services and resources.
• Maintaining clear, accurate and timely documentation, including but not limited to admission notes, daily progress reports, and related reports.
• Ability to identify additional/alternative services and complete appropriate referrals as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.
• Strong commitment to the provision of client‑centred care.

• Providing individual and group counselling.
• Completing addiction related assessments.
• Providing health teaching and education in individual and group settings.
• Facilitation of psycho educational and life skills groups.
• Maintaining clear, accurate and timely documentation, including admission notes, daily progress reports and discharge summaries.
• Utilizing crisis intervention techniques as required.
• Completing referrals to community partners and facilitating transition to alternative community supports.
• Developing transition plans with clients and their supports and facilitating family information/support sessions as required.
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Acting as liaison between patients and community partners, ensuring patients are connected with the appropriate community agencies prior to time of discharge.
• Completing intakes, assessments, and case management services, utilizing a client‑centred, strength‑based, harm‑reduction approach to clients experiencing substance use and mental health challenges.
• Coaching or assisting clients in the development/maintenance of abilities relating to activities of daily living, self‑care, crisis management strategies, symptom management, maintaining a support network, and skills teaching such as budgeting, grocery shopping and other life skills.
• Supporting patients in the coordination of safety plans and liaising with services that will support the individual’s recovery goals.
• Other duties as assigned.