Addiction Counsellor

Apply By: Friday, June 26, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

1 Temporary 12 months with possible extension

Job code: 10218 - Rehabilitation Officer 2, Correctional Services

$1,213.06 - $1,484.47 Per week

* Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Transform Lives. Join Our Team. Experience Fulfillment.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others? Become an Addiction Counsellor with the Ministry of the Solicitor General in the Hamilton‑Wentworth Detention Centre. As an Addiction Counsellor, you will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of inmates at our institution. You'll work with a diverse client population, collaborating with dedicated professionals within a structured correctional environment.

Your expertise will directly contribute to the rehabilitation and support of inmates, creating lasting positive change every day.

• Develop addiction counselling programs with the Manager, Social Work, and Rehabilitative Services.
• Provide rehabilitative addiction counselling to individuals and groups.
• Participate in case conferences, treatment planning, discharge planning, and family coordination.
• Engage as a member of the Methadone Treatment Program.
• Liaise with community agencies, self‑help organisations, and various stakeholders.

• Expertise in addiction counselling theories, practices, techniques, and community referral networks.
• Ability to learn correctional rehabilitative and discharge planning methods.
• Skill in integrating discharge planning with addiction counselling.
• Capability to recommend program changes or terminations based on offender commitment.

• Skill in learning institutional policies and addiction program procedures.
• Ability to ensure programs align with security and correctional goals.
• Knowledge of community resources for support and discharge planning.

• Convey facts and security requirements to offenders and the public, promoting understanding of the institution's role.
• Prepare brochures, correspondence, and reports.
• Create materials and speaking notes for community groups, students, and volunteers.
• Handle requests and complaints, clarify information, and encourage compliance and cooperation.

• Evaluate and recommend changes to programs, and counsel volunteers.
• Determine program needs based on input from staff and offenders.
• Address participation issues, considering security and offender needs.
• Use computer systems to manage inmate data and prepare reports and materials.

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialised individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti‑Racism Policy

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:

• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• a comprehensive compensation and benefits package
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance‑based pay and scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self‑funded leave and more
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment