Counsellor II

Location: Sault Ste. Marie

Location:

HART Hub, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Status:  Full-Time (2 new positions)
Classification:  B
Salary:  $32.66 – $39.77/hour (Bachelor’s level) – per OPSEU Local 684 Collective Agreement

Reports To:

Program Supervisor

About CMHA Algoma
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Algoma Branch (CMHA Algoma) is a community-based mental health and addictions agency committed to improving the well‑being of individuals and families throughout the Algoma District. Guided by our mission, vision, and values of respect, integrity, and compassion, we deliver a broad range of programs and services to meet diverse community needs.

About the HART Hub
The HART Hub (Housing, Addiction, Recovery, and Trauma-informed) is a community‑driven initiative addressing the complex challenges of homelessness, addiction, and mental health. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, the Hub serves as a centralized, inclusive space connecting individuals, frontline providers, and community organizations.

By integrating health, housing, and social services, the HART Hub reduces barriers, strengthens service coordination, and fosters resilience across our community. The Hub currently operates 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with plans to expand toward a 24/7 service model.

Position Summary
The Counsellor provides therapeutic services that promote improved symptom management, stronger interpersonal relationships, and enhanced capacity for clients to realize personal goals and participate fully in the community. Services are delivered to individuals, couples, and groups using a range of evidence‑based, trauma‑informed modalities.

Working as part of the Counselling Team, the Counsellor provides prevention, assessment, referral, clinical counselling, and follow‑up services for individuals and family members affected by mental health and substance use concerns.

All duties are carried out in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of CMHA Algoma, relevant legislation and regulations, and agency policies to ensure the delivery of high‑quality, client‑centred services.

Counsellors may work across one or more of the following areas:

Mental Health Counselling:  Individual, client‑centered therapy addressing issues related to serious mental illness and/or concurrent disorders.

Substance Use Counselling:  Individual counselling addressing substance‑related disorders and related behaviours using harm‑reduction and recovery‑focused approaches.

General Counselling:  Brief, solution‑focused psychotherapy for adults, couples, or groups.

Family Counselling:  Counselling for family members or significant others impacted by a loved one’s mental health or addiction.

Crisis Counselling:  Immediate, short‑term, goal‑oriented intervention for individuals in acute emotional distress or crisis. Emphasizes stabilization, safety planning, de‑escalation, and linkage to ongoing supports within CMHA Algoma or community partners.

Key Responsibilities

Engage clients and conduct comprehensive assessments to identify strengths, needs, and goals.

Deliver therapeutic interventions using evidence‑based modalities (e.g., CBT, motivational interviewing, solution‑focused therapy).

Provide crisis intervention, stabilization, and safety planning as required.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to support coordinated care.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation consistent with professional standards and agency policy.

Advocate for clients and contribute to reducing systemic barriers to mental health and addiction services.

Participate in program evaluation, team meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
Education and Certification

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) required;
Master’s level in a related field preferred.

Current registration in good standing with OCSWSSW or a regulated health profession under the RHPA (mandatory).

ASIST and CPI certification (or willingness to obtain within 3 months).

Experience

Minimum 1-3 years’ experience providing counselling in mental health and/or addictions settings, preferably in community‑based environments.

Demonstrated experience conducting bio‑psychosocial assessments and using therapeutic modalities such as…