Addiction Counsellor

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.

As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.

As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Under the direction of the Corps Officer, the Addiction Counsellor is responsible for the following areas: counselling, group programing, clientele relations, classroom instruction, group facilitating, administrative co-operation and spiritual input.

• Provide one-on-one addiction counselling using evidence-based approaches.
• Complete addiction assessments and individualized recovery plans.
• Support participants in identifying recovery goals.
• Develop relapse prevention and harm reduction plans.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed.
• Assist participants with motivation for change using Motivational Interviewing.
• Maintain confidential case notes and documentation.

• Understanding Addiction
• Triggers and Cravings
• Relapse Prevention
• Managing Stress Without Substances
• Healthy Relationships
• Trauma and Addiction
• Life Skills in Recovery
• Grief and Loss
• Building Healthy Routines
• Emotional Regulation
• Self-Esteem and Identity
• Recovery Planning

• Meet participants during drop-in hours.
• Provide brief counselling sessions.
• Support participants through difficult life events.
• Help participants navigate recovery services.
• Connect participants with detox, treatment centres, physicians, and mental health supports.
• Assist participants with referrals to residential treatment programs.

• Attend weekly team meetings.
• Collaborate with case workers to develop coordinated support plans.
• Provide consultation to outreach staff regarding participants with addiction concerns.
• Participate in case conferences.
• Help identify barriers preventing employment or housing stability.

• Northern Health Mental Health and Substance Use services
• Detox facilities
• Residential treatment centres
• Recovery houses
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• SMART Recovery
• Indigenous healing and cultural supports where appropriate
• Physicians and nurse practitioners
• Probation and corrections (where applicable).

• Join the outreach team occasionally.
• Engage individuals who may not access office-based services.
• Build rapport with people experiencing homelessness.
• Offer harm reduction education.
• Provide overdose awareness and naloxone education.

• Understanding Addiction
• Budgeting During Recovery
• Nutrition and Recovery
• Coping Skills
• Sleep and Recovery
• Stress Management
• Mindfulness
• Healthy Communication
• Employment…