Addiction Counsellor

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING: OPEN UNTIL APRIL 19, 2024

ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Job Status: Permanent

Base office: Parry Sound

Competition #: 26-24

Purpose of the Position: The Addiction Counsellor provides a range of community-based addiction services to individuals experiencing and/or impacted by substance use. The role will provide counselling including assessment, care planning and referrals. The role will also encompass case management and community-based capacity building and stigma reduction through community education, development, and liaison. Intervention aids understanding of the effects of substance use and co-occurring mental health issues, while supporting positive change and enhanced coping, improved health status and skill development in all life domains. The role will involve working closely with key community partners such as the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics, family physicians, hospitals, withdrawal management services, etc. Service delivery occurs in a range of office and/or community settings

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a human service/health science discipline relevant to the position. Equivalency may be considered for a combination of educational experiences. Examples of equivalency include:
• • Addictions: Diploma in human services/health sciences PLUS post-diploma specialization in addictions
  • Mental Health related diploma with relevant work experience PLUS registration with a regulated health professional college
• Addiction positions require registration with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation or eligible and willing to acquire registration with clear goals to become certified.
• One year of experience working with persons who have mental illness and/or developmental disability and/or substance use issues preferred, plus experience in providing one or more of the following preferred:
  • supportive counselling
  • case management
  • crisis intervention
• Manage internal and external relationships, to have and demonstrate empathy and compassion, to be aware of emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and the understanding of the feelings, ideas and beliefs of others.
• Indigenous cultural awareness and education is an asset.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as cooperatively within a team environment in a rural setting
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, the Internet, and data management software
• A willingness to serve clients within the communities of the District of Muskoka and Parry Sound
• A valid Ontario G or G2 driver's license, a safe and reliable means of transportation, and appropriate insurance for work purposes on your vehicle with a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
• Bilingual in French/English language considered an asset
• Work schedule may include days/evenings/weekends and statutory holidays.

Salary scale: $29.26 – $38.32 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits include: Comprehensive benefit plan and enrollment in a Registered Retirement plan with HOOPP where contributions start on date of hire.

You are invited to submit your application by quoting competition number 26-24 to:

The Hiring Committee

Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka-Parry Sound Branch

Manitoba Street

Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1S3 Telephone Online: CMHA MPS Careers

Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka – Parry Sound (CMHAMPS) is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Qualified consumers/survivors and/or family members are encouraged to apply

We retain all applications submitted for one year after the closing date of this posting for consideration in any future postings.

As part of our commitment to Accessibility, if you wish this information in a different format, please contact our office at or email

If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know prior to the interview if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.