Brief Counsellor

Overview Join us at Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC) and become a catalyst for change in the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of addiction and mental health challenges. This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a real difference in your community and to grow with a team that values your expertise and passion. About PAARC About Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC): PAARC is a notable not-for-profit charitable organization funded by the Ministry of Health, through Ontario Health Central Region. With full accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we\'re dedicated to providing comprehensive services to those dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, and various behavioral dependencies, alongside supporting mental health challenges. Our commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace and a person-centered approach underlines our services and team ethos. Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC) is pleased to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin (CMHA Peel Dufferin) and various other agencies in the Peel Region, including the, to offer services to the local community at the *new* Brampton based Homelessness and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. HART Hubs are community-based care hubs designed to address mental health, addiction and housing needs for people experiencing homelessness. They provide integrated care, offering a wide range of services such as primary care, mental health services, addiction care and employment supports. With targeted community outreach and rapid referral pathways, HART Hubs aim to support individuals with complex needs, helping them recover, achieve housing stability, and inclusion. About the role As a Brief Counsellor you will deliver time-limited, client-centred counselling and case management supports to individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to provide brief interventions, crisis response, assessment and care coordination. What you\'ll do Receive and process client referrals from intake and other sources, supporting clients through screening, comprehensive psychosocial and risk assessments, and treatment planning using evidence-based tools and methods. Deliver time-limited, brief counselling interventions using trauma-informed, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive frameworks tailored to client needs. Provide ongoing case management, including assessments, monitoring progress, create and update safety plans, aftercare, and coordinating specialized referrals Respond to crisis situations with appropriate immediate interventions or referrals, utilizing de-escalation techniques as necessary. Facilitate structured content and process groups, utilizing technology to improve access and care responsiveness. Build and maintain professional relationships with acquired and referred clients, community organizations, and healthcare providers; advocating for the clients\' rights and needs. Initiate and maintain client files and documentation in accordance with best practices and legal guidelines, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness Participate in PAARC All-Staff Events, meetings and training activities, as requested Represent PAARC at all times in a professional manner Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team and evidence of an ability to collaborate and partner. Working knowledge and/or an understanding of various disciplines; including but not exclusive of mental health, substance use, harm reduction, newcomer challenges and barriers faced by those in marginalized populations. Demonstrated cultural competence, ability to work and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as an understanding of social determinants of health and impact on vulnerable communities. Knowledge of a variety of evidence-informed treatment modalities including motivational interviewing and trauma informed practices. Experienced at engaging in matters that require sensitivity and empathy across a diverse community, excellent judgement, and discretion; ability to operate with various frameworks including culturally sensitive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional. Requirements Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or higher in human services or substance use or a related field from an accredited institution or relevant education Registration with a regulatory body required - College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) Experience: 1-3 years of relevant experience supporting individuals with addiction, mental health, concurrent disorders and other concerns. Some knowledge of opioid replacement therapies Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid required; GAIN Q3 MI ONT Certification preferred. Counselling Skills: Strong evidence-based, trauma-informed counselling skills essential. Language Skills: Proficiency in prevalent languages in the Region of Peel (such as Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic) and French considered a strong asset. Transportation: Valid Ontario Driver’s License, insurance, and reliable vehicle required. Working Conditions Onsite at the Brampton HART Hub location (address TBD). Hours of operation are 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday (no bed services at this location) Community based work required to meet with clients Shift work required: 12 hour rotational shift day/afternoons including weekends 10:00am – 10:00pm. Will work 37.5 hours per week Benefits Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, group health/dental plan, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, professional development opportunities Equal Opportunity PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued. #J-18808-Ljbffr