Adoption Counselor

Full‑time contracts ending March 31 st , 2027 with possibility of extension 35 hours/week, with evening work as required Hourly Rate $28.50
- $35.02 per hour The Counsellor will provide treatment and case management services to youth and emerging adults at risk within the Residential Support Treatment Program and in the community where substance use is the primary concern. The formats of service include individual counselling, youth-focused groups, outreach, advocacy and role modelling. The Youth Addiction Counsellor will provide linkages to other community programs and agencies to facilitate contacts and services that will support the youth in finding opportunities, solutions and resources to improve their social determinants of health as well as facilitate daily treatment programs within the program. A relevant undergraduate degree plus two years of addiction experience or a relevant two year Community College diploma with five years of addiction experience. Registered with/or in the process of registering with a regulatory college (i.e. Ontario College of Social Workers/Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario). Previous experience specifically providing counselling and therapeutic supports to youth and Emerging Adults in a variety of formats including residential treatment programs and community-based outreach supports Training and experience in family counselling and preventative approaches to substance use support delivery Experience in harm reductions, safety planning and crisis intervention. Current criminal record check for vulnerable sector. Current First Aid and CPR certification. Experience using CRMS database. Experience working in a trauma informed care setting. Training in DBT, CBT and/or Solution‑Focused Therapy would be considered an asset. Ability to manage crisis and adverse situations with staff, youth and families. Work independently in the community within the housing locations. Regular work week is 35 hours/week, including some evening/weekend work and a rotation of after‑hours on‑call responsibilities. Services will be provided specifically at the Residential Supportive Treatment program as well as at CASON’s main office or at locations in the community. CASON offers a supportive work environment and a competitive benefits package that prioritizes employee well‑being, financial security, and professional growth, including: The salary range is $28.50
- $35.02 per hour, based on education and experience. Comprehensive health and dental benefits available after 3 months, including extended health care, prescriptions, dental, vision, paramedical services, travel insurance, gender affirmation care, long‑term disability, life and AD&D, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employer‑matched pension plan after 6 months (3% employer contribution matched with 3% employee contribution), with optional voluntary contributions and access to a Financial Advisor. Professional support, including coverage of regulatory college fees (OCSWSSW and CRPO). Generous paid time off, including 2 weeks’ vacation to start (increasing to 3 weeks after 1 year), 16 paid health days, and 2 personal days annually. Determine the youth’s specific needs, goals, presenting concerns, and stage of change through motivational interviewing, mutual investigation and exploration. Build a therapeutic alliance with youth to support them in articulating their needs for service. Engage youth and their families to identify issues and barriers to accessing community services. Initial Treatment Planning Collaborate with Youth to engage in the development of an individualized treatment plan based on the Youth’s strengths, prioritized problematic areas, readiness for change and preferences. Facilitate integration into the specific housing accommodation identified for the client, including a pre‑visit to the house, introductions to roommates along with reviewing expectations in a shared living space. Facilitate access to programs, services and opportunities in response to the youth and their family’s needs and requests. Counselling and Therapeutic Treatment Services Provide services within an understanding of the context of oppression, poverty and diversity. Conduct individual and group counselling sessions. Relapse prevention, preventative approaches, crisis intervention and family counselling. Coach youth into skilful behaviour so they can intervene on their own behalf. Maintain a professional counselling relationship between the client and counsellor. Develop linkages and maintain effective working relationships with other community services and agencies to facilitate contacts and services for youth and their families. Administrative Maintain a complete, accurate and comprehensive clinical record of each client, following agency standards for documentation. Participate in co‑facilitation of group counselling program