Addictions Counsellor

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 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.

**About the role**

PAARC is partnering with the Region of Peel to provide an exciting new counselling and case management service for individuals living with addiction challenges, directly within three Peel Region shelters: Cawthra (2500 Cawthra Road, Mississauga), Wilkinson (15 Wilkinson Road, Brampton) and Motel 6 (160 Steelwell Road, Brampton). We are hiring 3 Counsellor/case managers, one for each location.

This is an amazing opportunity for staff who are interested in starting a new program for clients who have experienced trauma and marginalization. The Counsellor/Case Manager will be integrated into the on-site shelter team and will work collaboratively with clients and the care team. You will be responsible for providing counselling support to clients residing in the shelters, offering group counselling sessions and providing training for shelter staff amongst other responsibilities. Strong relationship building skills are essential for success.

While the employee will be a PAARC staff they will spend the majority of their days providing services directly in the shelter. A Peer Mentor will also be assigned to support the service and there will be ongoing evaluation.

Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, group health/dental plan, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, remote work one day per week, professional development opportunities

**What you'll do**
- Conduct intake, screening, assessment, and treatment planning, using appropriate tools and methods to ensure the eligibility and ongoing needs of applicants.
- Collaborate with clients to develop evidence-informed care plans, including holistic crisis and communication plans. May be required to provide continued care for clients should they leave the shelter (within Region of Peel) as needed.
- Provide ongoing supportive counselling and case management, including assessment, referral, aftercare, and discharge, while effectively managing a defined caseload.
- Respond to crisis situations with appropriate interventions and support clients in developing and understanding healthy boundaries.
- Engage prospective shelter clients in the community, promoting the services and supports that PAARC can offer.
- Participate actively in case conferences and consultations with treatment providers and other community organizations, fostering collaborative care.
- Facilitate structured group sessions as needed on topics such as psychoeducation and harm reduction.
- Initiate and maintain client files and documentation in accordance with best practices and legal guidelines, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients, shelter staff, and other community partners.

**Skills & Competencies**
- Knowledge and/or experience working with clients in various personal circumstances or settings - including but not limited to transitional housing/homelessness, adults, seniors, youth, mandated client programs and those within the criminal justice system.
- Clinical skills in addiction and substance abuse, concurrent disorders and/or withdrawal management, with the ability to perform brief psychosocial and risk assessments.
- Knowledge of evidence-based treatment methodologies for addiction, including cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing.
- Experience in delivering counselling services through individual sessions, group therapy, group facilitation and/or educational workshops.
- Proficiency in non-violent crisis intervention techniques and CPR/First Aid.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work empathetically with people from all socio-economic backgrounds, including marginalized/stigmatized populations
- Critical thinking skills and the capacity to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated knowledge and a philosophy of substance abuse aligned with PAARC's philosophy.

**Requirements**:

- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field from an accredited institution