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**

As an **Addictions Counsellor**, you will be integral to the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of PAARC's **Street Outreach Program**. This role involves processing referrals, conducting comprehensive assessments, and creating evidence-informed care plans, including crisis and communication plans. You will provide ongoing supportive counselling and case management, respond to crises, and facilitate structured group sessions. Additionally, you will maintain professional relationships with clients, community organizations, and healthcare providers, advocating for the clients' rights and needs. This position requires a dedicated individual who can work as part of a multidisciplinary team, committed to PAARC's mission and values.

This is a full-time, permanent role working at our head office on Dixie Road (Mississauga) and within the community (75% travel required).

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.
- 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.
- Participate actively in case conferences and consultations with treatment providers and other community organizations, fostering collaborative care.
- Initiate and maintain client files and documentation in accordance with best practices and legal guidelines, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness

**Skills & Competencies**
- Strong clinical skills in substance abuse withdrawal management, with the ability to perform brief psychosocial and risk assessments.
- 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 of issues with withdrawal 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 or relevant education with commensurate experience.
- Experience: Specified minimum 2 years of relevant experience required.
- 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 and French considered a strong asset.
- Transportation: Valid Ontario Driver’s License, insurance, and reliable vehicle required.

**Working Conditions**
- Office environment and community-based settings.
- 35-hour work week; Mon & Wed - Fri 8:30 am
- 4:30 pm, Tues 12:30pm-8pm
- Required travel to clients homes and community facilities.