Youth and Young Adult Counsellor

Job Title: Youth and Young Adult Addictions Counsellor

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Reports To: Manager, Youth and Young Adult Portfolio

Job Status: Two (2) Full-Time Term Positions (Until March 31, 2026)

Starting Rate of Pay: $28.91/hour, 37.5 hours per week

Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services is a non-profit organization that provides counselling, education and treatment to individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and gambling in Ottawa. Rideauwood serves over 2500 clients yearly in Youth and Adult Programs.

We are currently receiving applications for Two (2) Youth and Young Adult Addictions Counsellor who will work in a full-time temporary capacity ending March 31st, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide clinical practice and interventions to youth population relating to intake, assessment, education, treatment, consultation, and referral for clients who are currently experiencing, or are affected by problems related to substance use, as well as family members;
• Provide individual counselling, group counselling and psychoeducational groups to clients, both in short-term & long-term capacities, as well as at Rideauwood and in the community;
• Work effectively with clients who present with multiple and complex problems, including challenges with substance use, concurrent addiction and mental health issues, legal problems, unemployment and limited income, medical problems, and limitations imposed by restrictions in access to other socio-economic determinants of health;
• Work within Rideauwood's framework and standards, using harm reduction or abstinence focused models based on the client's needs;
• Review and evaluate client's progress and adjust treatment plans as required. Provide feedback and support to clients;
• Accept and make referrals to outside agencies;
• Take an active role in preparing for and participating in community presentations, activities, capacity-building and meetings;
• Participate in all assigned meetings, staff development and training as required;
• Contribute actively to administrative and teamwork functions;
• Maintain client records and statistics; and,
• Other duties, as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a three (3) year degree in a health or social sciences related discipline from an accredited post-secondary institution; mental health and addictions certification an asset.
• Minimum of three (3) year recent related experience.
• Significant understanding of substance use issues, mental health issues, concurrent disorders, problem gambling, and evidence-based treatment practices to address them;
• Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in contemporary assessment and psychosocial counselling techniques, including addiction & mental health issues among youth, in communities and society at large;
• Experience in facilitation or co-facilitation of group programming for youth, adult and/or parents;
• Comprehensive knowledge of and skilled practice in individual, family, group, and crisis counselling methods, and case management;
• Ability to provide culturally competent service to clients of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is essential and experience completing comprehensive mental health assessments as part of an interdisciplinary team;
• Ability to deal effectively with crises, including a threat of self-harm, or harm to others;
• Knowledge of mental health and trauma and how they relate to addictions;
• Knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering services in the community;
• Knowledge of legislation applicable to performance of job responsibilities;
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment;
• Familiar and proficient with computers, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office suite; and,
• Registration and/or certification with appropriate professional college or licensing body is desirable.

WAGE PROGRESSION

• Step 1 - $28.91
• Step 2 - $29.21
• Step 3 -$29.50
• Step 4 - $29.80
• Step 5 - $30.09
• Step 6 -$30.40
• Step 7 -$30.70
• Step 8 - $31.02
• Step 9 - $31.34

If you are interested in this position, please submit a current resume and letter of interest via Indeed answering the following questions:

Based on your experience and practice, and given what you know about this position:

(1) what motivated you to apply for this position, and

(2) what makes you a suitable candidate for this position?

Rideauwood is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity and inclusion. If any accommodations are needed for applicants during the selection process, please notify HR at

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 5 months

Pay: $28.91 per hour

Work Location: In person