Addictions Counsellor

JOIN ADAPT'S IMPACTFUL TEAM
Become part of the ADAPT team-where your work truly matters. We champion career development, foster a positive and supportive culture, and celebrate a diverse and inclusive environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position: Harm Reduction Case Manager

Type of role: full time, 37.5 hrs/ week
Location: Hybrid (ADAPT Burlington office with travelling across Halton Region + work from home office)

Posting is for an existing vacancy.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• A fun, cooperative, and diverse team environment


• Exceptional work–life balance with growth opportunities


• Top of the line benefits and competive salaries with clear progression path


• Cross‑professional collaboration to enhance your skills and impact


• Access to ongoing training and career development

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Summary

The Harm Reduction Case Manager works as a member of the greater outreach & case management programming at ADAPT. The Harm Reduction Case Manager provides preventive, educational and/or supportive care. Services will include community outreach, harm reduction & withdrawal education, immediate safety planning including overdose prevention information, comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, referral and bridging to other ADAPT programming, counselling, monitoring of health status, case management, referral/ advocacy/ system navigation to community partners based on client need and transitional case planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct Clinical Services: co-ordinates and participates in the direct clinical care of individuals with complex needs with a portion of those who are currently or formerly opioid/ polysubstance users at high risk of relapse or overdose, specifically:

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  • Provides a full range of assessment, treatment planning, counselling, and case management services, including specialized opioid/ polysubstance use and assessment services through a combination of diagnostic tools, individual structured interviews and motivational interviewing. Completes initial safety planning education for all assigned clients including harm reduction, withdrawal information, safe withdrawal management planning (including referral to CWMS programming or other supervised withdrawal), overdose prevention education, and supervised medical treatment like OAT.
  
  
  • Assesses both short and long term existing and potential risks to the client’s health and safety and educates/plans for these accordingly.
  
  
  • Develops a comprehensive treatment plan in partnership with the client (and additional health care providers where appropriate) that is based on thorough review of assessment information and a harm reduction approach to change.
  
  
  • Facilitates the implementation of the treatment plan including the provision of individual counselling, coordination and monitoring of appropriate and timely referrals to additional programs /services (e.g. inpatient programs, mental health services, medical care services).
    
  
  
  • Supports the client in addressing basic needs which may include creation of a crisis and/ or safety plan, referral/ advocacy/ assistance in navigating to and applying for services like primary care, housing, immigration, justice, education, employment, financial supports (OW or ODSP), and/ or life skills instruction.
  
  
  • Identify and establish a circle of care of family/ friends/ other informal supports who will voluntarily support the treatment plan (and consents obtained if needed) toward identifying and building social capital and community supports/ social and recreational activities (including culturally specific supports) and establishing pathways to lesser intensive services or graduation from service.
  
  
  • Collaborates with community partners 
  
  
  • Facilitates client groups as well as groups for family and friends as required.
  
  
  • Participates in community education and public awareness events as required.
  
  
  
  

WHAT WE ASK FOR

Education

University degree/ diploma in Social Work and/ or Health-related field plus Addiction/ Concurrent Disorders studies certification, or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Licenses, certification, credentials

• Registered Social Worker (RSW) designation with the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario is an asset.


• Current CPR and First Aid certification is required.


• ASIST training or equivalent is required.


• CPI training is an asset.


• CACC certification is an asset

Experience

• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience.


• Experience in:
  
  
  
  • Community development and networking;
  
  
  • Record keeping and file management;
  
  
  • Basic life skills counselling, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and group work;
  
  
  • Applied knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories, mental illness, and community resources
  
  
  • Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change
  
  
  
  

YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of substances and withdrawal symptoms, with strength in complex care, opioid and polysubstance use and withdrawal, risk mitigation to relapse and overdose.


• Good knowledge of mental health issues and related legislation, specifically Ontario’s Mental Health Act and PHIPA.


• CBT/DBT/MI counselling skills an asset.


• Demonstrated skill in addiction assessment and treatment.


• Demonstrated skill and knowledge about concurrent disorders.


• Knowledge of and comfort with the outreach approach to treatment.


• Comfort and experience with Harm Reduction as a treatment approach/philosophy.


• Ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.


• Cultural knowledge of key populations in Halton Region that will be served to address disparities in specific services.


• Ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.


• Knowledge of the history of discrimination in America, particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others.


• Knowledge of French language an asset


• Must undergo a police record check


• To successfully fulfill duties of the role, current valid driver's licence and regular access to a dependable vehicle is required

WORK CONDITIONS

• Community: public places, community partner sites and clients’ homes and/ or ADAPT busy office environment.


• Able to fulfill all duties and work hours from a remote/home location, whenever required;


• Able to work 37.5hrs/week; flexibility is requires when meeting clients’ needs in evenings and on occasional weekends;


• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.


• Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions).

WHY ADAPT?

ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of Ontario’s largest and most diversified addiction and mental health agencies, offering comprehensive services to help those impacted by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

We believe your best work comes when you feel empowered, included, and supported, because thriving employees create thriving communities. We offer competitive compensation, generous paid time off, a flexible hybrid work environment, and comprehensive tools to support your professional growth.

Accessibility and Accommodation

ADAPT is committed to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): we will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process. When invited to an interview, you can request accommodations, and we’ll tailor the process to suit your needs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

ADAPT values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience to apply.

You are invited to submit your resume and cover letter.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hiring

ADAPT is not using AI in hiring for this role.

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Personal information is managed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.