Addictions Specialist

About the Job:

The Addiction Worker has a passion for supporting program participants that are experiencing mental health and/or problematic substance abuse challenges and has the potential to or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide support to individuals with mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges on a multidisciplinary team
• Offer motivational interviews by using the stages of change and a harm reduction philosophy
• Conduct assessments for clients identified with substance use challenges and provide counselling to those with complex addictions
• Assist with activities of daily living, supportive services, conflict resolution, and crisis avoidance
• Consult with other team members to lead the development of educational programs and service plans related to substance use and concurrent disorders which may include liaising with other community addictions services
• Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living and social skills necessary to maintain independence in the community
• Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
• Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
• Adhere to agency Health & Safety Program, the Client Safety Framework and EDI Framework in the promotion of client safety and quality service
• Perform additional duties as required or delegated by Management

Key Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to communicate with a highly diverse range of individuals of varying levels of education, professions, and personal life experiences from a broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Able to work respectfully with different cultures and differing perspectives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Health Services, Social Services, or equivalent
• 2+ years’ experience with Mental Health Crisis Management and/or Addiction Counselling
• Experience or training with Addictions assessment and treatment
• Trained on the GAIN-SS and other screening and assessment tools related to substance use and concurrent disorders
• Experience collaborating with partners and other community resources
• Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery
• Knowledge of mental health and addictions/justice support services
• Able to work respectfully with different cultures and differing perspectives
• Individual and group counselling skills
• Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
• A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage is required
• Valid certification in CPI, CPR, First Aid, and Assist is mandatory
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Reporting Function:

The Addiction Worker will report directly to the Program Manager. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization.

They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and organization.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with a rotating evening/weekend shift of 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM approximately every 9 weeks, as well as participation in a rotating on-call schedule to provide support as needed outside regular working hours
• Average amount of physical effort is required
• Requires the ability of handling light and moderate weight objects including office equipment and other office supplies
• Staff may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. Staff receive training within the first eight weeks of employment
• Frequently sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time
• Vehicle travel to client homes and community sites
• Ability to walk up and open doors as required

Ship Values:

Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.

Please note that we use automated screening tools as part of our recruitment process and are reviewed to support fair and equitable hiring practices

About Us:

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Accessibility:

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before Friday November 13, 2026.

Why Work For Us?

Work-Life Balance

SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization

Our Vision
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

Our Mission
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

Our Culture
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.

Our Commitment
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

• Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews

• Comprehensive Health Plans

• Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)

• 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days

• 10 Paid Vacation Days

• 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays

• Generous Parental and Family Leave

• Learning and Development Opportunities

• Travel Allowances

• Employee Assistance Program

• Company Culture to be Proud of

• Possibility to Create a Real Impact

35+

Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families

5,000+

Clients and Residents served annually

20+

Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario

500+

Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees

Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, with a rotating evening/weekend shift of 12:00 PM-8:00 PM approximately every 9 weeks, as well as participation in a rotating on-call schedule to provide support as needed outside regular working hours.
Union | 37.5 hours