Addictions Counsellor - Adult Community Treatment (ACT) (2 year contract)

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/Case Manager, you will be integral to the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of PAARC's Adult Community Treatment (ACT) Program. This program supports clients by offering short term individual and group counselling sessions for clients who are waiting for other services. These sessions offer a responsive and flexible approach to meet client needs and to avoid and reduce wait times. In addition, non-intensive case management, assessment and referrals are provided.

We are hiring for one (1) full-time, contract role (2 years) working at our office in Mississauga

Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, group health/dental plan, EAP, remote work one day per week in line with our policy, 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.
• Facilitate structured content and process groups, utilizing technology to improve access and care responsiveness.
• Respond to crisis situations with appropriate interventions and support clients in developing and understanding healthy boundaries.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with acquired and referred clients, community organizations, and healthcare providers; advocating for the clients' rights and needs.
• 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 addictions, substance abuse, mental health and concurrent disorders with the ability to perform brief psychosocial, risk assessments, and counselling modalities/philosophies such as CBT, DBT and other related solutions focused approaches.
• 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 (including but not limited to unhoused populations, 2SLGBTQI+, refugees, victims of IPV)
• Critical thinking skills and the capacity to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction and an alignment with PAARC's philosophy of substance abuse.
• Able to build and maintain strong relationships with multiple community organizations such as hospitals, social service organizations and other community partners for client intakes, case management and referrals.

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. Preference for candidates who have worked in both shelter and non-shelter settings and with clients who have multiple concerns.
• Internal candidates must have worked at PAARC for over one year in a Counselling/Case Management role.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• In-Office setting - Dixie location
• 35-hour work week; Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8:30 am- 4:30 pm. Wed 12:30pm - 8:00pm.

By joining our team at PAARC, you're not just accepting a job; you're embarking on a rewarding career path that offers growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive community. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team where your work truly matters and helps transform lives every day.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.