Weekend Counsellor

Ryding House – Toronto, ON

Part-Time | Residential Addictions Treatment

Position Details

Position: Weekend Counsellor (Part-Time)

Location : Toronto, ON

Schedule : Fridays & Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Compensation : $24/hour

Start Date : September 2026

Reports To : Clinical Director

Join Our Team

Ryding House is a new 12-bed residential addictions treatment program opening in Toronto. We provide evidence-informed, trauma- and violence-informed, and relational care for adults seeking recovery from substance use. Our approach recognizes that recovery is shaped not only by individual change, but also by relationships, community, and the environments people live in.

This is an opportunity to help shape a new residential program from the ground up while working within a supportive and clinically engaged team.

About the Role The Weekend Counsellor supports residents and the day-to-day functioning of the residential program during weekend daytime hours.

This role combines group facilitation, recreational and community-based programming, individual check-ins, and relational support . The Weekend Counsellor helps create a secure and engaged therapeutic community while supporting residents with daily routines, community living, and emerging needs throughout the day.

The successful candidate will contribute to a treatment environment grounded in relational practice, anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, and trauma- and violence-informed care.

Key Responsibilities

- Facilitate scheduled weekend groups, recreational activities, outings, and community-based programming.
- Build respectful, supportive relationships with residents through consistent relational engagement.
- Provide individual check-ins and practical support based on residents' needs.
- Support daily routines, meals, appointments, passes, visits, and community activities.




- Support respectful communication and help residents navigate interpersonal concerns using relational and trauma- and violence-informed approaches.
- Observe and communicate relevant changes in resident wellbeing and escalate concerns when needed.
- Respond to resident concerns, crises, and safety issues in accordance with Ryding House policies and training.
- Complete required documentation and participate in shift handovers.
- Support admissions, visitor coordination, and routine residential operations as needed.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality and participate in training and supervision.

Qualifications We're looking for someone who is calm, compassionate, dependable, and comfortable balancing group facilitation with the everyday relational work of a residential treatment environment.

- Minimum two years of experience working in addictions, mental health, residential treatment, housing services, or related community-based social services.
- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Addictions and Mental Health, Counselling, Community Services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience facilitating therapeutic, psychoeducational, recreational, or life-skills groups.
- Understanding of non-stigmatizing, trauma- and violence-informed approaches to care.
- Ability to build relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate boundaries and responding respectfully to diverse identities, experiences, and needs.




- Comfort working in a residential addictions setting and responding calmly to emotional distress, emerging safety concerns, and challenging situations.
- Strong communication, group facilitation, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification.
- Successful Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Lived experience with addiction and recovery is considered an asset. Why Join Ryding House?

As one of our founding team members, you'll help build a residential treatment program that values meaningful relationships, thoughtful practice, and collaborative care.

We offer

- The opportunity to help build an innovative residential treatment program from the ground up.
- Ongoing supervision and professional development.
- A team-oriented, interdisciplinary team environment.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people seeking recovery.

To Apply Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

Ryding House is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We strongly encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, and disabled communities.

We also recognize the value of lived and living experience. We welcome applications from individuals whose experiences—including addiction and recovery, mental health, incarceration, precarious housing, and other experiences that shape people's interactions with health and social systems—inform their understanding of community, recovery, and relational care.

Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

📌 Weekend Counsellor (Greater Toronto Area)
🏢 Ryding House
📍 Greater Toronto Area