Special Education and Student Services Department

OSSTF (CAT II)

(Professional Group)

If you are a current OCSB employee, you must use your OCSB ATE account to apply to this vacancy.

The OCSB is currently seeking an Addictions Counsellor . The possible work addresses for this position can be found in our .

Why Work With The Ottawa Catholic School Board: The OCSB proudly serves over 50,000 students across 90+ work locations.

We offer an education that respects all faiths' universal values and is grounded in Catholic principles. We foster innovation to inspire Deep Learning so that all can realize their full potential.

We offer a collaborative work environment, fulfilling careers, and the prospect to make a difference in our students' lives.

The OCSB is committed to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is dedicated to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students and our communities. The OCSB is actively seeking applications from Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized people, persons with disabilities, people from gender diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities, as well as individuals who can contribute to continuous diversification of ideas.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledges that the land on which our schools are located is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabek Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Reporting to the Social Work Lead, the Addictions Counsellor delivers clinical assessment, harm-reduction and recovery-focused counseling, crisis intervention, and substance use prevention programming to students in grades 7 through 12. Working within a trauma-informed framework and alignment with OCSB standards, this role collaborates with school administration, student services, families, and community partners to support student well-being, mental health, and academic success.

- Administer screening questionnaires and conduct comprehensive substance abuse and social-emotional assessments.
- Develop tailored treatment plans in collaboration with students and families to support recovery from substance use, dependency, and familial dependency.
- Identify concurrent medical, psychiatric, or physical conditions and facilitate timely referrals to specialized healthcare professionals.
- Provide individual and group counseling centered on harm reduction strategies, school success, and recovery maintenance.
- Utilize a trauma-informed approach to support students experiencing self-harm, eating disorders,



and concurrent mental health challenges.
- Manage student crises related to addiction and mental health, ensuring immediate safety and effective stabilization.
- Monitor, document, and adjust recovery plans as student needs evolve over time.
- Assess school-specific prevention needs and design targeted awareness initiatives across intermediate and secondary schools.
- Deliver school-wide prevention programming to promote healthy decision-making, wellness, and awareness regarding the risks of substance use.
- Facilitate psychoeducation sessions for students, parents, and staff on coping mechanisms, healthy habits, and positive mental growth.
- Partner with multidisciplinary school teams, student services, and administration on urgent cases, crisis interventions, and Violent Threat Risk Assessments (VTRA).
- Work closely with families to offer guidance, counseling, and recovery resources.
- Liaise with community agencies, self-help groups, and supportive organizations; assist families with applications for external services (e.g., day treatment programs or residential care).
- Maintain continuous professional learning on evidence-based practices in addiction and youth mental health care.

Required Qualifications

- A Masters degree in Social Work or counselling/addiction related field
- Membership in the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working within the addictions or mental health field as well as working with families, youth and children
- Strong understanding of substance use disorders, including signs, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery processes.
- Comprehensive knowledge of various therapeutic approaches and strong clinical skills
- Ability to establish solid therapeutic rapport with students and families
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent sensitivity and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring that counseling practices are inclusive and respectful of all students and their families
- Knowledge of community-based services in the addiction and mental health sectors




- Technology skills in preparing educational resources and in working collaboratively within Google Suite and other applicable databases

This is a full-time permanent position with an annual salary range of $96,013 - $112,815 . There is also a benefit and pension package available. The start date will be as soon as possible. How to Apply: Applicants are required to apply through the ApplytoEducation (ATE) platform and ensure a cover letter and resume are included in the ATE profile. Interested applicants must submit their application by no later than 5:00 pm on September 16, 2026. Interviews: We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates are encouraged to check spam and junk mail boxes often for Board correspondence.

Reference Policy: We value your privacy. References will only be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process.

If you are not currently an OCSB employee, you will be required to provide an appropriate, original Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check dated within the last six months before you can commence employment.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to [email protected] .

For assistance with ApplytoEducation, please contact ATE directly at [email protected] or by phone at 1-(phone hidden).

AI may be utilized throughout the selection and recruitment process.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), if you require accommodations at any time throughout the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department via email at [email protected] prior to the posting closing date so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Information Collection Authority and Purpose: Pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) , personal information is collected under the statutory authority of Section 265(1)(d) of the Education Act , as amended. This information may be utilized for any or all of the primary administrative functions relating to the operational activities of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, including educational programs and services, student records, and interactions with Ministries of the Government of Ontario. The Boards , the , and the supplementary document are accessible on the Boards website at www.ocsb.ca.

Inquiries may be directed to the school Principal or to the Privacy Officer, Ottawa Catholic School Board, 570 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean, ON K2G 3R4.

Contact information: (phone hidden) | [email protected] .

📌 Addictions Counsellor (Ottawa)
🏢 Ottawa Catholic School Board
📍 Ottawa