COUNSELLOR, SUBSTANCE USE
Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full-Time, Permanent (Benefitted)

This posting is the result of a current vacancy

London, Ontario (London Zone)

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

We believe that change is possible, for those who are concerned with their substance use and ready to explore options of support.

As a Counsellor in the Substance Use program, you’ll support clients (ages 12+) with a strengths-based, empathetic, harm reduction approach and work alongside them on their recovery journey. Through one to one and group sessions you’ll help clients improve their health, social outcomes and overall quality of life while also providing referrals and connections to other supports and resources to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving their wellness.

The position includes providing intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, counselling, group facilitation and completing referrals for those experiencing addiction and mental health concerns.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour (Level 1 of the Regulated Direct Service Pay Grid);

Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8, $37.26 per hour

Internal applicants will be placed on the grid based on their seniority

When you'll work -70 hours biweekly; Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch

Your pension plan -Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

What your advantages will be -After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare benefits

HOW YOU WILLBE MAKINGA DIFFERENCE:
Intake, Screening, Crisis

Scheduled participation in the provision of Intake Services

Select, administer and interpret evidence-informed screening tools as a part of a standardized screening process to determine program eligibility and level of care required

Recognize and respond effectively to an individual/group/community in crisis

Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation

Assessment

Utilize standardized assessment tools to determine a client’s suitability for services and level of care

Provide clinical interpretation of assessment tools and utilize skillful motivational interviewing techniques for the purpose of informing the development of a client-centred treatment plan





Provide re-assessment on an on-going basis for individuals to assess treatment progression and adjust treatment plan as appropriate

Counselling and Treatment

Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients to maximize the benefits of engagement through high ethical standards

Actively increase client motivation by utilizing a Stages of Change paradigm and motivational interviewing

Apply a comprehensive range of evidence-informed counselling styles and techniques aimed at improving the client’s overall bio-psycho-social-spiritual health

Use best practice, promising practices and evidence-informed models and treatment modalities when working with clients in individual or group settings

Develop a formalized treatment plan including preliminary case management, goal setting, individual and/or group counselling, referrals, advocacy and education as appropriate in collaboration with the client to improve their social determinants of health

Evaluate and update the treatment plan as appropriate

Case Management

Demonstrate knowledge and skill required to match clients with the most appropriate available services as determined through the screening, assessment, referral and treatment planning process.

Manage and meet targets for a clinical caseload and maintain direct service requirements.

Participate in the facilitation of community treatment groups as needed and appropriate.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:
Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We require the following qualifications:
College Diploma or University Degree in a mental health and addiction related field, preferably Social Work, Social Service Worker, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychology,



and Child and Youth Care (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
Current registration and in good standing with an appropriate college (OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO)
Valid Driver’s License: minimum G2 class
Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

We prefer the following qualifications:

Clinical work experience ideally in substance use treatment including intake services

Comfort and skill with public speaking and group facilitation

Interdisciplinary experience in the following sectors: child welfare, medical, mental health, violence against women

Demonstrated ability to work with clients who live with multiple challenges related to marginalization, mental illness, substance use, complex health challenges, street level sex work, poverty, homelessness, and trauma

Extensive knowledge of community resources, service & support programs, and barriers clients face in accessing same

Working knowledge of a variety of treatment, intervention, and support strategies

Computer literacy

Ability to assess level of risk in regard to clients

Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS:
To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team.

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]

Legal Notifications:

For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services

Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes

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📌 Counsellor, Substance Use (Ontario)
🏢 CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
📍 Ontario