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ABOUT THE ROLE
Position: Early Psychosis Counsellor

Type of role: full time, fixed-term (ASAP-end of October 2027)

Location: Halton Region

Posting is for an existing vacancy.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

A fun, cooperative, and diverse team environment

Exceptional work–life balance with growth opportunities

Top of the line benefits and competive salaries with clear progression path

Cross‑professional collaboration to enhance your skills and impact

Access to ongoing training and career development

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Delivers clinical services, primarily on an outreach basis, to clients involved with the Phoenix Early Intervention Service for Psychosis, by providing clinical assessments and developing and implementing clinically sound treatment plans. Maintains client records according to guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). Provides statistical and anecdotal input for the evaluation of ADAPT programs as required. Represents ADAPT with community groups, as requested.

provides clinical intake services, primarily on an outreach basis, for clients involved with the Phoenix Program for entry into ADAPT programs

assesses client needs through the use of bio/psycho/social assessment and structured interviews

in consultation with the client and other members of his/her clinical team, develops an individual treatment plan for the client

provides individual and/or group counselling to address the clients’ needs

conducts group sessions as required

refers clients to other appropriate support services and agencies according to the clients’ needs

conducts appropriate case management services with respect to the client’s treatment plan

provides consultative services within ADAPT regarding matters related to the Phoenix Program (i.e. eligibility criteria, referral process, psychosis-related resource sharing)

provides consultative services to community agencies, professionals or individuals as required

participates in regular case conferencing meetings with the three Phoenix program clinical teams operating out of Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Halton Healthcare Services at the North Halton Mental Health Clinic (Milton, Acton, Georgetown) and Halton Healthcare Services at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

maintains accurate and complete clinical records and service tracking data according to guidelines established by ADAPT, the MOHLTC and/or the funding agency

assists in the promotion of ADAPT and the Phoenix Program to other agencies and the general public

participates in meetings as required, including Concurrent Disorders Team and Phoenix Program meetings

provides input into the operational and strategic planning related to ADAPT programs as required, specifically in relation to ADAPT’s involvement with the Phoenix Program partnership





assists in maintaining a high level of open and effective communications within the organization and among program partners

participates in community education and public awareness initiatives as required

participates in Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION) activities as required

WHAT WE ASK FOR
Education

Diploma in Social Service Work or a related field, with a preference for a University Degree in Social Work/Psychology/ other Health-related field plus Addiction/ Concurrent Disorders studies certification

Licenses, certification, credentials

Registered Social Worker (RSW) designation with the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario is an asset.

Current CPR and First Aid certification is required.

ASIST training or equivalent is required.

CPI training or equivalent is required.

Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle;

Experience

3-5 years counselling experience in addictions/ concurrent disorders or a related field

Experience in:

Individual, family, and group therapy

Community development and networking

Record keeping and file management

Basic life skills counselling, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and group work;

Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change;

Demonstrated experience in developing and or facilitating groups for those with drug/alcohol problems.

Experience working with people experiencing psychosis

Experience in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed counselling.

YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Broad knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories, mental illness, and community resources

A robust knowledge of concurrent disorders and experience working with this population is essential.

A basic understanding of the symptoms, prognosis, and treatments of major mental disorders including psychosis, schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder would be an asset.

A strong knowledge of cannabis, its impact on the developing brain, the link between cannabis and psychosis, and the risk/benefit profile when used in combination with mental disorders would be a significant asset.

Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change

Strong communication and active listening is required

Ability to effectively present complex clinical information in writing and verbally

Ability to read and understand documentation such as operating instructions, procedures manuals and complex clinical reports

Ability to: function independently, maintain effective working relationships with others, work effectively under pressure or deadlines and work outside regular office hours as required, use good judgement to make sound decisions





Interpersonal skills that require an attention to detail and rapport building with clients

Experienced sense and awareness of ethical boundaries and clinical reporting obligations

Ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services

Cultural knowledge of key populations in Halton Region that will be served to address disparities in specific services

Ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races

Knowledge of the history of discrimination in America, particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others

Active time management and scheduling

Proficiency with computer programs and electronic database(s)

Knowledge of French language an asset

WORK CONDITIONS

Work location may vary according to program and client needs including:

any one of ADAPT’s offices across Halton Region

hospital-based clinics and/ or partnering community clinics

community settings or clients’/ family’s residence through community outreach

Able to fulfill all duties and work hours from a remote/home location, whenever required (hybrid work is contingent on ADAPT and/ or program needs and is not guaranteed)

Able to work 37.5 hrs/week; flexibility is required when meeting clients’ needs in evenings and on occasional weekends

Attending and conducting presentations

Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals

Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions)

WHY ADAPT?
ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of Ontario’s largest and most diversified addiction and mental health agencies, offering comprehensive services to help those impacted by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

We believe your best work comes when you feel empowered, included, and supported, because thriving employees create thriving communities. We offer competitive compensation, generous paid time off, a flexible hybrid work environment, and comprehensive tools to support your professional growth.

Accessibility and Accommodation
ADAPT is committed to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): we will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process. When invited to an interview, you can request accommodations, and we’ll tailor the process to suit your needs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
ADAPT values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience to apply.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hiring

ADAPT is not using AI in hiring for this role.

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Personal information is managed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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📌 Addictions Counsellor (Early Psychosis) (Ontario)
🏢 ADAPT
📍 Ontario