Job Title

Residential Supportive Treatment Counsellor

Duration

Full‑time contracts ending March 31 st , 2027 with possibility of extension

Hours of Work

35 hours/week, with evening work as required

Hourly Rate

$28.50 - $35.02 per hour

Reports To

Director of Intensive Programs

Position Summary

The Counsellor will provide treatment and case management services to youth and emerging adults at risk within the Residential Support Treatment Program and in the community where substance use is the primary concern.

The formats of service include individual counselling, youth-focused groups, outreach, advocacy and role modelling. The Youth Addiction Counsellor will provide linkages to other community programs and agencies to facilitate contacts and services that will support the youth in finding opportunities, solutions and resources to improve their social determinants of health as well as facilitate daily treatment programs within the program.

Qualifications

- A relevant undergraduate degree plus two years of addiction experience or a relevant two year Community College diploma with five years of addiction experience.
- Registered with/or in the process of registering with a regulatory college (i.e. Ontario College of Social Workers/Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
- Previous experience specifically providing counselling and therapeutic supports to youth and Emerging Adults in a variety of formats including residential treatment programs and community-based outreach supports
- Training and experience in family counselling and preventative approaches to substance use support delivery
- Experience in harm reductions,



safety planning and crisis intervention.
- Current criminal record check for vulnerable sector.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification.
- Valid Driver’s license and insurance.
- Experience using CRMS database.
- Experience working in a trauma informed care setting.
- Training in DBT, CBT and/or Solution‑Focused Therapy would be considered an asset.

Skills and Abilities

- Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of service providers.
- Effective written and oral communication skills, problem solving, advocacy and assessment skills
- Ability to manage crisis and adverse situations with staff, youth and families.
- Work independently in the community within the housing locations.
- Teach life skills to those who require various levels of assistance.
- Support clients with complex needs while in the program and assist with transition to independent living as a final goal.

Details of Position / Hours of Work

Regular work week is 35 hours/week, including some evening/weekend work and a rotation of after‑hours on‑call responsibilities.

Services will be provided specifically at the Residential Supportive Treatment program as well as at CASON’s main office or at locations in the community.

Benefits





CASON offers a supportive work environment and a competitive benefits package that prioritizes employee well‑being, financial security, and professional growth, including:

- The salary range is $28.50 - $35.02 per hour, based on education and experience.
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits available after 3 months, including extended health care, prescriptions, dental, vision, paramedical services, travel insurance, gender affirmation care, long‑term disability, life and AD&D;, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Employer‑matched pension plan after 6 months (3% employer contribution matched with 3% employee contribution), with optional voluntary contributions and access to a Financial Advisor.
- Skilled support, including coverage of regulatory college fees (OCSWSSW and CRPO).
- Generous paid time off, including 2 weeks’ vacation to start (increasing to 3 weeks after 1 year), 16 paid health days, and 2 personal days annually.

Duties and Responsibilities

Screening and Assessment

- Determine the youth’s specific needs, goals, presenting concerns, and stage of change through motivational interviewing, mutual investigation and exploration.
- Build a therapeutic alliance with youth to support them in articulating their needs for service.
- Engage youth and their families to identify issues and barriers to accessing community services.

Initial Treatment Planning

- Collaborate with Youth to engage in the development of an individualized treatment plan based on the Youth’s strengths, prioritized problematic areas, readiness for change and pref

📌 Residential Supportive Treatment Counsellor (St. Catharines)
🏢 Community Addiction Services of Niagara
📍 St. Catharines