Job Summary & Requirements RVH’s Supportive Pre-Treatment Program provides a low-barrier, substance-free, live-in based service for individuals who do not require intensive Live-In Treatment or are awaiting admission to more intensive treatment services.
The Addiction Counsellor is responsible for providing a broad range of addiction counselling and related supportive services to clients and their family. The Addiction Counsellor is responsible for facilitating client activities within a Live-In program and ensuring clients participate in daily activities that support their recovery goals. In collaboration with other team members, they will ensure clients and their families are supported through the completion of admissions, on-going assessments, individual and group counselling, life skills and discharge planning.
Degree or Diploma in Health or Social Science field or equivalent required.
Certification as an Addiction Counsellor (International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICAD) or Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor (CCAC) preferred.
Membership with a relevant college/registering body considered an asset ie) College of Nurses of Ontario, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Certification in non-violent crisis intervention considered an asset.
Formal training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/Dialectical Behavioural Therapy /Solution focused Therapy/Family Therapy and/or Supportive counselling considered an asset.
Suicide Prevention ie) ASSIST training considered an asset.
Current Basic CPR and First Aid certifications
1-3 years direct care experience working with individuals with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.





- Experience working with individuals who face co-existing socio-economic barriers such as poverty, isolation, difficulty accessing programs and service, physical isolation, discrimination, criminalization, and homelessness.
- Experience with principles of risk management and de-escalation techniques.
- Working knowledge of community resources to support addictions and mental health.
- Knowledge of pharmacology and prescription medications is preferred.

Use of supportive counselling techniques to assist clients to gain self-confidence and progress in their goals.
Experience facilitating psychoeducational group sessions and facilitating discharge planning considered an asset.
Demonstrated ability to work closely with an multidisciplinary team and community partners.
Providing individual and group counselling
Providing health teaching and education in individual and group settings
Utilizing crisis intervention techniques as required
Completing referrals to community partners and facilitate transition to alternative community supports
Act as liaison between patients and community partners, ensuring patients are connected with the appropriate community agencies prior to time of discharge
Complete intakes, assessments, and case management services, utilizing a client-centred, strength-based, harm reduction approach to clients experiencing substance use and mental health challenges.
Coach or assist clients in the development/maintenance of abilities relating to activities of daily living, self-care, crisis management strategies, symptom management, maintaining a support network, and skills teaching such as budgeting, grocery shopping and other life skills.

📌 Addiction/Mental Health Counsellor (Barrie)
🏢 Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
📍 Barrie