INTRODUCTION:

De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre’s Mental Health & Addictions Program is seeking a full-time Mental Health and Addictions Counselor in St. Catharines. The successful candidate will provide both group and one-on-one mental health and addiction counseling services to individuals aged 16+. The MHA counselor will provide group facilitation and counseling services that are wholistic, trauma-informed, and strengths based. This position will work Monday and Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 to 4:30pm, 8:30-6pm on Tuesdays and 8:30-3pm on Fridays.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· To develop workshop materials and lead/co-lead the delivery of group programs.

· To provide 1 to 1 counselling that supports individuals who wish to access support with their mental health goals and/or make a change to their substance use.

· Ability to deliver services at 145 Queenston St (DAHC’s St. Catharines office), and nearby partner organizations and hospitals including Niagara Health System, Positive Living Niagara and others based on identified partnerships and community need.

· To support clients who are on prescription medications to lessen cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

· Knowledge of harm reduction strategies, referrals to detox, treatment planning, wellness and recovery planning, relapse prevention, anxiety, and depression, coping skills and techniques etc.

· Ability to effectively manage disruptive behavior and de-escalation in crisis situations.

· Experience working with and addressing addictions, concurrent disorders, and active substance users.

· Ability to work as part of an interprofessional team with both internal and external members of a clients care team.

· Have knowledge of Historical Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma of Indigenous Peoples.





· Experience working with and extensive knowledge of Indigenous Peoples language, culture, customs, and traditions.

· Knowledge and ability to integrate wholistic based and evidence-based practice into the planning and evaluation of client and program intervention from a trauma informed lens.

· Ability to complete intakes, provide clinical assessments and interventions as needed, develop treatment plans, referrals, and discharge.

· Consult with and provide information to DAHC staff regarding clients and assist with the development of care plans for complex clients.

· Maintain clinical records and data compilation utilizing the electronic medical record according to requirements of the DAHC.

· Respect the rights, dignity, and feelings of others to create a safe and respectful work environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.

· Other duties may be assigned by manager.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS:

· Undergraduate degree in Social Work, Mental Health & Addictions, Psychology or Sociology, from a recognized university preferred.

· Minimum 2 to 5 years’ experience working with individuals with complex mental health and/or addictions

· Additional trainings and certifications that support individuals with addictions considered an asset.

· Ability to register with a regulatory body – i.e. OCSWSSW or CRPO

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Perks:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

- St. Catharines, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

- working with complex mental health & addictions: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- OCSWSSW or CRPO (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Addictions Counsellor (St. Catharines)
🏢 De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
📍 St. Catharines