Addictions Counsellor / Case Manager (Mental Health & Justice Supportive Housing)

Join us at Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC) and become a catalyst for change in the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of addiction and mental health challenges. This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a real difference in your community and to grow with a team that values your expertise and passion.

About Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC):

PAARC is a notable not-for-profit charitable organization funded by the Ministry of Health, through Ontario Health Central Region. With full accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive services to those dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, and various behavioral dependencies, alongside supporting mental health challenges. Our commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace and a person-centered approach underlines our services and team ethos.

About the role

As an Addiction Counsellor/Case Manager (Mental Health & Justice Supportive Housing), you will be providing addictions counselling and case management to those with mental health and substance use concerns who are justice-involved. This role will support SHIP in the Mental Health & Justice Supportive Housing (MH&J) program to assess eligible applicants for the program and provide long term ongoing support once a client is housed. You will also work closely with the Brampton Drug Treatment Court to provide intensive support to people involved with the law in non-violent crimes where their substance use was a significant contributing factor. Drug Treatment Court is held every Friday afternoon and you will be expected to participate in pre-court briefings to contribute to solutions that will improve the lives of the people who choose to enter the program

We are hiring for one (1) full-time, permanent role working within the community (90-100% community based).

Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, group health/dental plan, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, remote work one day per week in line with our policy, professional development opportunities

What you'll do

• Conduct intake, screening, assessment, and treatment planning, using appropriate tools and methods to ensure the eligibility and ongoing needs of applicants.
• Provide ongoing supportive counselling and case management, including assessment, referral, aftercare, and discharge, while effectively managing a defined caseload.
• Respond to crisis situations with appropriate interventions and support clients in developing and understanding healthy boundaries.
• Participate actively in case conferences and consultations with treatment providers and other community organizations, fostering collaborative care.
• Initiate and maintain client files and documentation in accordance with best practices and legal guidelines, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness
• The MH&J program typically supports clients long term and requires regular meetings within the community – e.g. in their units/homes, community shelters, encampments, etc
• The Drug Treatment Court requires weekly attendance and reporting deadlines.

Skills & Competencies

• Clinical skills in addiction and substance abuse, concurrent disorders and/or withdrawal management, with the ability to perform brief psychosocial and risk assessments.
• Knowledge of evidence-based treatment methodologies for addiction, including cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing.
• Experience in delivering counselling services through individual sessions, group therapy, group facilitation and/or educational workshops.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with clients in various personal circumstances or settings - including but not limited to transitional housing/homelessness, concurrent disorders, adults, seniors, mandated client programs and those within the criminal justice system.
• Proficiency in non-violent crisis intervention techniques and CPR/First Aid.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work empathetically with people from all socio-economic backgrounds, including marginalized/stigmatized populations
• Critical thinking skills and the capacity to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated knowledge and a philosophy of substance abuse aligned with PAARC's philosophy.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field from an accredited institution or relevant education with commensurate experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience working in a harm reduction framework and familiarity with abstinence based programs.
• Relevant experience (2 years) working as an addictions counsellor and case manager
• Knowledge and/or experience working with the supportive housing system and/or justice system an asset.
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid required; GAIN Q3 MI ONT Certification an asset
• Counselling Skills: evidence-based, trauma-informed counselling skills
• Training/experience administering Naloxone preferred
• Language Skills: Proficiency in prevalent languages in the Region of Peel and French considered a strong asset.
• Transportation: Valid Ontario Driver’s License, insurance, and reliable vehicle required.

Working Conditions

• Community based work (90-100%) - frequent travel by car to clients and in the community within the Region of Peel (Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon). Will be required to be flexible to meet with clients in locations such as but not limited to; in their units/house, community centres, shelters, encampments, libraries, courthouse, coffee shops, community partners
• Home office location: Brampton
• 35-hour work week; Mon - Fri 8:30 am- 4:30 pm. PAARC home office location will be in Brampton.

By joining our team at PAARC, you're not just accepting a job; you're embarking on a rewarding career path that offers growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive community. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team where your work truly matters and helps transform lives every day.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.