Counsellor, Substance Use

Counsellor, Substance Use
Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full-Time, Contract (End date: February 8, 2027)
This posting is the result of an upcoming vacancy

London, ON (London Zone)

- Final date to receive applications:
January 26, 2026 -

We believe that change is possible, for those who are concerned with their substance use and ready to explore options of support.

As a Counsellor in the Substance Use program, you’ll meet clients with empathy, and use a strengths-based, harm reduction approach to work alongside them on their recovery journey. Through one-to-one and group sessions you’ll help clients improve their health, social outcomes and overall quality of life; while also providing referrals and connections to other supports and resources to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving their wellness.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

• What you'll be making -Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
  • Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated)
  • For internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• When you'll work
  - 70 hours over two-week period;
  Hours will be Monday to Friday including daytime shifts 8:30am-4:30pm and one evening shift 12pm-8pm
• Your pension plan
  - Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

• Providing client-centred care from a harm reduction approach
• Facilitating successful service navigation for clients through empowerment and/or advocacy
• Sharing in the provision of Entry / First Contact / Intake Services
• Providing assessment, treatment planning, referral, advocacy, preliminary case management, community treatment and education as appropriate to persons who have concerns about their own substance use or someone else’s. Counselling may be on an individual or group basis
• Participating in the facilitation of community treatment groups as needed and appropriate.
• Engaging in community development, community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner.

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 2 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

• Post‑secondary education in a related field, e.g. BSW, post‑graduate diploma in addictions or equivalent required (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Valid Driver's Licence and access to a vehicle with adequate insurance to transport clients
• Current, clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

• Current registration with professional college
• 3 years’ experience working in addictions or mental health
• Clinical work experience ideally in substance use treatment including intake services
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients who live with multiple challenges related to marginalization, mental illness, substance use, complex health challenges, street level sex work, poverty, homelessness, and trauma
• Extensive knowledge of community resources, service & support programs, and barriers clients face in accessing the same
• Working knowledge of a variety of…