Addictions Counsellor

Job Classification

Addictions Counsellor

This is a temporary position to cover a maternity leave.

This position requires union membership.

Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) is a non‑profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families experiencing mental health and substance use challenges across Vancouver Island. Our David’s Place program provides a safe, supportive environment for residents in recovery who are working towards healthier community living. We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Addictions Counsellor to join our team.

Provides prevention, assessment, referral, and therapeutic interventions for residents and or clients experiencing substance use related challenges. Provides individual and group counselling and follow up services to individuals and family members affected by substance use, within established program guidelines and clinical frameworks.

• Interviews applicants and residents to gather relevant case history information. Conducts comprehensive assessments within program guidelines and develops treatment plans in collaboration with the Assisted Living Manager and interdisciplinary team. Makes referrals to other programs or agencies as required.
• Identifies core areas of concern to be addressed through counselling, program participation, and connection to community services.
• Provides individual and group counselling using therapeutic techniques drawn from recognized frameworks including family systems, solution focused, narrative, and psychodynamic group work.
• Develops and implements therapeutic plans and group‑based programming necessary to support resident goals and objectives, in alignment with program expectations.
• Supports residents in reducing reliance on addictive substances and behaviours. Teaches and assists residents in developing life skills and community‑living skills. Encourages participation in appropriate recreational and social activities in the community.
• Communicates observations and recommendations to professionals involved in a resident’s care where further evaluation or more intensive treatment may be required.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant community resources and provides appropriate referrals to support resident needs.
• Formulates and facilitates therapeutic groups for residents within the program.
• Reviews resident progress and, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, adjusts therapeutic approaches as required. Provides ongoing feedback and support to residents.
• Shares relevant information and participates in consultation with professionals involved in resident care, including social workers, probation officers, and other service providers, without assuming case management or supervisory authority.
• Maintains accurate and timely clinical records, statistics, and reports related to resident behaviour, progress, and treatment in accordance with organizational and funder requirements.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the scope of the position.

Bachelor’s degree in counselling, psychology or social work.

• Standard First Aid with CPR-C
• Naloxone Administration
• Violence Prevention Training

Two (2) years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Compassion and client centred practice
• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Clinical assessment and therapeutic intervention
• Critical thinking and professional judgement
• Interpersonal communication and teamwork
• Demonstrated awareness of professional boundaries and commitment to self‑care and ethical practice
• Demonstrated ability to manage role responsibilities and maintain effective working relationships within a team‑based environment

• Demonstrated expertise in assessment and counselling within an addictions recovery context.
• Strong knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health challenges, treatment, and recovery approaches, including familiarity with the Housing First model and bio psychosocial spiritual…