Addictions Counsellor

Employment Opportunity – Addictions Counsellor

Position: Addictions Counsellor

Location: Across Niagara Region

Application Deadline: January 2, 2026

Status: Full-time Permanent Position

Hours per Week: 35

Pay Rate: $51 400.60 - $59 514.14

In partnership with the Ministry of Solicitor General (Probation & Parole Services), the John Howard Society of Niagara is searching for an Addictions Counsellor. This position will be located throughout the Niagara Region, supporting in the rehabilitation of individuals bound by either a Probation Order, Conditional Sentence Order, and/or Parole Certificate. Clients are mandated by the Court, Parole Board or directed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General to participate in substance use related counselling/programming through individualized and/or group programs and services.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group addictions counselling to adults under community supervision, using evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, MI, relapse prevention, trauma-informed care).
• Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial and substance use assessments
• Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized treatment plans
• Support clients in addressing substance use patterns, and co-occurring mental health concerns, while promoting accountability and behaviour change.
• Monitor client progress and compliance with treatment requirements; document attendance, participate in, and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate effectively with Probation & Parole Officers, updating on progress while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups focused n substance use, emotional regulation, decision-making, and community reintegration.
• Respond appropriately to relapse, risk escalation, or breaches of conditions, using clinical judgement, safety planning, and organizational protocols.
• Maintain accurate, ethical, and legally sound clinical documentation in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Practice within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based framework, recognizing the impact of systemic barriers and lived experience.
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics, organizational policies, and relevant legislation, including privacy and duty-to-report obligations.
• Participate in supervision, case conferences, training and continuous quality improvement activities.

You will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of assessment / counselling skills and techniques, case management and documentation skills, interpersonal and empathetic interview strategies, knowledge of community agencies, services and resources, intervention techniques and crisis management skills, as well as, excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to interact with clients, Probation & Parole Officers, community partners and staff from other programs at JHSoN
• Ability to work effectively with high risk clients who have been convicted of a criminal offence and are under community supervision
• Ability to work well under pressure, and manage a high caseload of clients
• Ability to work independently and possess good problem solving abilities

Qualifications:

• College or University diploma in a related discipline, in addition to post graduate education related specifically to Addictions and/or Concurrent Disorders
• Experience working with justice-involved population
• A minimum of one to two years related work experience, however 3–4 years of work experience would be preferred.
• Computer knowledge and proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office software, Email, Internet, Office Tracker, and Caseworks
• Valid Ontario Driver’s license.
• Use of reliable automobile to travel throughout the region.
• Valid automobile liability insurance coverage of a minimum of one million dollars.
• Ability to provide a valid security clearance that aligns with access to the Ministry of Solicitor General institutions and Probation and Parole Offices
• Preference will be given to bilingual applicants (French)

The John Howard Society of Niagara is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We welcome applicants from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have differing needs and require solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please reach out to our Interim Executive Director, Deanna Villella at Dvillella@jhs-niagara.ca or at 905-682-2657 ext. 323. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

Please be advised that as part of the mandatory screening process, the John Howard Society of Niagara requires professional references, verification of academic, training and accreditation credentials, and a current police Vulnerable Sector Check. A current immunization record is also required of all new employees.

The offices of the John Howard Society of Niagara are located in the traditional territories of the

Anishinaabe and Haudinaushanee Peoples. This land remains home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit from across Turtle Island. As a settler organization, we strive to respect the rights and experiences of Indigenous Peoples, and work towards reconciliation in our daily practices.

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to Careers@jhs-niagara.ca