Counsellor, Addictions - Justice & Court

Direct Service – OPSEU
Full-Time, Contract (up to 8 months)
London, Ontario (London Zone)

- Application Deadline: April 14, 2025 -
 

We believe in a support-first approach to those who come into contact with our justice system as a result of addiction or mental health concerns.

As a Counsellor, Justice & Court Programs, you’ll work with clients to address the underlying issues that led to contact with the justice system, to provide counselling that builds on their strengths, and to help them make steps towards recovery with an aim to improve their quality of life, reduce harm, and prevent future interactions with the justice system. You’ll also be responsible for attending court and communicating with justice partners regarding progress and to advocate for the best interests of your clients.

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

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 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• 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 – Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
• What your benefits will be - 9% in lieu of benefits
• Your pension plan - Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

• Establish a working and supportive relationship with clients
• Assess clients’ mental, physical and emotional functional abilities and needs and investigates client’s present resources
• Devise a service plan with the client, establishing goals and skills teaching to meet determined needs
• Provide counselling and treatment to those involved with the justice center using various therapy modalities to provide client-centered care
• Provide crisis support and crisis prevention planning
• Liaise with other professionals and with the community for the benefit of clients while adhering to the principle of confidentiality
• Provide written and verbal reports to justice partners including judge, crowns, defense attorney, probation and parole
• Provide recommendations in high intensity situations "on the record" to advocate for client rights and needs
• Advocate for client rights as necessary and support self-advocacy.
• Support and assist family members with issues related to the client’s mental illness or addictions

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

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 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We require the following qualifications:

• Degree or diploma in a health or social science discipline (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Ability to attend work regularly

We prefer the following qualifications:

• Registration with a professional college (i.e. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO) 
• Demonstrated experience working in a Recovery-Focused practice
• Experience working in a community setting with knowledge of social assistance programs and local support networks
• Experience in crisis intervention, management, and resolution
• Experience working with individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury, Developmental Disability, and/or Addictions issues 
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
• Knowledge of legal system and specialized courts
• Ability to advocate and coordinate service access with multiple community partners
• Strong active listening and communication skills 
• Current First Aid/CPR and ASIST certificates
• Current Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – April 14, 2025:

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team. 

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]