CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services

Counsellor, Addiction Intake
Direct Service – (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Contract (approximately 1 year)
This posting is the result of a current vacancy.
London, Ontario (London Zone)

- Application Deadline: April 20, 2026 -

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

As the Addiction Intake Counsellor, you will be part of our specialized programs delivering addiction treatment services across the Thames Valley region. In this role, you will be responsible for reviewing, processing, scheduling, and completing intakes for referrals coming into our addiction counselling program streams. You will be the first point of connection for youth and adults beginning their recovery journey, meeting clients with empathy and using a strength-based, harm reduction approach to help them feel welcomed and supported. Drawing on your clinical experience detailed knowledge of mental health and addiction, and familiarity with evidence-based practices such as solution focused therapy, CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing, you will review and process referrals, complete intake screening and connect clients to the most appropriate counselling and treatment streams.

You bring the ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. Your understanding of substance use, harm reduction, crisis intervention, and community resources ensures a thoughtful and culturally responsive entry into services. Working collaboratively with internal teams and community partner you will help ensure a well-coordinated, accessible, and trauma informed pathway for individuals seeking help, laying a strong foundation for improved health, social outcomes, and overall quality of life.

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

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making -Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated:
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($37.26 per hour)
  • Internal applicants will be placed on the grid based on their seniority

• When you'll work - 70 hours over two-week period, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
• Your pension plan –Immediate eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• What your benefits will be – 9% in lieu of benefits

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Information and Referral:

• Work closely with Program Manager and Coordinator to monitor referral and intake outcomes
• Receive, review and upload for all addiction counselling referrals (PGBA, CD, HS, SU, Court Support)
• Screen appropriateness for addiction counselling streams
• Review all referrals and ensure clients are matched to the most appropriate intake program stream
• Follow up to referrals to schedule intake appointment(s)
• Follow processes for discontinuing (closing) referrals, reinstating referrals as appropriate
• Monitor and update trackers, in liaison with program Manager and Coordinator
• Create client files and update as appropriate
• Consult with Program Manager and Coordinator as needed to navigate referrals, as outlined in program processes and procedure and eligibility guidelines.
• Oversee email communications and ensure appropriate follow up.
• Provide information about available programs and services and respond to general inquiries from clients and referring partners
• Receive and review incoming referrals from internal and external sources

Intake:

• Serve as a first contact support for addiction counselling inquiries
• Schedule and complete intakes
• Provide coverage for scheduled intake appointments, as appropriate
• Monitor intake voicemails and respond/re-direct, as appropriate
• Support walk-in inquiries, as available
• Assist in completing walk-in intakes, as available
• Scheduling intakes with other addiction counsellors (based on pre-set intake rotation)
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential documentation of all client interactions, intake notes and referral information
• Coordinate intake schedule and manage appointment calendars to ensure efficient service delivery to clients
• Maintain consistent intake schedule to assist with scheduling of intakes
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records in accordance with organizational policies and privacy legislation.

Group Facilitation Support:

• Support Exploring Change virtual group facilitation as required
• Support coverage for Supportive Information Sessions in London, as required
• Support facilitation and/or coverage of various treatment groups

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

We require the following qualifications:

• College diploma or University degree in a related field (e.g. BSW, MSW) (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Registration with an appropriate college (OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO)
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

We prefer the following qualifications:

• ASIST training preferred
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training preferred
• Current First Aid/CPR certification
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a related position
• Experience conducting comprehensive intake assessments to determine clients’ mental health, substance use history, risk factors, and treatment needs.
• Experience providing supportive, trauma informed engagement to clients during initial contact to build trust and rapport.
• Experience and detailed knowledge of mental health and addiction
• Experience working with people of colour, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples is an asset.
• 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 20, 2026:

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]

Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes