Addictions Counsellor

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Assist in the development of addiction counselling programs
• Contribute as part of an inter-professional committee focusing on addictions and re-integration of offenders
• Provide rehabilitative addiction counselling services by working with individual or groups of offenders
• Participate in case conferences, treatment planning meetings, discharge planning conferences, and contacting family members, to assist in the coordination of treatment of offenders within the institution
• Liaise with community agencies and self-help organizations, citizen's groups, business, industries, colleges and universities
• Facilitate the completion of recognized addiction assessments
• Other duties, as required

How do I qualify?

Specialized Knowledge and Experience

• You have knowledge of current addiction counselling theories, practices and counselling techniques, substance abuse indicators, group/individual counselling strategies and referral network in the community
• You have understanding of risk and needs assessment tools, criminogenic factors, rehabilitation theories, and related counselling practices
• You have knowledge of community agencies and resources to identify and arrange the appropriate support and discharge resources
• You understand the various sectors involved in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates after release (i.e. mental health agencies, shelters, employment services, etc.)
• You are able to apply relevant legislation as well as demonstrated ability to acquire knowledge of and follow organizational policies and procedures
• Proficiency with computer software and databases

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You are able to connect and build rapport with a diverse client population with varied cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds as well as complex needs
• You have experience providing one-on-one and group counselling
• You are able to effectively communicate with correctional staff, other professionals, and external agency stakeholders
• You have written communication skills to prepare correspondence and accurate reports
• You have tact and diplomacy to handle requests and respond to inquiries

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You can determine offender/program needs based on input from institutional staff and offenders
• You have reasoning skills to assess an individual's treatment readiness and motivation
• You can resolve issues or matters pertaining to offender participation
• You have organizational skills to prioritize and manage workload

Additional Information:

• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual's employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• Employees working in congregate living settings may be required to provide proof they are fully vaccinated, meaning they are fully vaccinated as defined by the Ministry of Health (refer to: COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Status in Ontario), including 14 calendar days have passed since receiving their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, employees working in congregate living settings may be required to undergo regular rapid antigen testing, regardless of vaccination status, as determined by the Employer.