FT Addictions Counsellor - Repost
Status: Full-time, permanent
Location: London, ON
Hours: 35 hours/week [5 days]
Salary: $55,680 to $69,600 per year
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 12 health & 3 personal days, 5 spiritual/cultural days, professional development and your birthday off
Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan)
Posting Date: July 10, 2025
Deadline: July 24, 2025
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency. We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. Currently, we are seeking the services of an Addictions Counsellor to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our London site.
Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager, the Addictions Counsellor is responsible for supporting individuals and families living with substance use and/or behavioral addictions. Working closely with SOAHAC’s Integrated Care team and external community resources, the Addictions Counsellor helps clients navigate recovery paths by providing one-on-one support, goal setting, referrals, and community-based advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Support clients dealing with substance use and/or behavioral addictions through one-on-one and small group support
• Conduct intake interviews and gather basic information related to addiction history, wellness goals, and social needs
• Work collaboratively with clients to develop practical and culturally appropriate action plans
• Provide information, education, and harm reduction tools to clients and families
• Refer clients to internal or external programs (e.g., detox, housing, financial supports, trauma therapy) as needed
• Coordinate with community organizations and represent SOAHAC in local referral networks
• Attend and actively participate in relevant community committee meetings to strengthen collaborative efforts and stay informed on local resources, policies, and developments in addiction and mental health care
• Assist in client navigation of social systems including housing, legal, and health services
• Maintain accurate and confidential case notes and reporting
• Participate in outreach, home visits, or support at partner agencies as needed
• Collaborate with SOAHAC’s interdisciplinary team to ensure client-centred care

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Addictions Counselling, Social Services, or related field
• 2-4 years of relevant work experience in addictions, social services, or community outreach
• Experience working with Indigenous clients and/or communities using trauma-informed and culturally grounded approaches
• Knowledge of community services and resources in the London and surrounding area
• Demonstrated ability to provide supportive counselling and crisis de-escalation
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license, access to reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance
• Up-to-date immunizations and records
• Clean and current vulnerable sector police check
• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, ceremonies, and teachings

What We Offer
At SOAHAC, we support your growth and well-being. In addition to a meaningful role, you’ll have access to generous paid time off, a comprehensive benefits package, and participation in HOOPP. You’ll be a valued member of a team committed to healing, equity, and community empowerment.
This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.
SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.
Please submit your resume and cover letter. If you are unable to submit through our careers portal you may send to careers@soahac.on.ca
Please visit Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre online at: www.soahac.on.ca or like us on www.facebook.com/soahac to learn more about us!
We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted

• Support clients dealing with substance use and/or behavioral addictions through one-on-one and small group support
• Conduct intake interviews and gather basic information related to addiction history, wellness goals, and social needs
• Work collaboratively with clients to develop practical and culturally appropriate action plans
• Provide information, education, and harm reduction tools to clients and families
• Refer clients to internal or external programs (e.g., detox, housing, financial supports, trauma therapy) as needed
• Coordinate with community organizations and represent SOAHAC in local referral networks
• Attend and actively participate in relevant community committee meetings to strengthen collaborative efforts and stay informed on local resources, policies, and developments in addiction and mental health care
• Assist in client navigation of social systems including housing, legal, and health services
• Maintain accurate and confidential case notes and reporting
• Participate in outreach, home visits, or support at partner agencies as needed
• Collaborate with SOAHAC’s interdisciplinary team to ensure client-centred car