Job Title: Youth Addiction Outreach Counsellor
Duration: Full-Time, contract end March 31st, 2026 with possible extension
Location: Niagara Region
Hours of Work: 35 hours/week, with evening work as required
Hourly Rate: $27.27 - $33.51 per hour
Reports To: Director of Youth Services
Posting Date: Monday July 7th, 2025
Closing Date: Monday July 14th, 2025 at 4:00 pm

POSITION SUMMARY

The Counsellor will provide services to youth at risk in the community where substance use is the primary concern. The format of services can include: initial and ongoing screening and assessment, treatment planning, referral and integration of required services, ongoing data entry and clinical file recording, advocacy, potential conjoint family services, group counselling, and collaboration with other service providers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A relevant undergraduate degree plus two years of addiction experience or a relevant two-year Community College diploma plus five years of addiction work experience.
• Registered or in the process of registering with a regulatory college (i.e. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario)
• Current criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s license and insurance.
• Experience in harm reductions, safety planning and crisis intervention.
• Training in DBT, CBT and/or Solution-Focused Therapy would be considered an asset.
• Experience working in a trauma informed care setting.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience using Catalyst database.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of service providers.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, problem solving, advocacy and assessment skills
• Able to manage crisis and adverse situations with staff, youth and families.

6. TEAM AND ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely and in collaboration with other Youth Services program members at CASON.
• Attend Youth Services team meetings and regular supervision with Director of Youth Services ongoing as scheduled.
• Participates in agency work delegated to committees related to staff development, program planning, social activities, community information, etc.
• Participate in co-facilitation of group counselling programs at CASON.
• Ensure youth and family rights are respected and addressed in accordance with legislation and the agencies policies and procedures.
• Ensure safety and well-being practices are implemented; this includes being knowledgeable of Universal Care precaution practices, emergency systems and procedures in dealing with crisis situations, communicable diseases, and duty to report.
• Liaise with community partners and other agencies in a manner that promotes the CASON’s reputation and facilitates quality care for shared clients.
• Shares information and constructive observations with colleagues that promote clinical and administrative activities of the agency, including peer review and consultation,
• Commitment to research investigations, pilot projects, etc. that may be undertaken by the agency.
• Participates in public education, placement student mentoring, professional development activities, program development, planning groups, etc., as appropriate or assigned.
• Helps ensures the organization and program objectives are met.
• Demonstrates interest in the broad field of health care and the specific fields of substance abuse, problem gambling, concurrent disorders, and supportive housing.
• Works harmoniously with colleagues, including not behaving in ways that are likely to be offensive in any manner to others and confronting such behaviours by others.
• Conducts self in a responsible, professional manner.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned.