Addictions Counsellor

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply and expand your expertise in addictions and substance abuse while making a difference in the lives of others?

Consider the role of Addictions Counsellor with the Vanier Centre for Women with the Ministry of the Solicitor General, where you will have a unique chance to work with diverse clients as well as a multi-disciplinary team to deliver meaningful services within a correctional environment.


The Vanier Centre for Women in Milton, Ontario is a medium and maximum correctional facility for female offenders serving sentences of less than two years or who have been arrested and are remanded in custody awaiting trial. The institution has capacity for 333 inmates.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is one of the largest employers in the province, with a wide range of exciting career opportunities. We believe in the core values of trust, fairness, diversity, excellence, creativity, collaboration, efficiency and responsiveness. We are committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

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

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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