Addictions Counsellor I

Hours: 75 Hour biweekly (8 hours; Days) Hours of work will follow the flexible work schedule in accordance with Article 19.01(a) of the NAPE-HP Collective Agreement, based on 75 hours bi-weekly (by mutual agreement).

Salary:

CGHP39 (CAD40.88 - CAD49.71 per hour)

The following incentives may be applicable:

• Signing bonus up to $16,000
• Student Bursary up to $10,000
• Relocation Assistance

• For more information on bursaries/incentives please visit www.workinhealthnl.ca/incentives or email [email protected] *subject to Government of Newfoundland and Labrador approval annually.

Competition Number: VAC0018502

Posted Date: 2025-11-14

Closing Date: Open until filled.

The Addictions Counsellor I is a specialized clinical position that provides addictions treatment services to individuals and/or family members. The position is responsible for completing comprehensive assessments, offering education sessions on addictions issues, formulating treatment plans and designing follow-up with clients. These services are provided through individual and group therapies, conducted within provincial correctional institutions. The successful applicant will consult and work as part of an inter-disciplinary team in partnership with other professionals and community groups regarding addictions programming and treatment issues. The addictions counsellor will collaborate with classification officers and community partners to facilitate discharge planning and transition back into the community.
Work is performed independently with strong links to other staff within the Correctional facility, including Health staff and Correctional staff.

Other job demands specific to Corrections may include: being subpoenaed to court to provide testimony, corresponding with defense lawyers, crown attorneys, probation officers and parole officers.

Job Demands
By applying for this job, you acknowledge an understanding that regular requirements and demands of this job include (but are not limited to):
Occasionally lifts objects less than 10 lbs. and rearranges furniture between 10-25 lbs. for group meetings, workshops or presentations.
Occasionally provides testimony as an expert witness in court hearings which requires the ability to withstand examination and cross examination.
Regularly exposed to clients whose behavior is sometimes unpredictable.
Regularly counsels incarcerated individuals without a Correctional Officer present (panic button is provided).
Regularly maintains a safe environment for self and others when client is under stress/duress.
Uses fine finger/precision work when on the computer and visual concentration is required when in sessions with patients (i.e. reviewing patient charts/notes, tests and for documenting work, and when reading or researching information).
Visual concentration is required to interpret patient observations and integrate into patient evaluation.
Auditory concentration is constantly required in sessions with patients to listen attentively, to be alert and to obtain and interpret information correctly.
A higher-than-normal level of attentiveness is required when assessing high risk patients.
Ability to adapt to constantly changing work demands due to the nature of a highly secure environment, with unpredictable incidents within the prison which may occur frequently.
Fine finger/precision work is required on a regular basis. A high level of attentiveness and vigilance is also required when working alone and during counselling sessions to ensure safety or to detect impending danger to self and client. Regularly exposed to time pressures; occasionally exposed to interruptions due to crisis situations.

Job Qualifications
Graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, or a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology or a related Degree in a clinical discipline as determined by the employer is required.
A minimum of three (3) years' experience within the last five (5) working in mental health and addictions and/or working with clients involved in the criminal justice system who are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, addictions or concurrent disorders. Ability to be responsive in an unpredictable environment is required.
Knowledge of best practices in addictions, programs, services and community-based resources.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with co-workers, clients and their families in a one to one and/or group environment
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
The ability to work flexible hours are conditions of employment.
A satisfactory record of work performance and attendance is required.

Employees, to review your attendance record please refer to your employee portal on the Intranet for details. The attendance record is only available to employees who are currently in positions that accumulate sick time.