Addictions Counsellor

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible 

Union: No

Facility: Battlefords Treatment Centre

City/Town: North Battleford 

Department: Addiction Treatment 

Type: Addictions Counsellor 

FTE: FT 

Shift Information: N/A

Hours of Work: 37.5 - 40 per week

Salary or Pay Band: 58,000 - 60,000

Job Description: 
The Addictions Counsellor provides therapeutic and operational support to clients admitted to Battlefords Treatment Centre, assisting individuals experiencing substance use disorders to make positive, sustainable life changes. The role focuses on assessment, treatment planning, counselling, and crisis response within a structured residential treatment environment, while upholding professional, ethical, and organizational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage individualized treatment plans based on pre‑assessments and ongoing client needs.
• Facilitate and manage primary group programming, promote client engagement, and support positive group dynamics.
• Provide one‑to‑one counselling, crisis intervention, and risk assessment for at‑risk clients.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation, reports, and client files in accordance with policy.
• Support client growth across spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical domains using evidence‑based practices.
• Administer medications and complete operational duties as required by policy and scope of practice.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, accreditation processes, and continuous professional development.
• Uphold professional boundaries, ethical conduct, and cultural programming while ensuring client safety and program integrity.

Travel Required: Yes

Education

• Background in addictions counselling, social work, or a related field
• Experience providing clinical supervision and team leadership
• Strong knowledge of addictions treatment and best practices
• Ability to manage crisis situations and support high-needs clients
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills
• Commitment to ethical conduct, professionalism, and continuous learning

Licenses

Candidates must hold one of the following professional designations and be in good standing with their respective regulatory body:

• RSW - Registered Social Worker (Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers), or
• ICADC or CCAC - Certified Addictions Counsellor
  (with demonstrated experience providing clinical supervision)

Clinical & Therapeutic Competencies

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment modalities, and recovery‑oriented practices
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment plans
• Competence in one‑to‑one counselling, group facilitation, and client engagement
• Crisis intervention and risk assessment (triage) skills
• Ability to recognize and respond to at‑risk or high‑needs clients
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and culturally responsive approaches

Client Support & Engagement

• Strong motivational and therapeutic communication skills
• Ability to build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries
• Capacity to encourage personal responsibility, self‑awareness, and positive behaviour change
• Skill in providing constructive, respectful, and strengths‑based feedback
• Ability to support client well‑being across spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical domains

Program & Case Management

• Effective management of primary client groups and group dynamics
• Organizational skills to maintain complete, accurate, and confidential client files
• Ability to document assessments, progress notes, incidents, and discharge summaries accurately
• Planning and prioritization skills to meet program schedules and deadlines
• Ability to apply policies, procedures, and treatment frameworks consistently

Interpersonal & Teamwork

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Respect for diverse perspectives, professional approaches, and cultural practices
• Conflict resolution and de‑escalation skills
• Openness to supervision, feedback, and ongoing skill development
• Professional judgement in identifying and reporting ethical or safety concerns

Operational & Administrative Competencies

• Ability to follow medication administration directives and documentation requirements
• Attention to detail and accuracy in reports and records
• Ability to follow security, safety, and room‑check protocols
• Reliability in meeting attendance, scheduling, and shift requirements
• Understanding of accreditation standards (e.g., CARF) and quality assurance processes

Professional & Ethical Practice

• Adherence to codes of professional conduct and ethics
• Demonstrated accountability, integrity, and professionalism
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and informed consent
• Commitment to continuous learning and evidence‑based practices
   

Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction theory, and recovery‑oriented practices
• Knowledge of evidence‑based treatment modalities (e.g., individual counselling, group therapy, experiential treatment)
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed, client‑centred, and culturally responsive care
• Knowledge of assessment, treatment planning, and discharge planning processes
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and client safety protocols
• Knowledge of professional ethics, boundaries, and codes of conduct for counselling practice
• Knowledge of confidentiality, privacy legislation, and information‑handling requirements
• Knowledge of documentation standards, clinical record‑keeping, and reporting requirements
• Knowledge of medication administration procedures within assigned scope and policy
• Knowledge of organizational policies, operational procedures, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF)
• Knowledge of group dynamics and behaviour management in a residential treatment environment
   

Abilities Required

• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized client treatment plans
• Ability to provide effective one‑to‑one counselling and facilitate group programming
• Ability to assess client risk, respond to crises, and make sound clinical judgments
• Ability to motivate, engage, and support clients toward positive behavioural change
• Ability to manage group dynamics and resolve conflict in a respectful and safe manner
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building therapeutic rapport
• Ability to accurately document observations, assessments, and reports in a timely manner
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adhere to schedules and program requirements
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and safety protocols consistently
• Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with clients and colleagues
• Ability to exercise discretion, ethical decision‑making, and accountability
• Ability to participate in supervision, training, and continuous professional development

Other Information

•  Education & Qualifications

  • Degree in Addictions Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field
  • Relevant certification or eligibility for certification, as required
  • Ongoing professional development in addictions and mental health

• Experience

  • Experience providing counselling services to individuals with substance use disorders
  • Experience in a residential or structured treatment environment
  • Experience facilitating group programming and managing group dynamics
  • Experience responding to crisis situations and working with at‑risk populations

• Working Conditions

  • Work performed in a residential treatment centre setting
  • Regular interaction with clients experiencing emotional distress or behavioural challenges
  • Adherence to scheduled hours of work

• Physical & Environmental Requirements

  • Ability to conduct room checks and move throughout the facility
  • Ability to remain alert and responsive in a fast‑paced environment
  • Participation in experiential treatment activities within personal capabilities

• Accountability & Reporting

  • Reports to a clinical supervisor and site manager
  • Accountable for assigned clients, documentation, and program delivery
  • Required to report unethical, unsafe, or inappropriate behaviour

• Legal, Ethical & Security Requirements

  • Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks, as required
  • Compliance with confidentiality, privacy legislation, and ethical standards
  • Adherence to organizational policies and accreditation standards

• Cultural & Program Expectations

  • Respect for and participation in the organization’s cultural components
  • Ability to provide culturally responsive and respectful client support

• Personal Attributes

• Emotional resilience and sound professional judgment

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Reliability, flexibility, and commitment to continuous learning