Addiction Counsellor

Position #: 3061

Expected Start Date: October 6, 2025  

Union: No 

Facility: Battlefords Treatment Centre

City/Town: North Battleford

Department: Addictions and Mental Health

Type: Addiction Counsellor 

FTE: 1.0

Shift Information:  Monday through Friday 

Hours of Work: 37.5 - 40 hours per week

Salary or Pay Band: Based on skills and experience

Job Description:  The Addictions Counsellor will support clients who are admitted to Battlefords Treatment Centre to make positive changes in their lives. The Addictions Counsellor will support clients who struggle with substance abuse and the lack of ability to make good personal choices. 
 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 

• Formulate and formalize client(s) treatment goals through the development of client treatment plan that will outline the treatment process upon receipt of the initial pre-assessment from admissions.

• Counsellor’s have a primary responsibility to clientele identified as belonging to their specific primary group, it is all Counsellors responsibility to promote all clientele’s active participation in all lectures, ceremonies, workshops, seminars, experiential activities, etc.

• Manage primary group dynamics in order to motivate and engage clients.

• Utilize the current materials and resources of Battlefords Treatment Centre to and acknowledge the benefit of accepting and respecting the various approaches of your colleagues. 

• Manage and effectively resolve differences between clientele.

• Assess and recognize at risk clientele and demonstrates the ability to respond to clients in crisis.

• Completes a risk assessment (triage) form and places in client’s file.

• Acknowledge and comply with organizational communication protocols. 

• Adhere to established Battlefords Treatment Centre to policies, code of professional conduct, and code of ethics which holds all staff accountable for their behavior and professionalism.

• Responsible for maintaining primary client’s files by ensuring they are organized, up to date and completely prepared for file closure.

• Responsible for identification of chosen treatment modality for treatment delivery.

• Strive to remain current on all addictions related material with a strong focus towards best practices.

OPERATIONAL DUTIES 

• When required, dispense and record medication(s) in accordance with the client’s prescription directive and at the identified Battlefords Treatment Centre to time frame.

• Accurately document significant occurrences and observations in the proper formats (e.g. daily charting, progress notes, incident, and termination reports, etc.)

• Administers routinely scheduled client room checks when required (e.g. at risk or Solicitor General clients) as per policy.

• Facilitate client orientation when scheduled or scheduled to do so.

• Complete Treatment Summary Reports (TSRs) immediately upon client discharge or termination on the following day at the latest.

• Attend all mandatory team meetings, training initiatives and working groups.

• Adhere to the weekly planning schedule, which identifies weekly roles and responsibilities.

• Introduce yourself to the new clients identified as being in your primary group no later than the next working day following intake. 

• Follow proper procedure in the process of admitting clients (e.g. confiscation of contraband materials; answering general questions; assessing risk; inquiring as to drug of choice and the last time using, etc.)

• Ensures that the rooms of client(s) who self-terminate; are terminated; or otherwise leave the centre are cleared of the clients’ personal possessions and that the room is left tidy.

• Adhere to the hours of work set for counselling staff. 

• Participates in experiential treatment practices that are within their personal capabilities and seek to expand on existing personal knowledge.

• Participates in supervision meetings to improve skills and abilities.

• Identify and report immediately to your supervisor any inappropriate and unethical behaviour witnessed by staff or clientele.

• When scheduled, supervise the client lunch hour in the dining hall ensuring that the clients clean up after each meal. 

• Support the Accreditation process and adhere to all Accreditation processes and standards as per CARF.

CLIENT SUPPORT 

• Provide guidance and direction to clientele in respect to Battlefords Treatment Centre’s cultural component and its approaches and practices.

• Maintain clearly defined professional boundaries in engaging clientele.

• Continually work to develop a knowledge base that encourages understanding of the range of and types of substance abuses and their effect on client functioning. 

• Provide feedback to clientele regarding their treatment program in a manner that is both indicative and positive.

• Encourage client growth in the areas of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

• Provide one to one counselling and guidance to clientele based on the urgency and needs of client.

• Provide clientele with the necessary assignments and resources that will assist them in attaining personal growth and self-actualization as it pertains to their overall treatment plan.

• Comply with Battlefords Treatment Centre to Code of professional and ethical conduct when associating with clientele, observe, validate and listen to client concern(s) ensuring a clear understanding before making suggestions

• Motivate and engage clients at every opportunity or interaction.

Travel Required: Some travel is required.

Education

• Post-secondary education in addictions, social work, psychology, or related field preferred.

Licenses

• Relevant professional certifications or licenses in addictions counselling (if applicable).

Other Education and Training

• Trauma-Responsive Care - understanding the link between trauma and addiction.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) - client-centered communication technique to encourage change.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - practical approaches for relapse prevention and emotional regulation.
• Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention - skills for immediate risk management.
•  Cultural Safety & Indigenous Healing Practices - integrating traditional teachings and cultural competency.
• Harm Reduction Approaches - supporting diverse recovery pathways.
• Ethics & Professional Boundaries - ongoing reinforcement of best practices.
• Case Management & Documentation - ensuring compliance with CARF and clinical standards.
• Co-occurring Disorders Training - supporting clients with both mental health and addictions.
• Group Facilitation Skills - leading effective therapy groups, circles, and workshops.

Competencies: 

• Strong communication, counselling, and crisis intervention skills.
  Ability to manage group dynamics and motivate clients.
  Professionalism, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of addictions, recovery models, and best practices in treatment.
  Understanding of Indigenous cultural healing practices and traditions.
  Ability to assess, support, and guide clients through recovery.

Other Information:

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends if required.