Addictions Counsellor - Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine - Temporary full-time - 2026-16545

Sunnybrook’s rapid access addictions medicine (RAAM) clinic is a low-barrier, walk-in clinic that support people to get help for a substance use disorder without an appointment or formal referral.  RAAM clinics provide time-limited medical addiction care (including pharmacotherapy, brief counselling, and referrals to community services).  Sunnybrook RAAM is part of a network of clinics across the province.  

The addictions counsellor is an integral member of the team, working collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioner, service navigator, peer navigator, peer support worker, and administrative staff to; assess, develop treatment plans, initiate treatment, and transition people to services they may require in the community. The position is well suited to a self-starter with strong organizational and communication skills who enjoys being part of building new services, building partnerships internally and externally and working with diverse communities.

The successful candidate; 
•    Provides evidence-based treatment and supports for youth, adults, and families presenting with substance use–related concerns.
•    Liaises with inpatient medical units, the emergency department, the Addiction Medicine Consult Team, withdrawal management services, and any relevant community agencies to support continuity of care. 
•    Completes program intake and develops/implements treatment plans with clients and families accessing services. 
•    Completes addictions assessments for treatment planning purposes with individuals as required. 
•    Documents assessments, intervention plans, progress notes and outcomes in a timely manner as per program policy standards. 
•    Assists in and acts as a resource for client and family education. 
•    Consults and liaises with appropriate resources to ensure quality care and maintain client safety. 
•    Provides guidance, training, and orientation for new staff¬ and students. 
•    Works collaboratively with community providers to provide wraparound care for complex clients. 
•    Participates in program development. 
•    Facilitates a variety of education sessions locally. 
•    Practices from a harm reduction approach when providing health teaching to clients and families. 
•    Applies the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as outlined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. 
•    Evaluates client care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulates solutions for improvement. 
•    Participates in education and training specific to current relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards, and guidelines. 
•    Represents the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required. 17. Performs other duties as required
•    Provide time limited case management support and assisting clients in meeting their short term goals 
•    Participate in developing and delivering evidence based group interventions (i.e. SMART recovery, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, Seeking Safety)
 

Qualifications/Skills:

•    Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited university. 
•    Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is required. 
•    Current Certification in Staged Screening and Assessment (SSA) is preferred. 
•    Current Certification in Harm Reduction is preferred. 
•    Current Certification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is preferred. 
•    Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES 

• Minimum of 2 years of full-time equivalent experience working in an addictions setting. 
• Experience in community-based outpatient program. 
• Experience completing Staged Screening and Assessment (SSA) is preferred. 
• Experience providing individual and group setting treatment is required. 
• Experience in program development and providing education is preferred. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of addictions-related care (i.e., withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal management, and medication treatment available). 
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practices of recovery principles. 
• Demonstrated ability to complete addictions assessments, treatment planning, and referrals. 
• Demonstrated ability to practice in the areas of clinical counseling with adults and families; strong client and family service orientation. 
• Demonstrated skills in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and individual and group interventions. 
• Demonstrated excellent judgment, critical thinking, and proven analytical skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of how to apply harm reduction practices. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of culturally safe practices. 
• Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and client information systems. 
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required. 
• Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.