Indigenous Addictions Counsellor (30-26)

                    INTERNAL ONLY POSTING: OPEN UNTIL JUNE 3, 2026 AT 4:00PM

                                  INDIGENOUS ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR (30-26)

                                             B’SAANIBAMAADSIWIN PROGRAM

Job Status: Permanent

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Base office: Bracebridge

Competition #: 30-26

Purpose of the Position: The Indigenous Addiction Counsellor provides culturally responsive addiction counselling and support services to Indigenous individuals, families and communities experiencing substance use challenges within the colonial boundaries of Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound. This role includes comprehensive assessment, care planning, referrals, and supportive counselling, alongside community-based case management. The clinician works closely with community partners, including Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics, family physicians, hospitals, and withdrawal management services to deliver effective, holistic care. This position is part of the B’saanibamaadsiwin program, which strives to provide culturally safe and community-driven mental health and addiction services. The successful candidate will be supported by the broader B’saanibamaadsiwin team and regional addiction and mental health resources.

Education and Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, practices, and historical contexts, including impacts of colonization, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities within Muskoka and Parry Sound traditional territories.
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in human services, health sciences, social work, or a related discipline.
• Equivalency will be strongly considered for candidates with significant relevant work experience and/or lived experience in mental health and addictions services.
• Experience collaborating effectively with elders, healers, and Indigenous knowledge holders.
• Experience and/or willingness to learn and apply culturally safe practices within mental health and addiction services.
• Knowledge of best practices in addiction interventions, concurrent disorders, social determinants of health, and community resources.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, particularly in rural settings.
• Experience providing supportive counselling, case management, and/or crisis intervention.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and client information systems.
• Valid Ontario G or G2 driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Flexibility to participate in after-hours 24/7 on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays as required.
• Bilingualism in French or fluency in an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally safe, client-centered mental health and addictions services, including assessment, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, and treatment.
• Develop individualized care plans and coordinate referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Facilitate psycho-educational groups and community-based wellness initiatives.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, health services, and Indigenous organizations.
• Participate actively in cultural training, community events, and continuous learning opportunities.

Salary scale: $29.85 to $39.09 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits: Comprehensive benefit plan and optional enrollment in aRegistered Retirement plan with HOOPP where contributions start on date of hire.

You are invited to submit your application by quoting competition number 30-26 by 4:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to:

                                                             The Hiring Committee

                  Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka-Parry Sound Branch

                                                  173-202 Manitoba Street

                                               Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1S3

                            Telephone (705) 645-2262    Online: CMHA MPS Careers

Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka – Parry Sound (CMHAMPS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Qualified consumers/survivors and/or family members are encouraged to apply

We retain all applications submitted for one year after the closing date of this posting for consideration in any future postings.

As part of our commitment to Accessibility, if you wish this information in a different format, please contact our office at 705-645-2262 or email feedback@cmhamps.ca. 

If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know prior to the interview if you require accommodation.