Counsellor, Community Opioid Addictions Program (COAP)

Counsellor, Community Opioid Addictions Program (COAP) 
Direct Service - (OPSEU)
 Full-Time, Permanent (Benefitted) 

This posting is the result of a current vacancy.
 London, Ontario (London Zone)
- Application Deadline: August 17, 2026 -

We believe that everyone has the right to access supports that will foster growth and allow them to live with dignity, and independence in our community 

The Counsellors in the Community Opioid Addictions Program (COAP) will work with existing community services to provide coordinated, collaborative, community-based health and social services from an interdisciplinary, integrated and holistic perspective for people with opioid addiction; prioritizing pregnant women and people living with HIV and or Hepatitis C and including people with poly-substance use and/or concurrent disorders. 

Providing client-centred care from a harm reduction approach, this front-line position will engage in community development, capacity building and program development with a wide variety of service providers.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
  1. Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
  2. Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with a 1-hour unpaid break.
• Your pension plan – Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• What your benefits will be – After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare benefits

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered care from a harm reduction approach 
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of service providers and organizations 
• Acquire and maintain a high level of current knowledge about opioid treatments and trends in the opioid/drug abusing population 
• Seek out and engage individuals with opioid addiction, including people already receiving substitution therapy (methadone maintenance treatment, suboxone treatment, etc.) who require additional medical, social, and psychological supports to improve overall health 
• Facilitate successful service navigation for clients through empowerment and/or advocacy 
• Provide education, referrals and clinical support for people with opioid addiction and related problems in a coordinated, collaborative, interdisciplinary, integrated and holistic perspective 
• Provide the above-mentioned clinical services in satellite offices and other locations as designated and needed. 
• Manage and meet targets for a clinical caseload and maintain direct service requirements. 
• Manage indirect services and administrative duties. 
• Be available for evening clinical work during regular office hours and on occasion outside of regular hours as needed and when appropriate. 
• Assist with drug screening tests and clinic support 
• Maintain awareness of and adherence to policies and protocols
• Actively participate in the supervisory process with immediate supervisor.

Teamwork: 

• Actively engage in learning opportunities, events, meetings, and team building activities scheduled by the organization for staff members 
• Act as a resource to other staff and community partners; seek out and listen to input from other staff and community partners 
• Provide support and encouragement to other staff as needed (e.g. assistance with challenging participants/clients, coverage for vacation, sick time, share responsibility for work loads) 
• Be supportive of, and an active participant in, the constant evolution and growth of the organization 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:
 

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
 Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.
 
We require the following qualifications:

• College Diploma or University Degree in a related field, preferably BSW or post-graduate diploma in addiction or equivalent (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Valid Driver’s Licence, minimum G2 class.
• Access to a vehicle for personal transportation.
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

We prefer the following qualifications:

• Currently registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (as an RSW, SSW), the College of Nurses of Ontario, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario 
• First Aid & CPR certification
• Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST training program
• Training to administer Naloxone
• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health conditions is required
• Clinical work experience ideally in substance abuse assessment and treatment including intake and crisis services
• Capacity and comfort level dealing with street-involved individuals who may exhibit behaviours consistent with their distress, intoxication or other circumstances 
• Minimum 3 years' experience working with individuals with mental health/addiction needs as well as the treatment of addictions 
• Interdisciplinary experience in the following sectors: hospital/medical settings, child welfare, medical, mental health/violence against women 
• Experience working with community and health care organizations and leveraging community resources to coordinate healthcare and support services 
• Experience in crisis intervention/management and crisis resolution 
• Experience conducting complex assessments and treatment plans (including safety plans) 
• Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – August 17, 2026
 

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team. 
 

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]  

Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes