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Addiction Worker Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Connect clients to community resources and services, including mental health, addictions, primary ... Strong working knowledge of issues/practices related to the Housing First model, social determents ...

Connect clients to community resources and services, including mental health, addictions, primary ... Strong working knowledge of issues/practices related to the Housing First model, social determents ...

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Addiction Worker information

What is an addiction worker?

Addiction Workers are professionals who support individuals struggling with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. They provide counseling, intervention, education, and community resources to help clients overcome their addictions and improve their quality of life. Addiction Workers may work in various settings such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, community organizations, or outreach programs. Their roles often include conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, facilitating group sessions, and advocating for clients’ needs. They play a crucial role in supporting recovery and fostering long-term well-being.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an addiction worker?

To thrive as an Addiction Worker, you need a background in social work, psychology, or counseling, often supported by relevant certifications or diplomas in addiction studies. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and therapeutic intervention techniques is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These skills enable effective client care, progress monitoring, and the delivery of tailored support in challenging environments.

What are common challenges addiction workers face when supporting clients in recovery?

Addiction Workers often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients who may be ambivalent about change, managing relapse situations, and addressing co-occurring mental health conditions. The work can also involve navigating complex family or social dynamics that impact a client’s recovery process. Successful Addiction Workers rely on strong communication skills, empathy, and resilience to help clients set realistic goals and access community resources, while also maintaining professional boundaries and practicing self-care.

What is the difference between Addiction Worker vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction WorkerSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles need certification or associate degreeTypically requires a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; state licensure or certification often needed
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, treatment centers, hospitals, or outpatient facilitiesRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, or private practices
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, government agenciesRehab centers, mental health clinics, private practices

While both Addiction Workers and Substance Abuse Counselors assist individuals with addiction issues, Substance Abuse Counselors generally have more advanced education and licensure requirements. Addiction Workers often serve as frontline support in various treatment settings, providing essential assistance and support to clients. Both roles are vital in addiction treatment, but the scope and qualifications can differ.

How to start a career as an addiction worker?

To start a career as an addiction worker, obtain relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, and gain experience through internships or volunteer work in addiction treatment settings. Certification or licensure, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required or preferred. Developing strong communication and counseling skills is essential for working effectively with clients in this field.

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Addiction Worker jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Addiction Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Worker job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Addiction Support Worker (Assist)- Term until May 2028

Calgary, AB

CA$54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Type: (Term until May 2028) - Full-Time (3 days on and 3 days off, 7am-7pm)

Pay:  $54,634

About the Role

As an Addiction Support Worker, you are front-line, working as part of a team, interacting directly with our clients in our shelter, the majority of which are homeless and under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. The primary responsibility is to ensure that client's needs are assessed and met appropriately, while clients are visiting our shelter.

As an Assist, you will be given the opportunity to train in a Shift Supervisor capacity to develop your leadership skills and gain further experience. 


  • Treats clients with respect and dignity, interacting with them in a caring, non-judgmental manner
    · Monitors clients' safety and well-being, ensuring their withdrawal symptoms are being monitored appropriately, and getting support when needed

Completes admissions and discharges of individuals, including those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
· Provide one on one support to clients who need extra care and attention, including assisting with showering
· Monitor the outside of the building, conducting rounds and picking and/or sweeping up garbage around the building; and if necessary, with the help of a team member, assist
clients that are sleeping in proximity to the building inside or find a safe place for them
· Monitor the line-ups, assessing high intox clients and bring them into shelter first, physically assisting them if needed
· Attends to crisis situations (i.e. seizures, disagreements, overdoses) both inside and outside focusing on defusing situations after they escalate
· Interacts with other addiction agencies and community members, community services including police and EMS.
· Role model Alpha House’s value’s and be a positive ambassador when interacting with the public, partners and businesses
· Completing daily and nightly chores, including cleaning and laundry
· Following established protocols, required to ensure bodily fluids are properly cleaned up and area is disinfected.
· Provides clients with information regarding treatment options, and makes referrals as required
· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources
· Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (MSDS, OH&S, WHMIS etc.), which includes assisting in maintaining cleanliness of the building both inside and
· Support other programs in the agency as needed, by working a shift in PSH, Outreach or Detox/Stabilization 

About You

We are looking for an Addition Support Worker to join our Shelter program. The ideal candidate would have the following:

  • A minimum two-year program related to Human Services, from a Public Post Secondary Educational Institution, or in progress towards one
  • Front line experience working with vulnerable populations and a desire to work with people socially disadvantaged.
  • An understanding of addictions including: withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma informed-care, crisis management and crisis counseling, and impact of mental health issues.
  • Must be tolerant, non-judgmental with a high degree of compassion and empathy towards the homeless and those struggling with addictions and or mental health
  • Proven crisis management, problem solving skills, rapport-building and advocacy skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate showing respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintain confidentiality of clients
  • A well-developed sense of diplomacy, including conflict resolution, de-escalation and people management skills
  • Team player with strong written and oral English communication skills
  • Have ethically responsible practices with staff and clients alike including a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care Act
  • Computer literacy, including effective working skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook

Position Requirements
· Class 5 (Non GDL) driver license
· Be able to physically assist clients from prone to sitting or standing, and vice versa
· Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that does not contain any results material to the position
· Able to complete FOIP & “It’s your Move” training, or equivalent Patient Lift training

About Alpha House:

Alpha House is dedicated to providing safe, caring, and respectful environments for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve, offering comprehensive support and resources to help individuals on their journey to recovery and stability.

Benefits of working at Alpha House

  • Meaningful work supporting vulnerable populations
  • Medical Benefits after six months of continuous work
  • Personal Development and training opportunities

If this role sounds like something you are interested in, we urge you to apply.