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Addiction Worker Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Cold Lake First Nations

Social Worker

Cold Lake, AB

The Social Worker plays a crucial role in connecting clients experiencing addiction, homelessness, unemployment, and challenging social situations with essential services to enhance their overall ...

Cold Lake First Nations

Social Worker

Cold Lake, AB · On-site

The Social Worker plays a crucial role in connecting clients experiencing addiction, homelessness, unemployment, and challenging social situations with essential services to enhance their overall ...

Cold Lake First Nations

Social Worker

Cold Lake, AB · On-site

The Social Worker plays a crucial role in connecting clients experiencing addiction, homelessness, unemployment, and challenging social situations with essential services to enhance their overall ...

YMCA of Northern Alberta

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 ...

YMCA of Northern Alberta

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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All JobsAddiction Worker JobsAddiction Worker Jobs in Alberta

Addiction Worker information

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 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.

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.

How to start a career in addiction recovery?

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 consider earning certifications like Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC). Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work in treatment centers can also be valuable, and many positions require strong communication and empathy skills. Licensing requirements vary by region and role, so researching local regulations is essential.

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 cities in Alberta are hiring for Addiction Worker jobs? Cities in Alberta with the most Addiction Worker job openings:
Addiction Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Addiction Worker job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor - 020-2026

Fort McKay First Nation

Fort Mcmurray, AB • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will provide quality, client focused, recovery based, and culturally appropriate counselling services and support for community members, families and groups within the Fort McKay community. The Counsellor will provide intake, assessments, treatment plans, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for clients and their families. The work performed is specialized and involves applying psychological knowledge and theories to a variety of situations. Often the work is performed in multi-disciplinary teams to develop and implement care or treatment or behaviour support plans. Counsellors require active registration with the applicable Alberta regulatory college or professional association. This position is a one-year leave replacement.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work withat risk populations including those with complex needs, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders; by providing addictions, life skills and trauma counselling.
  • Utilize a variety of psychosocial interventions and treatment modalities (individual, family, group) to children and adolescents experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
  • Complete intakes, assessments and make decisions around treatment goals with the client.
  • Review, evaluate, and document client progress and make changes to treatment plan, as necessary.
  • Provide pre-care and after-care planning and support for clients attending Addictions treatment.
  • Identify and develop safety plans for high-risk clients, manage and support clients to receive emergency services if necessary.
  • Establish care plans, goal setting and identify needs as they pertain to holistic wellness.
  • Work as a part of an interdisciplinary team of professionals to case manage, discuss appropriate therapeutic strategies and share information as required.
  • Provide one on one counselling and run groups that support enhanced person-centered wellness, inclusive of sober living, relapse prevention, living skills, and other supportive measures.
  • Work with other members of the Mental Health and Addictions team in offering services and support for clients.
  • Work with Elders to support the cultural and spiritual needs of the clients, as well as seek out and encourage cultural activities that will support sobriety and overall wellness.
  • Build relationships with services in the Wood Buffalo region to assist clients with additional services.
  • Provide consistent communication with the direct supervisor.
  • Provide monthly statistical data to the direct supervisor.
  • Maintain records and files in a clinical and professional manner.
  • Perform other related duties as required.


KEY REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's degree in psychology, addictions, health promotion, social work or related human services field is required.
  • Active registration with the applicable regulatory college or professional association is required.
  • Three (3) years of related experience in working with at risk groups and supporting healthy living and life skills.
  • Three (3) years of experience in addictions services and counselling.
  • Experience working in a First Nations community setting including knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions and values considered an asset
  • Valid class 5 Driver's License & Clean Driver's Abstract
  • A clean criminal record and vulnerable sector check is required
  • Successful candidate will be required to live in (or relocate to) Fort McMurray, Alberta


WHY APPLY?
At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive Pay, we also offer the following;

  • A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre
  • Transportation to and from work
  • The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands
  • Shift: Monday - Thursday - 8:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


HOW TO APPLY:
ONLINE:https://fortmckayfirstnation2.applytojob.com/apply
You can also check us out on social media -> Facebook & LinkedIn
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please ensure you indicate the Competition #020-2026


*Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry in any hiring decision, please declare your Indigenous status in your application.

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