Addictions Worker Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

TEMPORARY FULL-TIME UNTIL APPROX. DECEMBER 2026

Under the direction of the Manager of Clinical Services, provides comprehensive community treatment, rehabilitation and recovery supports to people who are experiencing serious mental illness and addictions, and who reside in the Windsor-Essex County area.

The Mental Health and Addiction Worker strives to support people who experience mental health and/or substance use issues to:

• Live full and meaningful lives in the community
• Enhance coping strategies, life skills and social skills
• Have a strong network of reliable and supportive relationships
• Have choices about where to live and work
• Have services that are accountable to the person supported and are available as needed

The successful candidate will:

• Provide individual 1:1 support coordination to clients with significant mental health and addictions issues
• Focus on strategies to integrate clients into their community
• Make referrals on behalf of clients to a wide variety of community programs and services
• Support individuals within the mental health system by empowering them, identifying goals and strengths and successfully implementing formal and informal supports
• Promote the development of enhanced capacities and a holistic approach to recovery through enhanced functioning, community involvement and healthier relationships
• Commit to supporting health, safety and wellness of clients according to relevant legislation and agency policies and procedures

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

The position is responsible for the following:

• Providing client orientation to services. Ensuring clients have an understanding of the services being offered as well as an understanding of processes, anticipated length of service duration, rights and expectations for participation in the program and limits to confidentiality
• Identifying client needs and risk levels through ongoing assessment of the individual through the use of the LOCUS, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and other psychometric tools as clinically required.
• Working with individuals to create a holistic recovery goal plan, focusing on strengths and capacities, service coordination and the needs of the individual
• Providing support on the continuum between harm reduction and abstinence-based practices developed on client choice
• Providing education about illness, symptom management, mental wellness, coping skills and/or relapse prevention strategies
• Developing, delivering and evaluating group psychoeducational programs relevant to client need
• Developing relapse prevention/wellness plans, risk mitigation plans, safety plans and providing crisis intervention as needed
• Collaborating with CMHA and community partner interdisciplinary colleagues to facilitate continuity of client care
• Providing client advocacy and support. Assists clients to access information as well as internal/external resources, services or supports which are deemed necessary. Where resources do not exist or they are inadequate, advocates within system to develop or improve essential services and resources for clients
• Supporting reintegration of clients into school, work and social activities as well as the building of a healthy informal support system
• Providing life-skill coaching to support activities of daily living and to enhance the level of the client's independence
• Developing community outreach skills and a knowledge base of community resources and services. This includes working collaboratively with community partners using a multidisciplinary approach to support client recovery
• Assisting clients in accessing financial assistance and benefits
• Assisting clients in accessing emergency and/or stable safe affordable housing.
• Engaging, educating and supporting families through the treatment and recovery process and encouraging clients to identify and include a care partner
• Liaising, when appropriate, with family and other service or health care providers involved with the client to ensure continuity of care using a 'least intrusive' approach
• Ensuring all file management, documentation and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner, and in line with organizational standards
• Participating in program evaluation and making recommendations for changes/improvement.
• Supporting linkages to primary care, psychiatric care or other physical and mental health supports when needed.

EDUCATION & SKILLS:

• Knowledge and skill acquired through the completion of Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or Nursing (BScN) from an accredited university is preferred or a minimum of a three (3) year University degree in a field deemed relevant by the employer (i.e. Social Science Degree, Psychology, etc.) combined with significant case management experience.
• Registered member in good standing of a professional college deemed relevant by the employer such as the College of Nurses (preferably with Canadian Certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing) or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Psychotherapy and in good standing is considered an asset
• Two (2) years recent and relevant mental health clinical work, in the judgment of the employer, with vulnerable individuals with serious mental illness and addictions. Experience working with the unhoused population is an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mental illness and addiction, treatment and recovery modalities and best practice approaches; comprehensive knowledge and skill in the functions and principles of case management; up to date knowledge of relevant mental health policy and legislation including the Mental Health Act; knowledge of community resources; effective oral and written communication skills. Able to demonstrate therapeutic rapport to develop goal focused working relationships with vulnerable populations
• Computer literacy skills and working knowledge or various Microsoft Windows application is required.
• Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is considered an asset.
• A valid Ontario Driver's License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position.

Hours of Work: Thirty-Five (35) hour work week. The agency's regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexible hours are required to meet client and service needs.

Salary range: Grade 8, $35.71 - $42.25 per hour

Per 2022 - 2026 Collective Agreement

Applicable shift premiums are paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement, Article 17.11.

Please submit your cover letter and resume clearly stating how your skills and experience meet the position requirements prior to the posting closing date.

Posting Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Posting Deadline: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 4:30pm

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment at CMHA-WECB. We are however, unable to respond to individual calls. Only those individuals selected for consideration will be contacted for next steps. Thank you for your understanding.

This position is posted per Article 15 of the Collective Agreement. Internal candidates will be considered in priority as established by the Article, as such external candidates may not be considered if there is a qualified internal applicant.

We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities and experiences, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen CMHA. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us athrteam@cmha-wecb.on.ca.

Please note that candidacy for positions will require you to be authorized to work in Canada.

Please note that a satisfactory police vulnerable sector check is required as a condition of employment for all roles with CHMA-WECB.