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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

St Michael's Home

Crisis Worker

Toronto, ON

Knowledge of the spectrum of approaches to substance use, with a focus on harm reduction ... Extensive knowledge and skills in building rapport, assessment, supportive counseling, case ...

Adapt Halton

Nurse Practitioner

Burlington, ON

$58.98 - $66.67/hr

Offer supportive counseling, crisis management, and referrals to internal and external programs ... Advocate for individuals facing substance use challenges. * Prescribe and manage controlled ...

Adapt

Nurse Practitioner

Burlington, ON · On-site

CA$58.98/hr

Offer supportive counseling, crisis management, and referrals to internal and external programs ... Advocate for individuals facing substance use challenges. * Prescribe and manage controlled ...

GCHC

Nurse Practitioner *Internal Posting

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$63.48 - CA$72.45/hr

... substance use supports for people (16+) who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, with ... counseling, and crisis intervention. * Work within a determinants of health framework which ...

GCHC

Registered Nurse

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$36.12 - CA$43.52/hr

... substance use, mental health issues, and other complexities. It focuses on helping them achieve ... counseling, advocacy, landlord mediation, and eviction prevention. As a member of the Allied Health ...

New

GCHC

Support Coordinator

Guelph, ON · On-site

... counseling, advocacy, landlord mediation, and eviction prevention.  As a member of the Allied ... Experience working with clients who experience mental health concerns, use substances ...

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Substance Use Counselor information

What is a substance use counselor?

A Substance Use Counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, or other substance dependencies. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support clients through recovery. Substance Use Counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to help clients understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, and maintain long-term sobriety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work—often with a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing is common. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are essential for providing effective support, fostering recovery, and navigating the complexities of addiction treatment.

What are some common challenges substance use counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Substance Use Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These issues are typically addressed through regular team meetings, case consultations, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals like social workers and psychiatrists. Counselors also receive ongoing training and supervision to stay updated on best practices and to ensure they have the support needed to manage complex cases. This team-based approach helps provide comprehensive care and promotes the counselor's professional growth.

What is the difference between Substance Use Counselor vs Addiction Therapist?

AspectSubstance Use CounselorAddiction Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC, CAC)Licensed or certified in addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinicsRehab facilities, mental health clinics
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and community programsOften used interchangeably with Substance Use Counselor

Both roles focus on helping individuals overcome substance abuse, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Addiction Therapist' sometimes implying a broader scope of mental health treatment. However, in practice, these titles are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Is it worth becoming a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in mental health and community service.

What degree is best for a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many states also require certification or licensure, which may involve completing a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. Relevant skills include counseling techniques and knowledge of addiction treatment methods.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Toronto, ON?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Toronto, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Day/ Res Counsellor Intern

Toronto, ON • On-site

Jean Tweed Centre
See more jobs at Jean Tweed Centreexternal

Internship

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Jean Tweed is a leading, community-based organization that provides a supportive environment for women and their families with substance use, mental health, and gambling concerns. Recognizing the diversity of women’s experience in today’s society, our programs seek to address a range of issues in a woman’s life that may contribute to substance use and gambling concerns.

The Jean Tweed Centre is building capacity to transform the level of support for women and their families with substance use, mental health, and gambling concerns.

As a Day/Residential Counsellor Intern, you will gain valuable hands-on experience working in a community-based environment. This placement offers the opportunity to learn from experienced counselors, support program delivery, and contribute to health and well-being of women navigating

substance use, mental health, and/or gambling concerns.

Placement Details

Program includes a structured, scheduled program of treatment activities while the clients reside at home or in one of the Centre’s two intensive residential program sites:

  • Location: Cumberland House (3111 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3W8) and/or Broadview (Centre's residential site): 275A Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 3H5
  • Hours: 20-35 hours depending on program needs
  • Duration: Fall 2026
  • Pay: Unpaid Student Placement

The program includes individual counselling, group support, educational workshops, and case management support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support individual and group counselling sessions under the supervision of program staff
  • Assist in facilitating workshops and structured program activities
  • Provide case management and administrative support as needed
  • Engage with clients in a trauma-informed, harm reduction framework,
  • Participate in team meetings, debriefs, and supervision sessions
  • Contribute to program evaluation, planning and client support initiatives
  • Provide support and counselling for women dealing with substance use, gambling, and/or mental
  • health problems in a 21-day treatment program.
  • Facilitating life skills and educational workshops.
  • Provide crisis intervention with support in daily routines. To work in collaboration with team
  • members and provide effective programs.
  • Provide trauma informed and strength-based counselling
  • Assist in delivering educational workshops and provide group counselling in person and/or online
  • Complete administrative duties such as case notes, letters and summaries, file audits, and data entry.

What You Will Gain

  • Direct experience in counselling and group facilitation
  • Exposure to harm reduction and trauma-informed care practices
  • Insight into the social service system and community-based supports
  • Enhanced knowledge of women’s issues in the context of substance use, gambling, and mental
  • health
  • Mentorship and professional development from an experienced clinical team

Requirements

What will you bring?

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Work or relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Knowledge of individual counselling and group facilitation
  • Flexibility in work hours
  • Knowledge and understanding of women’s issues, particularly as they relate to women with
  • substance use, mental health and/or gambling concerns.
  • Knowledge of the social service system in the designated service area
  • A demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Experience providing counselling to individuals who are experiencing problems related to
  • substance use and mental health issues
  • Experience working from a harm reduction perspective
  • Experience working in community-based settings
  • A demonstrated commitment to broadening knowledge and skills

Ready to apply?

We thank all applicants, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any material or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, but Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority