Job Title: Addictions Counsellor Department: Clinical
Location: Cobble Hill, BC Direct Report: Clinical Manager
Shifts: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000
Contact Email: geoffrey@cedarsrecovery.com (mailto: geoffrey@cedarsrecovery.com); jenniferkc@cedarsrecovery.com (mailto: jenniferkc@cedarsrecovery.com)

Cedars Recovery is a vibrant, growing organization with opportunities to suit your professional skills in a diverse and rewarding work environment. We believe employees are our greatest asset and are dedicated to helping you develop and maximize your professional skills. Built by family for family – we are committed to setting you up for success as a part of our team.
Cedars Recovery is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of addiction. Our commitment is to provide connection, recovery, and healing for everyone - enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Cedars specializes in the treatment of alcohol and other drug addictions along with process addictions and mental health disorders. We offer a full continuum of recovery-oriented programs designed to provide a foundation for achievable, sustainable recovery. Cedars is located in Cobble Hill, British Columbia and situated on 60 acres of forested, private land, which provides a picturesque landscape and tranquil therapeutic setting. Vancouver Island is renowned for spectacular West Coast scenery and features a rich network of recovery communities.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Addictions Counsellor guides patients through their recovery journey from admission to discharge. Counsellors at Cedars conduct assessments, facilitate individual and group therapy, and actively participate in treatment planning. The counsellor carries a caseload, providing structured therapeutic interventions and comprehensive case management. This role requires foundational knowledge of chemical dependency, concurrent disorders, and the principles of recovery-oriented care.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The list below is a guideline and may not be inclusive of all that is expected on a day-to-day basis. A Clinical Counselor is required to prioritize and respond to the needs of the daily operations of Cedars in a professional and calm manner.

• Conduct individual counselling sessions weekly with assigned patients.
• Identify individualized patient treatment goals collaboratively with the clinical team.
• Conduct Biopsychosocial assessments.
• Facilitate group therapy, psychoeducational lectures, workshops, and educational groups as scheduled.
• Document patient progress clearly and timely, meeting clinical documentation standards.
• Assess patient risk for suicidality or harm, escalating to clinical managers or therapists as needed.
• Coordinate family conferences or significant others’ involvement as required.
• Liaise with referral sources, funding bodies, and emergency contacts appropriately.
• Participate actively in weekly clinical team meetings, treatment reviews, and goal-setting sessions.
• Collaborate closely with Clinical Therapists for complex cases requiring advanced intervention.
• Prepare discharge reports for referral sources.
• Assist patients in developing continuing care and discharge plans.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Addictions, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field, or equivalent lived experience combined with formal training.
• Minimum one year of experience in residential addiction treatment or related acute care settings.
• Experience facilitating individual and group therapy sessions.
• Strong understanding of chemical dependency, concurrent disorders, and recovery models.
• Candidates who identify as being in recovery must have a minimum of two (2) years substance-free and actively participate in a structured recovery program.
• Preferred certifications include CACCF (CADC/CCAC), ASIST, or similar credentials.
• Valid First Aid Certification and Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check required.

CLINICAL FRAMEWORKS & PHILOSOPHY:
Cedars Recovery employs an integrated clinical approach grounded in:

• 12-Step facilitation (AA/NA/CA)
• SMART Recovery and other self-management models
• Wellbriety and culturally grounded Indigenous healing
• Psychoeducation on relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and family dynamics
• Narrative tools including Life Tapestries and personal inventories
• CBT, DBT, MI, and trauma-informed practices

Counsellors are encouraged to use approaches aligned with each patient’s spiritual, emotional, and cultural strengths.