Drug Treatment Court (DTC) Counsellor

Job Title: Drug Treatment Court (DTC) Counsellor

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Reports To: Manager, Adult Services

Job Status: One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position (37.5 hours per week); male sex designated

Starting Rate of Pay: $28.91/hour

We are currently receiving applications for one (1) Full Time Temporary Drug Treatment Court (DTC) Counsellor ending September 30th, 2025 with a possibility of extension. Due to the program requirements including urine drug testing, this position is male sex designated.

Drug Treatment Court (DTC) is a substance use intervention model that combines substance use treatment with the judicial supervision of a “problem-solving” court, as an alternative to incarceration for individuals who face charges as a result of non-violent criminal activities related to their substance use. These special courts take a comprehensive approach intended to address recidivism and substance use related crimes through judicial supervision, comprehensive substance use treatment, random and frequent drug testing, incentives and sanctions, clinical case management, and social services support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be situated at Rideauwood offices at 312 Parkdale Avenue, or virtually home-based as per operational requirements, and will require the successful candidate to work in collaboration with community partners at other locations.

The counsellor works collaboratively in conjunction with clients as part of a multi-disciplinary team of agency colleagues and/or colleagues from partner agencies to:

· Provide clinical practice and interventions relating to intake, assessment, education, treatment, consultation, and referral for parent clients who are currently experiencing, or are affected by problems related to substance use;

· Provide individual counselling, group counselling and psychoeducational groups to clients, both in short-term & long-term capacities;

· Work effectively with clients who present with multiple and complex problems, including challenges with substance use, concurrent addiction and mental health issues, trauma including PTSD, legal problems, unemployment and limited income, medical problems, and limitations imposed by restrictions in access to other socio-economic determinants of health;

· Work within Rideauwood’s framework and standards, using both harm reduction and abstinence focused models based on the client’s needs;

· Reviews and evaluates client progress and makes adjustments to treatment plans as required Provides feedback and support to clients;

· Accept and make referrals to outside agencies;

· Take an active role in preparing for and participating in community presentations and meetings;

· Participate in all assigned meetings, staff development and training as required;

· Participate in the training and mentoring of other professionals and students;

· Contribute actively to administrative and teamwork functions;

· Maintain client records and statistics; and,

· Other duties, as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

· Minimum of a three-year (3) degree in a health or social sciences related discipline from an accredited post-secondary institution; mental health and addictions certification an asset;

· Minimum of three year (3) recent related experience;

· Significant understanding of substance use and mental health issues, concurrent disorders, and evidence-based treatment practices to address them;

· Experience in facilitation or co-facilitation of group programming for adults and/or parents required;

· Experience in working with clients who are experiencing trauma, particularly PTSD, as well as having substance use disorder(s) is essential;

· Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in contemporary assessment and psychosocial counselling techniques, including addiction and mental health issues among youth and in communities and society at large;

· Comprehensive knowledge of and skilled practice in individual, group, and crisis counselling methods, and case management;

· Ability to provide culturally competent service to clients of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is essential and experience completing comprehensive mental health assessments as part of an interdisciplinary team;

· Ability to deal effectively with crises, including a threat of self-harm, or harm to others;

· Knowledge of mental health and trauma and how they relate to addictions;

· Knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering services in the community;

· Knowledge of legislation applicable to performance of job responsibilities;

· Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment;

· Familiar and proficient with computers, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office suite of tools;

· Registration and/or certification with appropriate professional college or licensing body is desired;

· Ability and willingness to work within regular office hours – with regular evening and occasional weekend hours – totaling 37.5 hours. This schedule may change from time to time, so flexibility is also required;

· Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record / Vulnerable Person Check

· Bilingualism in English and French is a preferred asset; and,

· Ability to drive and access to a vehicle during normal working hours.

About Rideauwood Addiction & Family Services

Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services is a community-based treatment centre operating in Ottawa for more than 40 years. Dedicated to supporting those impacted by substance use, behavioral addictions and related mental health challenges, the organization serves youth, young adults, adults and families. Rideauwood runs over 15 comprehensive programs that include prevention, education, individual and group treatment. Whether it’s substances, gambling gaming or technology use; and whether individuals want to reduce their use, use in safer ways or eliminate their use, Rideauwood counsellors are here to help. At Rideauwood there is no “right path” to recovery – only the path you choose. www.rideauwood.org.

WAGE PROGRESSION

• Step 1 - $28.91
• Step 2 - $29.21
• Step 3 - $29.50
• Step 4 - $29.80
• Step 5 - $30.09
• Step 6 - $30.40
• Step 7 - $30.70
• Step 8 - $31.02
• Step 9 - $31.34

If you are interested in this position, please submit a current resume and letter of interest via Indeed answering the following questions:

Based on your experience and practice, and given what you know about this position:

(1) what motivated you to apply for this position, and

(2) what makes you a suitable candidate for this position?

Rideauwood values Equity and Diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. If any accommodations are needed for applicants during the selection process, please notify Human Resources.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $28.91 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-31