Addiction Counsellor

Job Title: Addiction Counsellor

Organization: Forest City Healing Centre (FCHC) & EPIC Recovery

Location: London, Ontario

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time, Relief

Compensation: $22-25/hour

Start Date: TBD

About Us

Forest City Healing Centre (FCHC), in collaboration with EPIC Recovery—the provider of clinical programming—is a male residential addiction treatment centre offering an emotionally safe, inclusive, and connection-based space for recovery. Our mission is to walk alongside individuals as they rediscover meaning, purpose, and the freedom that comes with recovery. We offer compassionate, peer-informed addiction care that addresses the full spectrum of the human experience—emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual.

FCHC and EPIC Recovery are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Position Summary

Addiction Counsellors at FCHC play a vital role in delivering individualized and group-based support to residents navigating substance use and recovery. Counsellors are responsible for assessing client needs, facilitating therapeutic interventions, supporting emotional development, and collaborating with interdisciplinary staff to guide residents through a meaningful recovery experience. This position requires professionalism, compassion, and a deep understanding of addiction, trauma, and human complexity.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual and group counselling sessions tailored to client needs
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and develop client-centred treatment plans
• Monitor client progress and adjust therapeutic goals in collaboration with the clinical team
• Document all sessions, updates, and client interactions in the client management system
• Support clients in exploring their emotional, behavioural, social, and spiritual well-being
• Use trauma-informed, motivational, and strengths-based approaches in all interventions
• Collaborate with care workers, peer staff, and administrative team to ensure cohesive service delivery
• Identify risks and initiate crisis response protocols as needed
• Educate clients on coping strategies, recovery maintenance, emotional regulation, and self-worth
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality at all times

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Addictions Counselling, Psychotherapy, or a related field
• Registration or eligibility for registration with a recognized governing body (e.g., CRPO, CACCF, CPCA, OCSWSSW)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in addiction, mental health, or trauma-informed care
• Skilled in individual counselling, group facilitation, and case documentation
• Deep understanding of addiction, co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and recovery models
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to engage with diverse populations
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Background Check required
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends
• Lived experience with addiction and recovery (personal or familial) considered an asset, not a requirement

Core Competencies

• Therapeutic Competency: Applies evidence-informed, ethical therapeutic practices
• Trauma-Informed Practice: Creates safety and empowerment through sensitive care
• Client-Centred Approach: Supports individualized recovery journeys without judgment
• Professional Communication: Writes clearly, speaks compassionately, and communicates effectively with teams
• Cultural Competency and Equity Lens: Demonstrates respect for diversity and identity
• Boundary Management: Maintains confidentiality, ethics, and emotional regulation
• Team Collaboration: Works fluidly across disciplines to ensure best client outcomes

Why Work with FCHC?

• Be part of a values-driven team that prioritizes meaningful human connection
• Contribute to a purpose-built residential recovery program serving men in early recovery
• Receive training in trauma-informed care and innovative addiction counselling practices
• Join an organization committed to personal and professional growth
• Opportunity to shape the future of compassionate addiction services in Ontario

To Apply

A screening Google Form will be required as part of the application process. Interviews begin in June.

For more information, visit epicrecovery.ca or contact [email protected]