Job Description

Job Title: Therapeutic Addictions Counsellor 

Company: John Howard Society, Nanaimo 

Location: In Person, Nanaimo Correction Center, Nanaimo, BC 

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Work hours: 35 hour per week, between Mon - Fri, 8 am to 5 pm 

Salary: $32.45 - $34.42 per hour 

Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Employee assistance program, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, RRSP match 

Who We Are:  

John Howard Society, Nanaimo is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.

At John Howard Society, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs. 

About the Program:  

Guthrie Therapeutic Community (GTC) is a specialized four-month residential substance misuse treatment program serving adult males who are in provincial custody at Nanaimo Correctional Centre. This 48-bed therapeutic community, separate from the rest of the correctional center, combines work, treatment, counselling and behavioural modelling to address the root causes of addiction and give residents a chance at a new beginning.

Position Summary:  

The Position reports to Manager, Therapeutic Program

We are seeking dedicated Addictions Counsellors who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse. Addictions Counsellors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting residents within the Therapeutic Community Program. They are responsible for promoting positive life skills and mitigating the negative effects of alcohol and drug abuse. This includes advocating for "Right Living" concepts, facilitating peer-led activities, and fostering accountability among residents. Addictions Counsellors will provide both group and individual support while actively participating in case planning. They will demonstrate proficiency in the principles and practices of a traditional therapeutic community as outlined by Dr. G. Deleon in "The Therapeutic Community: Theory, Model, and Method." This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home. 

What You'll Be Doing:  

Client / Resident Support (80%) 

• Provide daily guidance and clinical support to residents within the Therapeutic Community Program, promoting recovery, emotional safety, and overall well-being. 
• Deliver person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive assessments, therapeutic interventions, case management, and referrals to internal or community-based supports.
• Conduct comprehensive Needs Assessments and Intake Assessments to co-develop individualized service or treatment plans in collaboration with residents and the Case Management team.
• Promote "Right Living" concepts through trauma-informed, evidence-based individual counselling (e.g., CBT, DBT, MI) tailored to resident needs, with a focus on addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and co-occurring mental health challenges. 
• Facilitate structured therapeutic group sessions grounded in best practices for substance use treatment, emotional regulation, and pro-social behaviour. 
• Conduct clinical assessments and contribute to individualized treatment planning in alignment with each resident’s recovery goals. 
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups and therapeutic activities focused on addiction recovery. This includes facilitating core programming, such as primary class, relapse prevention, and re-entry, in accordance to the Dr. George De Leon model.
• Provide therapeutic support during crises, including risk assessments, safety planning, and therapeutic de-escalation interventions to support resident stabilization. 
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments during intake and orientation, identifying mental health, substance use, and trauma histories to inform individualized treatment planning. 
• Enforce the GTC philosophy, policies, and procedures to maintain the integrity of the program, and the physical and mental safety of residents and staff. 
• Stay informed about current research, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in addiction treatment techniques. 
• Support residents in transition and discharge planning, including relapse prevention, aftercare referrals, and community reintegration support. 
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team (case management, health care, peer staff, corrections staff) to ensure continuity of care, informed clinical interventions, and holistic support. 
• Stay informed of current research, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in addiction recovery and therapeutic community work. 

Reporting and documentation (20%) 

• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of resident progress and treatment interventions. 
• Manage a caseload that includes case file work and writing resident reports, such as termination/discharge, incidents, or referrals. 
• Maintain all case notes and updates in accordance with the Society and BC Corrections requirements. 
• Contribute to monthly internal and external reports by providing accurate statistics, narrative summaries, and relevant program insights. 

Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned. 

*The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.  

What We’re Looking For:  

Qualifications:  

• Master's Degree in a related field such as Human Services or Social Services, counselling, or relevant discipline or Certificate in addictions counselling by a recognized body. 
• A combination of education and experience will be considered. 
• Demonstrated Skills and understanding in the elements and practices of a traditional therapeutic community prescribed by Dr. G Deleon, 'The Therapeutic Community, Theory Model and Method. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a therapeutic community or residential addictions treatment facility. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience facilitating programs aimed at treatment and sustained recovery for addiction. 
• Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 
• High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check Clearance at the Institute.
• Emergency First Aid certification is an asset.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity. 
•  

Skills and Competencies:  

• Strong knowledge of addiction theories, recovery processes, evidence-based treatment techniques, therapeutic community principles and peer support models
• Ability to conduct culturally appropriate assessments and develop effective, individualized treatment plans 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with residents and documentation 
• Experience in leading group sessions and engaging residents in discussions 
• Skills in crisis management and de-escalation techniques to support residents in distress 
• Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads and maintain accurate documentation 
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care 
• Someone with a passion for and interest in working with vulnerable populations 

Who You Are:  

• Empathetic and Compassionate: Demonstrates a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in recovery and shows compassion in all interactions. 
• Strong Communicator: Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with residents and colleagues. 
• Team Player: Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive environment. 
• Resilient and Adaptable: Maintains a positive attitude in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapts to changing situations and challenges. 
• Detail-Oriented: Exhibits strong organizational skills, ensuring accurate documentation and effective case management. 
• Culturally Competent: Understands and respects cultural diversity, tailoring approaches to meet the needs of individuals from various backgrounds. 
• Proactive and Resourceful: Takes initiative in problem-solving and seeks out resources to support residents in their recovery journey. 
• Passionate about Community Service: Committed to making a positive impact in the community and supporting individuals in achieving greater independence. 
• Ethical and Trustworthy: Upholds high standards of integrity and confidentiality, earning the trust of residents and colleagues. 

Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at JHS Victoria:  

At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email hr@jhsvic.ca if you have a need for any accommodation. We’re here to help! 

Ready to Make a Positive Impact? 

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your application using the link -  Therapeutic Addictions Counsellor at John Howard Society of Victoria . Submission deadline is August 15, 2025 and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!

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