Addiction Counsellor

The Addictions Counsellor supports clients admitted to the Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres in making positive, meaningful changes in their lives. This role provides guidance and intervention for individuals struggling with substance use and challenges related to decision-making, coping, and personal well-being.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Formulate and formalize client treatment goals by developing individualized treatment plans, based on the pre-assessment received from Admissions.
• Serve as the primary Counsellor for an assigned group of clients, while also promoting active participation by all clients in lectures, ceremonies, workshops, seminars, and experiential activities.
• Manage primary group dynamics to motivate, engage, and encourage supportive peer interaction.
• Utilize Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres materials and resources, demonstrating openness and respect for diverse therapeutic approaches used by colleagues.
• Identify, manage, and effectively resolve conflicts or differences between clients.
• Assess and recognize at-risk clients; respond appropriately to crises and complete required risk assessment (triage) documentation for client files.
• Adhere to organizational communication protocols.
• Comply with all Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres policies, the Code of Professional Conduct, and the Code of Ethics, ensuring professionalism and accountability.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client files and ensure completeness upon file closure.
• Identify and apply the appropriate treatment modality for service delivery.
• Remain current on addictions-related research, best practices, and emerging approaches to treatment.

OPERATIONAL DUTIES

• Dispense and record medication, when required, according to prescription directives and Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres procedures.
• Document significant events, observations, and client interactions using proper formats (daily charting, progress notes, incident reports, termination reports, etc.).
• Conduct scheduled room checks for clients who are at risk or monitored through Solicitor General requirements, in accordance with policy.
• Facilitate client orientation when assigned.
• Complete Treatment Summary Reports (TSRs) immediately upon client discharge or no later than the following day.
• Attend all mandatory team meetings, training sessions, and working groups.
• Follow the weekly planning schedule outlining roles and responsibilities.
• Introduce yourself to new primary-group clients no later than the next working day following intake; complete the admitting process, including contraband checks, risk assessment, substance use history, and general client inquiries.
• Ensure that rooms belonging to clients who self-terminate, are terminated, or leave the program are cleared of personal belongings and are left tidy.
• Adhere to designated counselling staff hours.
• Participate in experiential treatment practices within personal capabilities while continuing to expand knowledge and skill.
• Attend supervision meetings to enhance counselling skills and competencies.
• Report any unethical or inappropriate behaviour by staff or clients to a supervisor immediately.
• When scheduled, supervise client lunch periods to ensure proper clean-up and respectful conduct.
• Support the accreditation process and comply with all CARF standards and procedures.

CLIENT SUPPORT

• Provide guidance and support to clients in understanding and participating in the cultural components and practices of the Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres.
• Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Build and maintain a strong knowledge base of substance use disorders and their impacts on client functioning.
• Offer constructive, supportive feedback that promotes client insight and progress in treatment.
• Encourage holistic client growth—spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical.
• Provide one-to-one counselling based on client needs, urgency, and treatment goals.
• Assign therapeutic exercises and provide resources that foster personal growth and support treatment-plan objectives.
• Comply with the Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct when working with clients; listen attentively, validate concerns, and ensure understanding before offering suggestions.
• Motivate and engage clients consistently in all interactions.

Apply by sending cover letter and resume to, info@poundmaker.org