Company Description

Ryding House is a new private 12-bed residential addictions treatment program opening in Toronto in September 2026. We provide evidence-informed, trauma- and violence-informed, and relational care for adults seeking recovery from substance use through an abstinence-oriented residential program. Our program combines individual counselling, therapeutic groups, life skills development, and community living. We also offer non-medical withdrawal support and stabilization for clinically-assessed individuals. As a new organization, we're building a collaborative team committed to thoughtful clinical practice, continuous learning, and ethical, relationship-centred care.

Role Description

The Primary Counsellor is a central member of Ryding House's interdisciplinary team and plays a key role in creating a safe, therapeutic residential environment. Working closely with the Clinical Director, the Primary Counsellor provides individual counselling, facilitates therapeutic groups, coordinates care, and supports residents throughout their recovery journey. The successful candidate will contribute to a treatment environment grounded in relational practice, anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, and trauma- and violence-informed care. The role also supports residents participating in Ryding House's non-medical withdrawal support and stabilization program through assessment, therapeutic engagement, clinical monitoring, and collaborative discharge planning within the program's scope.

Key Responsibilities

Facilitate engaging therapeutic groups and provide individual counselling. Complete assessments, treatment plans, and clinical documentation. Coordinate care, case management, and discharge planning. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support safe, ethical, relationship-centred care. Contribute to program development, quality improvement, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional learning. Support relational, trauma- and violence-informed, and anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice throughout the program.

Why join Ryding House? As one of our founding clinicians, you'll have the opportunity to help shape a new residential treatment program from the ground up while working within a supportive and clinically engaged team.

We offer

Regular clinical supervision. A collaborative interdisciplinary team environment. Health and dental benefits following successful completion of the probationary period. Meaningful opportunities to contribute to residents' recovery and well-being.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to margot.m@rydinghouse.ca.

Qualifications

We're looking for a clinician who combines strong clinical knowledge with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to collaborative practice.

Required qualifications include

Registration as a Social Worker, Psychotherapist, or another regulated health professional authorized to provide psychotherapy in Ontario. Minimum three years of experience working in addictions, mental health, residential treatment, or a related clinical setting. Demonstrated strength in facilitating engaging therapeutic groups, with experience providing individual counselling. Strong assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and case management skills. Knowledge of substance use disorders, concurrent mental health concerns, and evidence-informed therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches Demonstrated commitment to relational, anti-oppressive practice, and ethical service delivery. Excellent communication, organizational, crisis intervention, and relationship-building skills.

Current CPR/First Aid certification; successful vulnerable sector screening

Lived experience with addiction and recovery is considered an asset.

Ryding House is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities and recognize the value of lived and living experience. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.