Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor

Kitchener, ON
On-site
Posted Aug 23, 2026
1 position

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Apply by: Oct 30, 2026
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor supports clients with substance use issues during the acute phase of withdrawal and provides support to their families. This role also includes working with community agencies to enhance their capacity to assist clients in maintaining wellness.

Job details

The Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor’s core responsibilities are to support clients with substance use issues / concurrent disorders through the acute phase of withdrawal from substances in community settings, including providing support to the family and friends of those withdrawing from substances. This position will also support the effective functioning of the Rapid Access Addiction Clinic by providing assessment and brief counselling services to RAAC clients. The successful candidate will work with community agencies and primary care providers in Rural Wellington to build their capacity to support their clients who are withdrawing, and assist clients in accessing additional supports needed to maintain their wellness. This role entails community education, collaboration with other service providers, and direct client support/intervention. The Community Withdrawal Support Counsellor will work independently in various community settings, including travelling across Rural Wellington to complete home visits and to meet with service providers. This role will involve working with individuals who have acute / chronic addiction and/or concurrent issues. Clients may also have correctional involvement. Transportation of clients may also be required; Evening/weekend work is required. Detailed Role Responsibilities: Screen and complete intake procedures with clients Coordinate and deliver clinical and support services for clients of the program Develop withdrawal support plans and monitor withdrawal symptoms Provide 1:1 counselling and psychoeducational interventions that support progress towards identified goals and enhance overall health and well-being, particularly in relation to addiction and mental health Provide education and support for family / friends of those withdrawing Act as a direct liaison with primary care to facilitate withdrawal as required Engage in crisis intervention as required Utilize evidence-informed practices including (but not limited to) Motivational Interviewing, Stage-Matched Intervention, Trauma-Informed approaches, CBT and DBT Complete comprehensive and collaborative discharge planning Support the effective functioning of the Rapid Access Addiction Clinic by providing assessment and brief-counselling on-site to clinic clients Facilitate community capacity building regarding addiction and withdrawal with service providers and primary care providers across the WWLHIN Complete program evaluation and data collection/input into Catalyst & CaseWORKS Qualifications: BSW, MSW or other relevant Masters level qualification, and at least 1 year of direct experience in the following required: withdrawal management service (residential or community), providing withdrawal supports in a community-based addiction service, providing withdrawal supports in an Opioid Substitution Clinic OR 2. Candidates with a BA in Social Sciences and at least 2 years of experience in any of the following settings: withdrawal management service (residential or community), providing withdrawal supports in a community-based addiction service, providing withdrawal supports in an Opioid Substitution Clinic 3. Preference given to candidates who are already registered or have the capacity to be registered with a professional college Other Requirements and Skills: Experience with mental health / concurrent disorders an asset Lived experience related to addictions and / or mental health an asset Experience providing services in a rural setting an asset CSC Clearance conducted by PWGS Canada Standard First Aid/CPR Level C Valid G Driver’s License (G2 level or greater) and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record Reliable vehicle and willing to transport program participants Demonstrated understanding of substance use withdrawal and commitment to recovery philosophies including harm reduction Knowledge of evidence-based practice in the treatment of addiction and concurrent disorders including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Stage-Matched Interventions, etc. Working knowledge of community resources Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, community partners, and other service providers Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to crises Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision Proficient in computer skills including email and Microsoft Office Suite; Familiarity with Catalyst and CaseWORKS databases an asset Perks/Benefits of the role We provide opportunities for personal and professional development, competitive wages, and a comprehensive benefit package - build your career at Stonehenge! Stonehenge accommodates the needs of applicants throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Human Rights legislation. Should you require, accommodations can be made at any point, upon request.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must have a BSW, MSW, or relevant Master's degree with at least one year of experience in withdrawal management or a BA in Social Sciences with two years of relevant experience. Preference is given to those registered with a professional college and those with experience in mental health or rural settings.