Stabilization Centre Addictions Counsellor

Title: Stabilization Centre Addictions Counsellor

Reports to: Stabilization Centre Manager

Employment Status: 12 Month Term, Full-time

Location: Ochapowace Nation

At kakisiwew-ochapowace Nation, our people are our greatest strength. Guided by nehiyaw values—wîcihitowin (helping one another), tâpwêwin (honesty), tapahtêyimisowin (humility), and kistêyihtamowin (wisdom)—we are committed to building strong, safe, and culturally grounded services for our citizens.

We are seeking an Addictions Counsellor for a 12 month term effective June 1, 2026 working on a full-time basis to join the team at the Ochapowace Stabilization Centre. The Addictions Counsellor provides trauma-informed and culturally grounded counselling to individuals experiencing substance use challenges and related crises. This role blends best-practice clinical approaches with nehiyaw ways of knowing—ceremony, mentorship, language, and land-based healing—to promote miyo-pimâtisiwin (living in a good way) and holistic wellness.

What You Will Do: Reporting to the Stabilization Centre Manager, the Addictions Counsellor provides culturally grounded and trauma-informed counselling to individuals experiencing substance use challenges. The role includes conducting assessments, developing safety and care plans, facilitating individual and group counselling, coordinating access to cultural and clinical supports, and supporting clients through stabilization, discharge, and after-care. The Counsellor also participates in community prevention activities, documentation and reporting, and continuous professional and cultural learning.

Who You Are: You are a compassionate and skilled helper who believes in the power of culture and connection as pathways to healing. You bring both clinical understanding and cultural humility, working with integrity and care to support each individual’s recovery journey.

You bring:

• Diploma or degree in Addictions Counselling, Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Nursing, or a related field; a combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

• Minimum two years of experience in addictions counselling, stabilization, mental health, or community health services.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.

• Understanding of nehiyaw teachings, ceremony, and local healing protocols.

• Experience working in First Nations or Indigenous community settings is an asset.

• Assets include CCAC or equivalent (or working toward), ASIST or safeTALK, NVCI/CPI, First Aid/CPR, and naloxone training.

• Excellent assessment, counselling, documentation, and communication skills.

• Ability to work respectfully with clients, families, Elders, and partner agencies.

• Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and self-awareness in emotionally demanding environments.

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.

• Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Abuse Registry Check.

• Current First Aid/CPR and naloxone training (or willingness to obtain promptly upon hire).

• Adherence to kakisiwew-ochapowace’s HR policies, Code of Conduct, Confidentiality, and Health & Safety policies.

• Must successfully complete drug and alcohol testing prior to employment and comply with Nation substance use policies.

What We Offer: At Ochapowace Nation, working as an Addictions Counsellor means being part of a healing team that helps restore balance, dignity, and miyo-pimâtisiwin (the good life) for our people. You will work alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members in a culturally grounded, trauma-informed environment. We offer a competitive salary and benefits aligned with Ochapowace Nation’s Compensation Plan, opportunities for cultural and professional growth, and access to ceremony, mentorship, and land-based learning that support both personal and community wellness.

How to Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume, global references along with a Vulnerable Sector Check, and driver’s abstract to: gaylene.henry@ochapowace.ca. Deadline: 4:30 p.m., April 7, 2026. For a copy of the full job description and competency profile, please contact Gaylene at the email provided.

Thank you sincerely for your interest in joining our team and for taking the time to apply. Please note that only those candidates who meet the required criteria will be contacted for an interview.

Preference will be given to Ochapowace Nation Members.

Rooted in Culture. Guided by Kinship. Building our Future.