addiction counselor

case manager

shift leader

service navigator

psychotherapist

Caritas School of life

On the surface, Caritas seems like a great place to work. Once I started work there, the first things I noticed were a lot of disorganization and poor communication, particularly between management and site staff. Then I started to notice there was a distinct difference in staff behaviour when management was around and when they weren't. The most  telltale indicator of ineffectual management is when people feel they need to hide what is actually happening instead of openly communicate and collaborate. Once my coworkers started to get to know me better, they shared more and I was taken aback by their predominantly negative takes on Caritas. One coworker said things would never get better because "Caritas is rotten to the core." There were a lot of complaints about one specific manager, who also does double duty as HR (yes, this is a huge conflict of interest and definitely impedes the success of the organization). Unfortunately, given this person's connection to the organization, she will be there in perpetuity, which is a shame. The best organizations seem able to integrate feedback, learn, grow and adapt accordingly.  That was not my experience at Caritas and as an organization that was routinely putting the safety of employees, residents, animals and neighbours at risk, I chose to seek employment elsewhere. It isn't difficult to find better treatment facilities to work at or if you are seeking treatment. Wouldn't recommend on any level.

Worked at caritas for 5 years full-time in various roles. 
Caritas fosters a warm and unique workplace culture, which is a result and reflection of the modality of care utilized in one of the organization’s core programs, the Therapeutic Community program that embodies an experiential therapeutic approach. 

Workplace offers a hands-on environment that seems to be rare to find in an industry currently over-saturated with "cookie cutter" (conventional and limiting) approaches to servicing addictions and mental health. In my 5 years at Caritas I consistently observed the collaboration among the team, both front line members and senior management, coming together to work with clients in customizing their treatment plans to recognize each individuals bio-psycho-social circumstances and needs. 

Given the unique philosophy and approach, the work cultivates opportunity for applying both professional and personal unique skill sets in the day-to-day work. I found this aspect is what makes the work satisfying and creates room for belonging as an employee. 

It’s a clean and safe work environment that lends flexibility and considerate accommodations for life circumstances for its employees.   

I highly recommend this workplace for those seeking a health care workplace environment that has the right balance of practical and theoretical approaches to recovery. 

There is a set weekly schedule for the community and staff facilitate its operational needs as well as   providing therapeutic attention and care to the individual client's needs. I have learned the importance of documenting interactions and correspondence and the value of team effort in creating solutions.  The management has been understanding and accommodating in response to staff's concerns and needs and I have seen that set the tone throughout the community.  The staff are dedicated and caring and there is a good sense of comradery. Worst Part of the Job: navigating a client's needs through all the government, medical and agency hurdles. Best Part of the Job: Hearing about the sustained sobriety stories of former clients.

Head office management completely disconnected from the front line work of counselors
No Benefits
Expected attendance at "mandatory events" with no compensation
Overtime is put towards lieu time offered as a benefit
Expected to carry "Emergency Phone" 24/7 for a week on rotation with other counselors with no compensation
Outdated Employee Handbook from 2014, lists benefits no longer offered
Favoritism of clients by Case Manager
Unqualified Supervisors overseeing counselors with proper credentials
Clients with mental health issues not properly cared for by psychiatrists or therapists
Outdated approach to addiction recovery that puts mental health clients at risk
Families misled with promises by Case Manager in order to have loved one enter the program leaving counselors to deal with fall out

Caritas is overall a great place to work.  It can be very relaxed some days and very challenging on others, depending on the overall vibe of the community.  It is a great place to build on your interpersonal skills, support clients, and build on counselling skills.  The most enjoyable part of the job is getting to see the journeys of the clients, and the great work that the clients do here on a day to day basis.  A typical day at work includes supporting clients through their recovery journey, one on one sessions with clients, lunch or dinner, and facilitating therapeutic groups.  I Would highly reccomend Caritas to anyone currently working in, or looking to get into working in the addictions sector.

-Benefits
-management that cares
-staff work together to be part of the client's recovery
-Each staff has something unique to offer that provides a variety of therapy for the clients and are here for the right reasons
-The place continues to evolve and adapt with gradual changes
-The clients have the opportunity to stay for the 2-year program where I have seen firsthand their growth to becoming a functional, contributing member of society.
-The frontline job takes place at a farm where the clients learn to be self-sufficient, as well as participate in multiple groups a day


If you think you have something you can offer to make a positive impact on people's lives, please reach out to head office

I have worked at Caritas for over a year and a half and I can attest to the closeness of the staff and their singular commitment to positive outcomes for clients. This field can be challenging and requires compassion in order to be an effective counsellor. The staff at our program are caring, supportive and collaborative and always work together towards the wellbeing of those in our care. I feel privileged to have this position, working with like-minded mental health professionals and the clients that inspire us every day. 

Management has little to no empathy for staff or clients. There is no communication, and when attempting to address issues it gets turned around and deflected. When suggestions are brought forward to make improvements they are either ignored or just directly shut down, unless the person bringing it forward happens to be a favorite. Employees are disposable, and are treated as such. It's not uncommon for Management to take credit when things are going well without Employees who are doing the hard work getting even acknowledged.

Excellent Benefits 

Responsive management 

Very collaborative staff

Each staff member has a unique role and skill set to help clients with their recovery through education, experience and multiple therapeutic practices

The work environment is very informative as different disciplines of therapy are utilized among the staff and I am able to utilize my knowledge to help clients in their recovery appropriately while learning new types of therapeutic practices




Supporting people living with addictions and mental health issues takes passionate people with the purpose of making a positive impact. 

I've been able to directly apply my learning and training as an Addictions and Mental Health Worker, using a client-focused, inclusive, and trauma-informed approach. The management supports professional development for the employees, encouraging up to date best practices and therapeutic modalities. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Addiction counselor 2 salaries reported	$53,000 per year
Case manager 1 salary reported	$53,500 per year
Shift leader 1 salary reported	$77,500 per year
Service navigator 1 salary reported	$53,500 per year
Psychotherapist 1 salary reported	$33.65 per hour

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