OPSEU
Job Title: Addiction Counsellor II - Emergency Department Addictions Patient Navigator x 2 positions
Status: Temporary Part Time
Department: SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS ICP
Program: Mental Health & Addictions
8 Hour Shifts, days, evenings, weekends Schedule (Subject to Change)
Location: Lakeridge Health Oshawa
Wage Schedule: $36.810 - $43.450 per hour
Posting Reference: 2600001585 & 2600001586
Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!
This position is open to all qualified OPSEU staff throughout Lakeridge Health commencing 19 June 2026 and closing at 11:59 pm on 26 June 2026.
Reporting to the Patient Care Manager, Emergency Mental Health, The Addictions Patient Navigator will work collaboratively with the Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Program and Emergency Department (ED) programs as well as broad stakeholder groups to support implementation of the Substance Use Pathway Pilot; a collaboration between Lakeridge Health and Ontario Health, Centre of Excellence. The Addictions Navigator will become part of the new Addiction Medicine Consultation Service at Lakeridge Health Oshawa site, providing Interdisciplinary care for patients in the ED presenting with substance use concerns.
The Addictions Navigator will offer support and addictions system navigation for ED adult and youth patients presenting with substance use, and concurrent disorders. The Navigator will work closely with ED and MHA partners, Hospital to Home program, Residential Withdrawal Management Services, and the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics to provide a continuum of evidence-based, patient-centred care. These functions include: initial screening, consultation, and intake services, assessment, referral, linking, advocacy, integration of required services, initial treatment planning and provision of services and collaboration with other community-based service providers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a professional collaborative relationship with all programs within the MHA, ED, Community Harm Reduction Programs, Hart Hubs ,CMHA, DMHS and other agencies in the community;
- Proactively work on behalf of the system to identify the appropriate resources for each patient and to assist patients and families to navigate their way through the complexities of the health care and social support systems;
- Provides information and education to team members and in the community regarding the range of services and supports across the continuum of care;
- Reviews assessment information and prepares individualized treatment plans outlining strengths and goals that address needs
QUALIFICATIONS:
- undergraduate degree in Social Sciences;
- Demonstrated experience providing care to people who use substances
- Demonstrated experience in the provision of screening, consultation, and intake services; case management functions (assessment, referral/linking, advocacy, monitoring, and treatment planning) and family supportive counselling;
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication and organizational skills;
- Excellent working knowledge of theories of addiction, trauma informed care, evidence-based treatment models and best practice approaches;
- Knowledge of other key issues associated with treatment of substance use, harm reduction, concurrent disorders, crisis intervention, physical health issues, housing concerns, family issues, and women's issues;
- Ability to work closely with a clinical team, and independently in a manner consistent with high professional standards;
- Knowledge of METAPHI recommendations and resources, as well as Health Quality Ontario, Quality Standards for SUD
- Knowledge of community resources and the provincial addiction system;
- Commitment to a patient centred, recovery focused philosophy of care;.
- Must have satisfactory performance and work attendance record;
- Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy;
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety and participation in regular in-services in this area
At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.
Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact
[email protected] .
Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.
Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Hospital and OPSEU Local 348.
Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.
Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.
