JOIN ADAPT'S IMPACTFUL TEAM
Become part of the ADAPT team-where your work truly matters. We champion career development, foster a positive and supportive culture, and celebrate a diverse and inclusive environment.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Position: Information and Referral Specialist, Clinical Intake
Type of role: full time, fixed-term contract (ASAP-February 2027)
Location:
hybrid with ADAPT Burlington location
Posting is for an existing vacancy.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
- A fun, cooperative, and diverse team environment
- Exceptional work–life balance with growth opportunities
- Top of the line benefits and competive salaries with clear progression path
- Cross‑professional collaboration to enhance your skills and impact
- Access to ongoing training and career development
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Information and Referral Specialist provides individuals seeking help for addiction-related problems with information, support, and guidance; connects clients to community resources; helps match people with services (enquiry service). Overall, the incumbent:
- establishes rapport.
- conducts assessments, and reviews confidentiality as needed.
- provides an informed choice of referrals both internally and externally.
- engages in follow-up, as needed.
- provides advocacy or crisis intervention if required.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Assessing and Evaluating:
- Assesses and evaluates individuals’ needs who seek assistance for addiction-related concerns.
- Provides basic counselling to distressed caller – provides reassurance, support, and validation.
- Conducts interviews, schedules clinical intake appointments to gather relevant information about the individual's addiction history, substance use patterns, mental health status, and any co-occurring conditions to assist with case manager triage decisions.
- Provides advocacy and short-term crisis stabilizations.
- Conducts risk assessments and safety planning.
Providing Information (system navigation):
- Communicates effectively with both clients and ADAPT counsellors/ case managers to bring about appropriate intervention and services for clients.
- Receives and resolves enquiries related to general ADAPT information, client information and referral, and community resources.
- Provides general information to callers regarding community health and social service agencies; links callers to other agencies when appropriate such as out of region agencies or Connex Ontario.
Referrals:
- Reviews incoming referrals through OneLINK, and self-referrals for completeness, initial suitability, and risk based on standardized eligibility criteria.
- Assists with triaging referral appropriately based on urgency, appointment with a clinician (if appropriate) or connection to other community resources (e.g. crisis services).
Documentation and data collection:
- Collects, tracks and reports statistical data reflecting services provided.
- Tracks all calls and voicemails into administration log sheet for call-tracking purposes.
- Completes documentation of screenings or clinical intake assessments and enters all required documentation into Outlook and/or EMHWare in a timely manner.
WHAT WE ASK FOR
Education
University degree/ diploma in Social Work/ Social Service and/ or Health related field plus Addiction Studies certification, or equivalent combination of experience and education
Licenses, certification, credentials
- Information and Referral Specialist Certificate is an asset or working towards obtaining the I&R certification or an equivalent, depending on the appropriateness and the needs.
- Registered Social Service Worker or certification with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation is an asset.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification is required.
- ASIST training or equivalent is required.
- CPI training or equivalent is required.
Experience
- 2 years of related experience preferably in a health care/ addictions and mental health/ social services/ community services providing service to clients via telephone and/or in person.
- Previous experience as Information and Referral Specialist is an asset.
YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of addictions services and programs offered by ADAPT and externally in the community.
- Intermediate knowledge of addictions/ mental health treatments and explanatory theories.
- Intermediate knowledge of substances, pharmacological knowledge in order to appropriately determine client needs eg: Withdrawal management referrals.
- Ability to use interviewing skills to identify and respond to unique needs of individual callers.
- Ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.
- Cultural knowledge of key populations in Halton Region that will be served to address disparities in specific services.
- Ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.
- Knowledge of the history of discrimination in America, particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others.
- Knowledge of French language an asset.
- Excellent documentation skills that is clear, thorough, accurate and timely showing attention to detail.
WORK CONDITIONS
- May work from any one of ADAPT’s community service office across Halton Region.
- Able to fulfill all duties and work hours from a remote/home location, whenever required.
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
- Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions).
WHY ADAPT?
ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of Ontario’s largest and most diversified addiction and mental health agencies, offering comprehensive services to help those impacted by alcohol, drugs or gambling.
We believe your best work comes when you feel empowered, included, and supported, because thriving employees create thriving communities. We offer competitive compensation, generous paid time off, a flexible hybrid work environment, and comprehensive tools to support your professional growth.
Accessibility and Accommodation
ADAPT is committed to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): we will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process. When invited to an interview, you can request accommodations, and we’ll tailor the process to suit your needs.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
ADAPT values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience to apply.
APPLY NOW
You are invited to submit your resume and cover letter.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hiring
ADAPT is not using AI in hiring for this role.
We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Personal information is managed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
