Addictions Counsellor

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors (4153) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors (E023) 
• 2011 NOC: Family, marriage and other related counsellors (4153) 

In general, addictions counsellors:

• work with clients from diverse cultures and lifestyles who have eating disorders or are addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex or tobacco
• assess client strengths, problem areas, severity of dependence and readiness to change
• develop client treatment plans that are based on research, clinical experience and client history
• provide information about addiction issues and about available services and programs and make appropriate referrals where necessary
• conduct information sessions and therapy groups as required
• counsel affected individuals and family members through all stages of recovery using appropriate intervention strategies and treatment approaches
• review, evaluate and document client progress
• provide aftercare and follow up as appropriate
• develop public education, prevention and health promotion programs
• work with organizations, institutions and communities to develop, implement and evaluate health and wellness programs.

Addictions counsellors may work in residential treatment centres, detox centres, group homes, overnight shelters, hospitals, outpatient centres, schools or community based agencies. Depending on the agency, they may work standard weekday office hours or work shifts that include evenings and weekends. Some travel may be required.

This work can be both emotionally rewarding and emotionally draining.

Addictions counsellors need the following personal characteristics:

• emotional maturity and a balanced, healthy lifestyle
• patience
• tolerance for beliefs and values that are not their own
• belief that individuals, families and communities have the ability to make changes with support
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• the ability to manage time effectively.

They should enjoy working with people, synthesizing information to find innovative solutions to problems, and helping others.

Addictions counsellors are employed by agencies that offer prevention, health promotion, early intervention or treatment programs. They may work with dependent clients or in addiction programs, women's shelters, the criminal justice system, health services, schools or community programs.

Advancement opportunities depend on the counsellor's qualifications and the size and nature of the organization.

Addictions counsellors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4153: Family, marriage and other related counsellors. In Alberta, 81% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 6,200 Albertans are employed in the Family, marriage and other related counsellors occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 205 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As addictions counsellors form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for addictions counsellors. 

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certificaton Federation (CACCF) website: www.caccf.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.