The need for skilled mental health and addictions professionals is more pressing than ever. According to federal government data, Canada saw a 39 per cent rise in opioid deaths between 2016 and 2024. On average, 21 people die from opioids every day in this country.
Bringing those numbers down requires the efforts of many dedicated individuals.
Interested in becoming one of them? By pursuing a diploma in mental health and addictions, you can position yourself for a variety of careers that make a tangible difference.
In this post, we explore a few common roles in the addictions field. Learn about the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for each position, and discover how these roles contribute to creating healthier individuals and communities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What You Learn in a Mental Health and Addictions Diploma
- Career Paths in Mental Health and Addictions
WHAT YOU LEARN IN A MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS DIPLOMA
A diploma in mental health and addictions is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to support individuals struggling with substance abuse and related mental health issues. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including:
- The neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction
- The effects of different substances on the brain and body
- The pharmacological treatments available for addiction
- Counselling approaches
- Case management and referral strategies
- The impact of addiction on families
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Cultural sensitivity
- Group therapy dynamics
- Trauma-informed care
- Motivational interviewing
- Harm reduction
- Ethical considerations in addictions practice
Upon graduation, you have a number of potential career paths. Let’s look at a few below.
ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR
Addictions counsellors work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders to help them achieve recovery and maintain a healthier lifestyle. They provide emotional support, develop personalized treatment plans, and educate clients about coping strategies and available resources.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Conducting assessments to determine the severity of addiction and underlying issues
- Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans
- Assisting clients in developing healthier ways of coping
- Facilitating individual and group therapy sessions
- Educating clients and their families about addiction and recovery processes
- Referring clients to additional services, such as medical care or housing support
- Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed
- Maintaining client records and completing incident reports
Education Requirements: Some addictions counsellor roles require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or psychology. However, many are also open to candidates with a diploma in mental health, addictions, or human services. Certification from the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) can help you stand out.
HARM REDUCTION WORKER
Harm reduction workers focus on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use without requiring individuals to stop using. They emphasize safety, dignity, and support, meeting people where they are in their recovery journey.
Harm reduction workers commonly work in community outreach programs, drop-in centres, or mobile units. Their goal is to cut down on overdoses, infections, and other adverse effects caused by drug use.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Distributing harm reduction supplies, such as clean needles and naloxone kits
- Educating clients on safer substance use practices
- Supervising safe injection sites and monitoring clients for bad reactions
- Following safety protocols for needle collection, crisis prevention, and conflict de-escalation
- Connecting clients to health services, housing, and counselling programs
- Advocating for harm reduction policies and reducing stigma around substance use
- Monitoring community trends to adapt services effectively
Education Requirements: A diploma in mental health, addictions, or a related field is excellent preparation for this role. CPR, first aid, and naloxone training is also recommended. Many organizations look for candidates who have experience working with people who use drugs or have even used drugs themselves.
WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT WORKER
Withdrawal management workers support individuals undergoing detox in a safe and supervised environment. They focus on short-term care and stabilization, providing medical and emotional support to help individuals safely and comfortably transition through this challenging period.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Screening clients to ensure they are suitable for admission
- Monitoring clients’ physical and emotional well-being during withdrawal
- Providing basic care and administering medications under supervision
- Offering emotional support and crisis intervention as needed
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure safe detoxification
- Educating clients about the next steps in recovery, such as treatment programs
- Maintaining accurate records of clients’ progress and needs
Education Requirements: College-level training in addictions, mental health, psychology, or a related field can get you started. Many positions also call for certification in first aid and non-violent crisis intervention.
CASE MANAGER
Case managers coordinate care for individuals navigating mental health and addiction services, ensuring clients receive comprehensive, ongoing support. They act as a central point of contact and advocate for clients within the healthcare system. They aim to empower clients and increase their independence.
Case managers take a big-picture view of recovery, ensuring that clients receive the tools and support they need for long-term success.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Assessing clients’ needs and developing care plans
- Connecting clients to appropriate services, including housing, employment, and healthcare
- Advocating for clients to access necessary resources and benefits
- Monitoring clients’ progress and revising care plans as needed
- Facilitating communication among service providers, clients, and their families
- Supporting clients in building life skills and achieving long-term goals
Education Requirements: Many employers accept either a degree in social work or a diploma in a human services field. Keep in mind that case manager positions are not usually entry level; most require at least a couple years of experience in community services.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS AT HERZING
The Mental Health and Addictions Worker diploma from Herzing College provides comprehensive training in the nature of addiction and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It takes just 20 months to complete and includes an eight-week internship for hands-on work experience.
Click below to get complete program details and chat live with a friendly admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
