Addictions Counsellor

**LOCATED IN GLENDON AB**

Addictions Counsellor

Reports To

Clinical Lead

Summary

At Her Recovery, the heart of our program is facilitated by the Addictions Counsellor position. Please read the following job description in relation to the Addictions Counsellor position.

If you have the following traits, this may be a career choice for you:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• Patience and open-mindedness
• Strong altruistic and empathic ability
• Emotional maturity
• Professional boundaries

Role DescriptionWhat does this job look like?

Addictions counselors work with clients from diverse backgrounds who have various addiction disorders such as drug, alcohol and process addictions. Through psychoeducation, individual and group therapy, addictions counselors work with affected individuals, using suitable intervention strategies and treatment approaches to counsel clients through all stages of recovery. Throughout this process, counselors continually review, assess, and document their clients’ progress and follow up post-treatment.

Before counseling, they evaluate client strengths, possible problems, extent of addictions and the client’s potential to change. Taking the client’s history into consideration they create research and experience-based treatment plans. Counselors will inform their clients about addiction issues and the programs and services available, as well as refer clients to other experts when necessary.

In their practice, addiction counsellors do one or more of the following: (a) within a counselling relationship, assess, guide, support and treat individuals or groups of individuals with addictions to enhance, maintain and promote health and wellness; (b) engage in education with respect to the practice of addiction counselling; (c) engage in research related to the practice of addiction counselling; (d) provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations.

Responsibilities:

The Addictions Counsellor applies relevant competencies in a manner consistent with generally accepted standards in the profession, independently, and within a reasonable timeframe. The Addictions Counsellor selects and applies competencies in an informed manner, anticipates what outcomes to expect in each situation, and responds appropriately. The Addictions Counsellor recognizes unusual, difficult to resolve and complex situations, and takes appropriate steps to address them based on ethics and standards of practice; this includes seeking consultation or supervision, reviewing research literature, and referring the client.

In addition, the Addictions Counsellor:

· work with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds who are addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs.

· 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

· provide information about available services and programs

· make appropriate referrals

· hold information sessions and therapy groups

· counsel affected individuals and family members through all stages of recovery.

· counsel affected individuals using appropriate intervention strategies and treatment approaches.

· review, evaluate, and document client progress.

· provide aftercare and follow-up.

Job Requirements:

• Completion of diploma/ degree from a post-secondary program in a related field or equivalent.
• ·A current certification and good standing as a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor or equivalent or Registered Social Worker · Individuals who do not meet CCAC or ACTA Addiction Counsellor requirements but are willing to obtain these qualifications within the first 18 months of employment may be considered for this role.
• Clean Driver`s Abstract
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
• Up to date First Aid and ASSIST training preferred.
• Provision of a clear vulnerable sector criminal record check.
• Sound knowledge of, or become willing to be trained in, the Mental Health Services Protection Regulation, Mental Health Services Protection Act, and Residential Treatment Services Standards
• Critical Incident Prevention Training or become willing to be trained in Critical Incident Prevention Training
• Suicide Risk and Assessment training or become willing to be trained in Suicide RIsk and Assessment

· Current First Aid/CPR

· Working knowledge of computer software (email, internet) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook), and Electronic Management Record systems

Responsibilities:

· Screening and assessment of program participants:

Administering and interpreting the results of evidence informed tools and methods to measure a client’s addiction severity and related concerns and inform the care and treatment plan.

· Treatment Planning:

Collaboratively developing a treatment plan based on screening and assessment findings, ensuring that activities and resources reflect the client’s needs, strengths, and goals. The process also includes monitoring, evaluating, planning for discharge, and updating the treatment plan so that it reflects the client’s evolving needs and goals.

· Crisis Intervention:

Recognizing and responding effectively when a client, associated group or community with addictions or concurrent disorders is in an unstable, risky, dangerous, or potentially dangerous situation.

· Counselling:

Applying a comprehensive range of evidence-informed counselling styles, techniques and methodologies aimed at improving the overall well-being of clients with addiction and concurrent disorder.

· Record Keeping and Documentation:

Creating and maintaining accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive client records able to withstand legal scrutiny.

· Client Referral:

Collaborating with clients, services and supports to identify and access the best available resources to meet clients’ needs.

· Group Facilitation:

Using evidence-informed approaches to work effectively with clients in group.

· Closure:

Facilitating a collaborative approach to close the therapeutic process with clients, individuals, and/or groups supporting client’s self-efficacy and fostering client’s ability to function independent of counselling.

· Ethical Conduct:

o Provides professional services according to the principles and values of integrity, competence, responsibility, respect, and trust to safeguard both self and others.

o Acts with professionalism and ethical behaviour in self and others (individuals, groups, organizations, communities).

o Identifies and addresses ethical issues proactively.

o Practices a model of ethical decision-making

o Addresses dual relationships and conflicts of interest.

o Adheres to all legislation, guidelines, procedures, protocols and professional ethics about privacy, confidentiality, and human rights

· Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director or Clinical Lead

· Possible travel to other iRecover locations to train staff according to the iRecover program

· Work as part of an interdisciplinary team using respect and common sense

· Encourage a work environment free of bullying and harassment

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $28.00-$33.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-03-18