Addictions Counsellor, Adult Substance Use

Addiction Counsellor, Adult Substance Use

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent will provide initial assessment and treatment planning, community based treatment, referral and on occasion, case management services to clients who contact the Centre with concerns regarding their own or someone else’s Substance Use and/or gambling behaviour. This position's primary focus would be working with individuals who are pregnant and/or parenting. Experience and/or knowledge of process addictions and harm reduction theory required. The incumbent will perform other duties as required, which may include, but are not limited to, data entry, report generation and community education. As well, the incumbent must be available for evening clinical work during regular office hours and on occasion outside of regular hours as needed and when appropriate.

Training may be provided to those with transferrable skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Registered Social Worker or Psychotherapist (or eligible to be registered with an Ontario regulatory college whose members can practice psychotherapy). Prior experience providing individual and group treatment with Substance Use or behavioural issues, as well as experience in system navigation and collaborative care planning. Additionally, the incumbent should possess:

• Significant prior experience in Addiction Counselling is an asset, particularly in the areas of assessment, service engagement, liaising with service providers and working with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience working with a variety of age groups from youth to adult services.
• Experience with collaborative care planning and system navigation support.
• A solid understanding of Harm Reduction and the addiction treatment continuum.
• An understanding of the Stages of Change and the Circle of Security, working from an anti-oppression, social determinants of health lens.
• The ability to develop and maintain relationships within and across organizations.
• The ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Experience in individual, family, and group therapy; Community development and networking; Record keeping and file management; and Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change.
• Ability to function independently, maintain effective working relationships with others, identify problems (practical, individual and interpersonal), use related problem solving skills, and work effectively under pressure or deadlines, with constant interruptions or unpredictability.
• Demonstrated and well developed interpersonal and team work skills, organizational and time management skills, verbal and written communication and listening skills, and advocacy and negotiation capabilities.
• CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Crisis prevention training is an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening – police check.
• Valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle and automobile endorsement insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout Huron County.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Adult Counselling

• Provide education, consultation, crisis management, referral, advocacy, case management and community treatment as appropriate, to persons who have concerns about their own or someone else’s Substance Use and/or problem gambling/behavioural addictions. Services may be provided on an individual, group, couple or family basis.

General - Clinical

• Develop, with the client, a mutually agreed treatment plan which is reviewed and adjusted according to client needs.
• Continuously evaluate individual, family, and group sessions to understand development and the impact on overall treatment using a variety of progress and outcome measures.
• Be responsible for obtaining informed consent while explaining the potential benefits, risks, and outcomes of treatment and/or involvement with the agency.
• Protect the confidentiality of clients, while ensuring that client information is only released or obtained by the Centre with client consent.
• Remain current in knowledge of treatment interventions and community resources to meet client’s needs.
• Be flexible in work environment while maintaining personal safety and the safety of the client at all times.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with other service providers, maintaining collaborative working relationships.
• Provide clinical intake services as required.

General

• Engage in community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner. On occasion, these services may be provided outside of regular office hours.
• Participate on internal agency committees and/or outside community committees as appropriate.
• Participate in program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives at the Centre.
• Adhere to policies and protocols as outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual of the Centre as well as Professional Practice Standards as outlined by Registered Colleges.
• Attend and actively participate in any team and staff meetings, the Annual General Meeting and periodically scheduled strategic planning and team building events.
• Assist with the orientation and training of new agency staff, volunteers and interns/students as designated and needed.
• Provide coverage of CMHA HP services for other team members as needed.
• Participate in training to further develop skills required to perform the duties of the position.
• Participate in ongoing evaluation of service delivery and personal performance.
• Actively participate in the supervisory process with immediate supervisor.
• Support and actively participate in the constant evolution and growth of the agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
• Travel to locations throughout the agency’s catchment area to attend meetings or see clients may be required. From time to time, travel to other locations for training may also be required.

Administrative

• Maintain administrative and clinical records, including client files and data entry to DATIS/Catalyst, as per Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Maintain a complete, accurate and comprehensive clinical record of each client contact.
• Report statistics about clinical activities using designated agency format as required.
• Complete monthly, annual and other reported documentation as required in a punctual and comprehensive manner.

Team and Organizational Responsibilities

• Liaise with community partners and other agencies in a manner that promotes the agency’s reputation and facilitates quality care for shared clients
• Participate in agency work delegated to committees related to staff development, program planning, social activities, community information, etc.,
• Share information and constructive observations with colleagues that promote clinical and administrative activities of the agency, including peer review and consultation,
• Commitment to research investigations, pilot projects, etc. that may be undertaken by the agency.
• Help ensure the organization and program objectives are met.
• Participate in public education, placement student mentoring, professional development activities, program development, planning groups, etc., as appropriate or assigned.
• Demonstrate interest in the broad field of health care and the specific fields of substance abuse, problem gambling, process or behavioural concerns, concurrent disorders, and supportive housing.
• Conducts self in a responsible, professional manner.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $42,392.65-$52,623.12 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• registration with a regulatory college (ex OCSWSSW or CRPO) (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-06-23