Addictions Counsellor 2

Addiction Services Central Ontario•Aurora, ON

1d•CA$0 - CA$38•Onsite

About The Position

Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO) is seeking a motivated individual for the existing position of Addictions Counsellor 2 supporting the Addictions Withdrawal Management Services (AWMS) program, working in an interdisciplinary team setting. This position will be supporting other teams, programs and services within ASCO as required. This position provides services in various capacities in order to ensure the organization meets the needs of clients where they are located. This position will be based in the Aurora office location, reporting to the Assigned Supervisor. This is a full-time maternity leave contract position to October 29, 2027, for 35 hours per week, with a minimum of two evenings per week. Weekend work is also expected (i.e. some Saturdays). The hourly wage rate is $37.78. This position is within the Bargaining Unit. ASCO is required to follow all public health and provincial directives as well as of those of our Ontario Health Team partners as related to the pandemic and other health issues that may come forward, including but not limited to vaccination requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a health-related discipline or minimum 5+ years’ direct clinical experience in addictions and/or mental health
Member or member in progress with one of the regulatory colleges under the Regulated Health Professionals Act (e.g., College Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario; Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers)
Minimum 2 years of addictions counselling experience
Able to work at least one evening per week and some Saturdays
Knowledge and experience working with a range of clients presenting with substance use and concurrent disorders
Extensive training and experience working with trauma
Solid experience and awareness of the needs of working in very marginalized communities and with marginalized populations
Strong knowledge of crisis intervention and recovery principles
Ability to work effectively with a diverse and interdisciplinary team
Ability to evaluate programs/services considering client needs and service delivery within a complex environment
Ability to do addiction assessments independently and provide comprehensive treatment planning and treatment to clients with addiction issues
Ability to foster a strong therapeutic alliance with clients
Ability to assess and provide treatment through a strengths-based framework
Sound knowledge, awareness and understanding of anti-oppression and anti-racism (AOAR) practices
Knowledge and experience in harm reduction strategies
Ability to facilitate psycho-educational, process and therapeutic groups to diverse clients with substance use concerns
Excellent organizational and administrative skills
The ability to work independently
A working knowledge of data management systems (TREAT preferred)
Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written
A valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle
A successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check, as per agency policy and procedures

Nice To Haves

The ability to provide services in French and any additional languages

Responsibilities

Comprehensive assessment of an individual's alcohol and/or drug use, its impact on physical and mental health, and exploration of social determinants of health.
Ongoing assessment of client's substance use, functioning, and situation, in consultation with the interdisciplinary RAAM team.
Develop treatment plans and select appropriate treatment strategies based on assessment findings.
Provide written or verbal feedback on assessment findings and case formulation to clients and referral sources with client consent.
Refer individuals whose assessed needs cannot be met on a short-term, outpatient basis to appropriate specialized programs.
Provide consultation and problem-solving assistance to colleagues and community members concerned about an individual's substance use and mental health.
Assist clients in identifying problems and goals, and collaboratively develop and implement a formal, systematic, and ongoing goal-setting process.
Provide skills teaching to clients and/or staff using specific strategies that support substance use recovery.
Support and guide clients in reaching their goals and addressing identified issues, ensuring counselling is conducted with an Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism (AOAR) framework.
Provide systematic, short-term, and structured counselling to individuals and/or groups in relation to specific issues.
Provide addiction counselling services aligned with best practice models of intervention based on clients’ presenting concerns, identified needs, and established goals.
Identify when a client requires medical/psychiatric intervention and assist them in obtaining appropriate help.
Provide appropriate clinical intervention and counselling for psycho-social crises.
Provide supportive intervention and problem-solving assistance related to practical issues during instrumental crises.
Ensure continuity of service through service matching, co-ordination, outreach, referral, and follow-up.
Collaborate and provide feedback to interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of care using a client-centred approach.
Collaborate with third-party organizations involved in client care (e.g., Children's Aid Society, Probation and Parole Officers).
Act on behalf of and/or with the client to represent their needs and teach self-advocacy skills.
Coordinate and facilitate group-based services (e.g., Education groups, Treatment groups, Aftercare groups) for clients with substance use issues.
Provide supportive family and friends group sessions.
Participate in Group Services delivery upon completion of orientation, shadowing and training.
Work with clients to develop or restore their natural support system.
Establish relationships with other community groups and relevant services to support client functioning.
Participate in inter-professional collaboration with local hospitals.
Provide accessible casework services tailored to the needs of the local community within ASCO’s satellite offices.
Maintain client records including case notes, assessments, treatment plans, service activity logs, and discharge summaries.
Contribute to management information systems.
Participate in regular administrative team meetings and in improving service delivery processes.
Educate community agencies and professional groups as assigned by the Supervisor.
Participate in regular individual supervision and group clinical supervision and audits of documentation.
Support the development of clinical programs and initiatives in conjunction with the Clinical Supervisor.
Participate in in-house peer consultation/supervision and staff training programs.
Continuously upgrade skills by attending related courses and reading relevant literature.
Provide direct service to clients as assigned by the program and/or Clinical Supervisor.
Provide services in various capacities to ensure the organization meets the needs of clients where they are located, as necessary.
Drive/Operate and provide services on the Mobile Rapid Access Addictions Medicine (M-RAAM) unit, when assigned.
Support other teams, programs and services within ASCO as required, including picking up clients from assigned waitlists as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

15 days’ Vacation to start (accrued monthly); 20 days’ Vacation (accrued monthly) after one (1) year of continuous service
HOOPP Pension Plan for Contract Full-time and Part-time staff available
4 Flex Days
15 days’ Paid Personal time (accrued monthly)
Education Allowance provided up to $400 per fiscal year
5 Education Days per fiscal year provided for personal and professional development
Comprehensive Benefits package
Employee Assistance Plan
Various employer-paid training programs
Mileage reimbursement when required
Free on-site parking
Perkopolis membership available