Addictions Counsellor 2

Addiction Services Central Ontario•Aurora, ON

8d•CA$0 - CA$38•Onsite

About The Position

Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO) is seeking a motivated individual for the new position of Addictions Counsellor 2 supporting the new Day/Evening Treatment program, working in an interdisciplinary team setting. This position will be supporting other teams, programs and services within ASCO as required. The Addictions Counsellor 2 will be a part of a new program at ASCO, the Day/Evening Treatment Program. The role will work alongside the clinical supervisor in the development, implementation, and facilitation of the Day/Evening Treatment Program. The role will include assessment and enrollment into Day/Evening treatment program, daily/weekly individual clinical support for day/evening treatment program participants, co-facilitation of program, collaboration with participants primary clinicians internally and externally, etc. The role will require proven clinical experience and competence in group facilitation skills. The Day/Evening Treatment program will offer an in-person treatment option for clients who are looking for, and may benefit from, a more intensive, consistent, structured program to help address substance use concerns in a supportive environment. This group-based program will incorporate a variety of topics essential in early recovery, coping strategies, skill development, and a safe setting to process and address the connection between substance use and underlying issues to help participants work towards personal recovery goals.

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 a minimum of 4 days per week in person
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 the level, pattern, and dynamics of alcohol and/or drug use by an individual and impacts on their physical and mental health, exploring social determinants of health to understand protective and risk factors.
Ongoing assessment of the client's substance use, functioning, and situation regularly, in consultation with the larger interdisciplinary RAAM team when necessary.
Develop a treatment plan and select appropriate treatment strategies based on information gathered through assessment processes.
Provide written or verbal information regarding assessment findings and case formulation to the client and to referral sources with client consent.
Redirect individuals whose assessed needs cannot be met on a short-term, outpatient basis to appropriate specialized programs.
Provide consultation and problem-solving assistance to professional colleagues and community members concerned about substance use and mental health of an individual who is not likely to become a client of the agency.
Assist the client to identify problems and goals, and 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, including formal skills teaching using counselling approaches, skills coaching, and related activities.
Support and guide the client in reaching his/her goals and in 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 related to substance use and mental health.
Identify when a client requires medical/psychiatric intervention and assist the client to obtain appropriate help.
Provide appropriate clinical intervention and counselling to agency clients during psycho-social crises.
Provide supportive intervention and problem-solving assistance related to practical issues during instrumental crises.
Ensure continuity of service to clients 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 the client’s care (e.g., Children’s Aid Society, Probation and Parole Officers, other health practitioners).
Act on behalf of and/or with the client by representing the client's needs to accomplish goals and teach self-advocacy skills.
Coordinate and facilitate group-based services (e.g., Education groups, Treatment groups, Aftercare groups, Friends and Family groups, presentations) to clients with substance use issues.
Provide supportive family and friends group sessions to clients’ significant others.
Participate in Group Services delivery upon completion of orientation, shadowing and training.
Work with the client to develop or restore the client's natural support system.
Establish relationships with other community groups and relevant services that will support the client's functioning.
Participate in inter-professional collaboration with local hospitals in providing services.
Provide accessible casework services tailored to the local community's needs 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 Permanent Full-time and Part-time staff available
4 Flex Days per fiscal year
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