Addictions Worker

Westbank First Nation • Westbank, BC

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Westbank First Nation is seeking an Addictions Worker to provide wellness support to individuals and families impacted by addictions. This role involves offering support, outreach services, and referrals to treatment and aftercare programs. The Addictions Worker will also conduct educational sessions for individuals and groups within the community and collaborate with the Wellness team to deliver tailored services. A key aspect of this position is the integration of traditional healing practices with mainstream approaches to address mental health and addiction issues. Services may include home visits and a harm reduction approach, ensuring comprehensive support for all members of WFN.

Requirements

• Certificate or Diploma in a related field, such as Addictions, Social Work, or Psychology required
• Specific training in the field of addictions including formal certification required
• Registration with an appropriate Professional Association required
• 3-5 years’ experience in the development and delivery of substance abuse/dependence programming
• Demonstrated understanding and experience working with and/or within First Nations community
• Experience in liaising with outside agencies and treatment centers
• Acceptable Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with Class 4 preferred
• Reliable transportation
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation

Nice To Haves

• Combination of education and experience may be considered
• Flexibility in scheduling, as some evening and weekend hours, are required
• Must be able to work alone and independently in the office and the community
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, as well as independently
• Demonstrated understanding of harm reduction model and motivational interviewing skills
• Demonstrated understanding of concurrent disorders and treatment strategies
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the role that culture plays in the treatment of psychological concerns
• Knowledge and understanding trauma-informed practice

Responsibilities

• Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary Wellness Team
• Provides individual, family and group addictions support services, incorporating a harm reduction and/or abstinence-based approach
• Facilitates a weekly Wellbriety group in the evening
• Supports the facilitation of workshops in collaboration with other programs delivered through Community Services, or within the community of topics related to Addictions awareness and prevention
• Orders Naloxone kits
• Reports on drug usage
• Participates in the development and delivery of community-based events geared towards health promotion such as Wellness Fair and National Addictions Awareness Week
• Provides client assessments, develops case plans and goals, and maintains confidential client files using appropriate record keeping
• Develops addictions intervention strategies in consultation with Addictions Counsellor
• Assists in monitoring client’s case management and development of client’s case plans and goals with other members of the Wellness Team
• Assists, supports, and encourages clients in developing supportive roles and structures within their community to ensure safety upon returning home from a treatment program
• Gathers a collection of updated resource materials and provides substance use/dependence information to clients and community members. This includes liaising with outside agencies/bands to acquire additional treatment programs/workshops
• Liaises with Law Enforcement, RCMP, and other community-based supports as required
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Westbank First Nation policies, standards, and procedures and as directed by the Wellness Manager

Benefits

• Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan with a 9.31% employer contribution following the eligibility period
• Comprehensive extended health and dental coverage
• Flexible time-off provisions designed to promote work–life–family balance and overall wellness
• Meaningful education and professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree