Counsellor, Addiction – Substance Use

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services • London, ON

1d • $30 - $37 • Onsite

About The Position

We believe that change is possible, for those who are concerned with their substance use and ready to explore options of support. As a Counsellor in the Substance Use program, you’ll met clients with empathy, and use a strength-based, harm reduction approach to work alongside them on their recovery journey. Through one-to-one and group sessions you’ll help clients improve their health, social outcomes and overall quality of life; while also providing referrals and connections to other supports and resources to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving their wellness. The position includes providing intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, counselling, referral for those experiencing addiction and mental health concerns. Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in a related field, e.g. BSW, post-graduate diploma in addictions or equivalent (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• G Driver’s Licence and proof of current automobile insurance and access to a reliable vehicle
• Registration with a professional college (i.e. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO)
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

Nice To Haves

• First Aid & CPR
• Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST training program
• Clinical work experience ideally in substance use treatment including intake services
• Experience working with individuals experiencing addiction concerns, supporting youth populations, and supporting individuals experiencing criminal justice involvement an asset.
• Comfort and skill with public speaking and group facilitation
• Interdisciplinary experience in the following sectors: child welfare, medical, mental health, violence against women
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals living with multiple challenges related to marginalization, including involvement with the criminal justice system, mental illness, addictions, substance use, complex health challenges, street-level sex work, poverty, homelessness, abuse and trauma
• Resourcefulness: Able to recognize and diffuse potential conflict situations; confidence to provide recommendations in high intensity situations "on the record" to advocate for client rights and needs
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with community service providers
• Proficiency with computers, smart phones, variety of software programs including presentation technology
• Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux languages officielles du Canada

Responsibilities

• Scheduled participation in the provision of Intake Services
• Select, administer and interpret evidence-informed screening tools as a part of a standardized screening process to determine program eligibility and level of care required.
• Recognize and respond effectively to an individual/group/community in crisis
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Utilize standardized provincial assessment tools to determine a client’s suitability for services and level of care.
• Adhere to the quality assurance measures for the provincial standardized assessment tools
• Provide clinical interpretation of assessment tools and utilize skillful motivational interviewing techniques for the purpose of informing the development of a client-centered treatment plan.
• Provide re-assessment on an on-going basis for individuals to assess treatment progression and adjust treatment plan as appropriate
• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients to maximize the benefits of engagement through high ethical standards
• Actively increase client motivation by utilizing a Stages of Change paradigm and motivational interviewing
• Apply a comprehensive range of evidence-informed counselling styles and techniques aimed at improving the client’s overall bio-psycho-social-spiritual health
• Use best practice, promising practices and evidence-informed models and treatment modalities when working with clients in individual or group settings.
• Develop a formalized treatment plan including preliminary case management, goal setting, individual and/or group counselling, referrals, advocacy and education as appropriate in collaboration with the client to improve their social determinants of health
• Evaluate and update the treatment plan as appropriate.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill required to match clients with the most appropriate available services as determined through the screening, assessment, referral and treatment planning process.
• Manage and meet targets for a clinical caseload and maintain direct service requirements.
• Participate in the facilitation of community treatment groups as needed and appropriate.
• Facilitate successful service navigation for clients through empowerment and/or advocacy
• Participate and lead client centred case conferences i.e. Coordinated Care Plans (CCP’s), Community Plans etc. to assist in provision of care.
• Advocate
• Demonstrate a knowledge of best practices and provide support in regards to addiction treatment, including a basic understanding of all types of addiction, the treatment continuum and the continuum of use.
• Provide services in person, on the phone or another means of communication about addiction and mental health services and supports.
• Provide education to clients and concerned others regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies.
• As requested, deliver effective outreach services targeting prevention and health promotion, early intervention, treatment and/or after care service to a broad range of client populations.
• Engage in community development, community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner.

Benefits

• Starting rate for this role is $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated: Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• 70 hours biweekly; Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, 1-hour unpaid break
• Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare benefits

What This Job Offers

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