CRF Substance Abuse Counsellor (Group Facilitator)

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Vancouver, BC

7d•CA$30 - CA$39•Onsite

About The Position

The Salvation Army Harbour Light’s Community Residential Facility (CRF) houses individuals supervised on conditional release by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). The Correctional Substance Abuse Counsellor assists with the onsite supervision of clients residing in the CRF, counsels them, and assists them with immediate needs pertaining to their residency. The Correctional Substance Abuse Counsellor also directly contribute to CRF clients’ reintegration by identifying goals and needs of their release, devising an exit plan, helping them meet these goals (e.g., assisting with applications or referring them to relevant staff or external agencies), and tracking and reporting their progress. The Correctional Substance Abuse Counsellor provides one-on-one substance use counselling and/or facilitates group counselling and programming to support clients’ recovery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology/Social Work or related fields or have comparable experience working in a related field.
Criminal Record Review Program clearance
Qualify for, and be willing to obtain, Correction Services Canada enhanced security clearance.
Naloxone training, First Aid with CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to be trained)
1 – 3 years of prior related experience, including, experience in liaison with government and community agencies, supervisory and preferred experience in corrections with an understanding of the Justice system.
Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
Must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the homeless and individuals with substance abuse and concurrent problems, including mental health concerns.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, in verbal and written English
Must have an understanding of, and experience working with, the Criminal Justice System and in a correctional setting
The skills to understand the use of authority in supervision and to intervene effectively in crisis situations;
Ability to work with individuals with a diverse criminal background
The ability to understand the dynamics of offender behaviour and assess their needs and risks
The skills to counsel offenders, form effective relationships and gain trust
Has a working knowledge of substance addictions, mental health, homelessness and poverty issues and practical knowledge of life skills
The ability to assist offenders in identifying and solving the practical problems involved in their successful reintegration into the community
Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a non-judgmental attitude, as well as possess and exercise good interpersonal relationship skills by displaying tact, courtesy and patience with residents, staff, visitors and volunteers
The ability to assist offenders in identifying and obtaining the community services required for their successful reintegration;
The ability to demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity.
Be computer literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office.
Knowledge of 12-step recovery principles is required

Nice To Haves

Specialized CSC training (i.e. “Risk Management:”,”Sex Offender Management”, etc. a definite asset.
Lived experience with 12-step recovery program is a significant asset to this position

Responsibilities

Assess all new clients to determine substance abuse needs
Create individualized substance abuse plans to assist clients in meeting goals
Complete scheduled one-on-one substance abuse counselling with clients
Complete substance abuse counselling as an intervention as needed
Facilitates group counselling sessions
Holds clients accountable to program requirements as well as principles of recovery.
Maintain client interaction and session notes in provided, secure database; notes include but are not limited to behavioural concerns, weekend/late passes, medication changes
Ensure that clients have access to spiritual input and counselling if desired and as a part of the rehabilitation process.
Participate in clinical supervision meetings, as an individual and member of the team
Provide clients with referrals to community agencies/partners that assist with substance abuse and recovery needs
Work with Harbour Light’s Treatment Program as liaison by attending meetings and collaboratively coming up with strategies to assist clients with substance abuse needs
Record statistics related to substance abuse services and referrals given to clients
Monitors the environment and residents to ensure safety and security of clients, staff, volunteers and visitors
Completes regular live, breathing, body, resident status checks as required
Performs intake and discharge procedures for residents as assigned
Develops and implements case management of assigned residents (for example, regularly counsels residents in establishing goals, monitors progress, and prepares discharge plan)
Monitors clients’ curfew, visuals, conditions, behaviours
Observe and report client behavior to appropriate staff and authorities
Maintains and updates all appropriate documentation related to residents and initiates any new documentation; completes all reports required by the Ministry and The Salvation Army
Engages in the development of inter-personal relationships that promotes dignity and respect
Models and supervises appropriate, pro-social behaviour and daily life skills of residents
Intervene in crisis situations, provide supportive counselling, and advocates as required
Performs regular spot checks of residents on passes in community; escorts residents in the community when necessary and monitors behaviour
Packing, inventorying, transporting, shipping and managing of client personal effects
Liaises with Police, Ministry, CSC, court personnel, community agencies, family, and other staff members
Assists in training and orienting of new staff or practicum student
Provides guidance and support to volunteers, students, and newly hired staff
Attends Federal and Provincial Institutions to visit potential clients and share information about CRF expectations, in-house and external resources, and surrounding environment
Prepares reports regarding the institutional visits along with monthly intervention plans
Scheduling and performing of urinalysis testing on clients as requested
Ensures clients act in accordance with house rules by reminding clients of the rules when they are broken, helping them develop strategies for compliance, behavioural intervention, or recommending service restrictions for current or prospective clients
Provide clients access to their medication and document accordingly
Preparing, handling, and documenting of client allowance
Perform other duties on rotation such as institutional mail correspondence, room inspections, attending treatment meetings, medication administration binder responsibility, scheduling meetings, room searches
Assist co-workers with their assigned duties as required
Assist support department as required, including covering of front desk/support attendant duties
Provides Statements to Crown counsel, police, parole office as required
Work in compliance with The Salvation Army’s operating policies, and the CSC contract’s Statement of Work
Assists with Case review and screenings of client profiles
Provide ongoing risk assessments
This role may perform other duties and other accountabilities as required.