Substance Use Counsellor

YMCA of Greater Toronto•Toronto, ON

12d•Onsite

About The Position

YMCA Employment and Community Programs provide a variety of employment, counselling, outreach, intervention, training and newcomer programs to youth and adults throughout the GTA. YMCA Youth Substance Abuse program (YSAP) is part of the YMCA Employment and Community Programs which together provide a variety of support services and counselling programs to youth ages 14-24 throughout the GTA. It provides a variety of supports to youth experiencing homelessness and who are street-involved in the GTA (Toronto and Peel region). Our Centres offer services including employment, housing, substance use, harm reduction, mental health and other related supports. These services and supports are provided directly by the YMCA of Greater Toronto and community partners. YSAP employs resiliency, recovery, harm reduction, trauma-informed, and other strengths-based frameworks within our service delivery. The Substance Use Counsellor will provide individual substance use counselling to youth ages 14-24 that are at risk, including street involved youth, as well as community education to youth, parents, guardians and role models. The position delivers programs and provides counseling at our North York YMCA Employment and Community Centre (2-4580 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5Y2).

Requirements

S.W., B.A., College Counselling Diploma or other related degree/diploma or equivalent experience
At least two years experience working with youth at risk
Excellent knowledge and understanding of the substance use field, especially as it relates to youth at risk, homelessness, mental health, and harm reduction
Training certificate in 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity or related experience
knowledge and ability to integrate anti-oppression, critical disability, 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity, trauma, recovery approach in support to mental health and strengths-based principles into practice
Familiarity with the youth service agencies and youth resources in Toronto
Ability to speak a second language an asset
Embrace the YMCA Core Values of inclusiveness, caring, responsibility, and honesty
Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities
Ability to work in an efficient manner both independently and as part of a team
Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
Excellent written communication skills
Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity
Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design
Good computer skills in Microsoft Office and Power Point Presentations
Valid Ontario drivers license and daily access to a vehicle

Responsibilities

Provides brief solution focused and motivational interviewing counselling, case management and crisis intervention as needed, on and off site.
Conducts intakes, assessments, and referrals.
Delivers presentations to community youth agencies, schools, parents, professional and YMCA youth programs throughout the GTA.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date client case notes and files.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date statistics for YMCA use as well as the Ministry of Health.
Establishes connections and build relationships with other youth agency committees.
Raises awareness of YSAP services in the GTA area and within the YMCA.
Assists with continued program development.
Participates in supervision, staff meetings and professional development trainings as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.