CharityVillage

The Addiction Counsellor will counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, groups, or engage in prevention programs. In delivering these services, the Addiction Counsellor utilizes a case management approach, consulting with Mental Health Counsellors and representatives from a number of supporting agencies.  Addiction Counsellors are required to provide coordination in the areas of case management, case planning, and implementation of addiction programs. The caseload of the Addiction Counsellor tends to be varied, complex, demanding and often crisis orientated.

The Addiction Counsellor assesses and provides direct intervention or referral to appropriate service providers/programs, for clients on issues related to: addictive patterns of behaviour; concurrent disorders; and other mental health, behavioural and emotional concerns such as abuse, violence, grief and loss when these are connected to addictions or the impact of addictions within the family and inter-generationally.

Core Competencies        

• Quality Orientation  

• Time Management 

• Creative and Innovative Thinking

• Development and Continual Learning    

• Problem-Solving     

• Accountability and Dependability 

• Research and Analysis      

• Decision-making and Judgment

• Operating Equipment         

• Providing Consultation      

• Ethics and Integrity 

• Planning and Organizing

• Mathematical Reasoning              

• Enforcing Laws, Rules and Regulations

• Mediating and Negotiating

• Coaching and Mentoring

• Communication

• Energy & Stress      

• Teamwork

Job Duties

• Provide screening, intake and assessment for clients to determine the presenting issue(s), and access appropriate treatment programming and/or services.

• Apply knowledge of the symptoms of overdose/withdrawal of various substances, including alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, and be prepared to assist the person in seeking medical attention.

• Apply appropriate assessment and diagnostic criteria, using accepted methods.

• Develop a treatment plan for each client based on the assessment of presenting issue(s).

• Identify the most appropriate of available treatment modalities.

• Adapt treatment modalities to the client’s individual characteristics and needs.

• Explore all available resources in maximizing the most effective plan for the client.

• Utilize an interdisciplinary approach to treatment where appropriate.

• Provide ongoing evaluation and revision of the client’s progress/goals.

• Provide appropriate intervention to the client and the community based on their assessment and treatment plan.

• Provide a range of counselling/education services, i.e., individual, group, and family.

• Provide relapse prevention services.

• Provide follow-up to clients once the counselling services are complete.

• Enhance the capacity of internal and external stakeholders to address the issues related to addictions (including gambling and eating disorders) by facilitating workshops and participating in case conferencing and public forums on social issues.

• Provide crisis intervention services.

• Coordinate and/or participate in case management, consultation and departmental planning activities.

• With clients' permission, consult with relevant caregivers and significant others in clients’ lives to update, modify, or reassess treatment plans and intervention strategies.

• Maintain positive relationships with other service providers, including but not limited to: social workers, medical staff, corrections officers, and the RCMP.

• Assist with the planning and implementation of program enhancements.

• Collaborate with community agencies such as law enforcement, probation, education, social service agencies, medical professionals and other chemical dependency treatment facilities to identify gaps in community services and develop plans for addressing these gaps.

• Identify and pursue professional development opportunities.

• Create and maintain client records in a confidential and professional manner.

• Record case notes and produce client-related documentation such as reports according to accepted practices and policies.

• Compile caseload statistics and prepare program and client reports.

• Maintain confidential client files according to Harvest House's policies.

• Counsel clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.

• Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

• Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, and other required information.

Requirements

• Completion of a diploma or degree program in Addiction Counselling

• Work experience in addiction counselling is preferred, but recent graduates without experience may also apply and will be considered for the position.

• Sound knowledge of various therapeutic addiction counselling theories and practices is required, especially in the areas of clinical evaluation of alcohol and drug issues, treatment planning, counselling, education and prevention, documentation and professional and ethical standards.

• Able to deal pleasantly and effectively with a wide range of people of different ages and cultures, in potentially volatile and emotionally charged situations.

• Computer literacy skills and the ability to work processing packages and e-mail systems.

• Sound knowledge of the following techniques is required: crisis intervention, anger diffusion, conflict intervention and resolution, and use of chemical dependency diagnostic tools.

• Capable of using multiple therapeutic modalities to work with different types of clienteles presenting with a wide range of issues.

• Self-motivated, self-reliant and flexible.

• Capable of working in a multidisciplinary environment with a variety of community professionals.

• Knowledge of and adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct are required.

• Ability to assist patients, family members or other clients with concern and empathy; respecting their confidentiality and privacy and communicating in a courteous and respectful manner.

• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.

• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability.

• Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

• Politically and culturally sensitive.

• High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts.

• Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to privacy.

Work Conditions

• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the HIV and hepatitis viruses.

• Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors and government agencies.

• Travel may be required.

• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals.

• Overtime as required.

• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, and sitting.