Addictions Counsellor - Jobs in Halifax

Job Description

The Addictions Counsellor will provide confidential addictions counselling, education, and support to individuals with substance use disorder through the application of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and the collaboration with clients to establish change strategies that enhance positive reinforcement for sobriety.Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of University Degree- in a relevant field of study (Psychology/Social Work)
• Must be willing to obtain CCAC (Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor) upon hire
• A different combination of education and experience might be considered
• Current First Aid/CPR
• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Non-violent crisis intervention training (NVCI)

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of one (1) year of professional counselling experience in social service setting with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Knowledge of issues facing persons experiencing housing crisis, various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the families served.
• Knowledge and sound understanding of the Mental Health and Addictions support systems available to individuals in the region.
• In depth knowledge and experience utilizing therapeutic modalities with individuals with substance use disorder
• Solid background of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR

Counselling Accountabilities and Client Support:

• Provides individual counselling and group facilitation in an ethical and professional manner.
• Develops and implements case management of assigned clients.
• Conducts initial and ongoing assessments, treatment plans, referrals and integration of required services for clients with substance use disorder by establishing goals, objectives and monitoring progress.
• Builds and maintains a therapeutic milieu with workers and residents.
• Performs intake and discharge procedures.
• Facilitate group counselling sessions in an ethical and professional manner.
• Intervenes in crisis situations, relapse prevention and counselling for aftercare clients.
• Understanding and implementation of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing modalities.
• Intervenes in crisis situations, provides relapse prevention, early intervention, follow-up, and aftercare support.
• Ensures the physical and psychological needs of residents are being met.
• Intervenes in crisis situations, provide emotional support and advocacy as required.
• Responds to day to dayquot;urgent quot; needs of clients.
• Completes urinalysis and room searches as required.
• Performs other position related duties as assigned.

Communication and Reporting:

• Maintains and updates all appropriate documentation related to clients; submits written reports for clients on caseload.
• Establish, compile, and maintain proper records and files as required.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Maintain statistical information relevant to the evaluation of service provisions and provide direct supervisor with other relevant data as required by the funder and The Salvation Army.

Community Networking and Partnerships:

• Refers clients to appropriate resources to assist with recovery planning.
• Assists clients by providing support, networking, and other direct services.
• Broad knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories, homelessness, mental health, and community resources.
• Attends case conferences with the case management team.
• Liaise with other agencies and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate.

Other Duties:

• Work in compliance with OH amp;S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army #39;s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance reviews/evaluations as required.
• Work in collaboration with the Anchorage Team and Shelter staff

Healthamp; Safety:

• The incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate injury or illness due to:
• Physical attacks by others (i.e., being attacked by a client/resident)
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Sharp Objects (i.e., needle sticks)
• Other dangerous situations

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Governance Boards and Councils: None. Internal: Case Management Team, Leadership Team, Inter-Disciplinary Team, Clients, Staff External: Ministry of Corrections and Public Safety, Drug Treatment Court, Housing Corporation, Housing Authority, NSHA MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor
• No direct reports to this role. Workflow coordinator.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• TSA owned computer hardware and software.
• Minimal material responsibility.

Working Conditions:

• Majority of work will take place with a shelter environment.
• The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:
• Exposure to dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste
• Exposure to drugs and alcohol
• Noise
• Dealing with angry and abusive people
• Verbal abuse
• Odors

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army #39;s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.