Addictions Specilaist

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Addiction Specialist will have a passion for working with the community in one of our programs that provides housing and supports for individuals experiencing mental health and/or problematic substance abuse challenges and have the potential to or are at risk of homelessness.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Provide support to individuals with mental health challenges who may also have identified substance use concerns
- Offer motivational interviews by using the stages of change and a harm reduction philosophy
- Conduct assessments for clients identified with substance use challenges and provide counseling to those with complex addictions
- Assist with activities of daily living, supportive services, conflict resolution, and crisis avoidance
- Consult with other team members to lead the development of educational programs focused within addictions which may include liaising with other community addictions services
- Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living and social skills necessary to maintain independency in the community
- Support clients to live independently within a Supportive Housing unit in the community, through skill building, problem resolution, and with a housing first philosophy
- Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
- Provide holistic intensive case management within the recovery philosophy, while using a trauma informed lens, to support to individuals in the community
- Include an equity, diversity, and inclusion philosophy in work with colleagues and clients
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Adhere to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
- Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Health Services, Social Services, or equivalent
- 2+ years’ experience with Mental Health Crisis Management and Addiction Counseling
- Experience or training with Addictions assessment and treatment
- Trained on the GAIN-SS and ADAT tools
- Experience with the mentally ill while collaborating with partners and other community resources
- Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery
- Knowledge of mental health and addictions support services
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to communicate with a highly diverse range of individuals of varying levels of education, professions, and personal life experiences from a broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Able to work respectfully with different cultures and differing perspectives
- Individual and group counselling skills
- Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
- A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage is required
- Valid certification in CPI, CPR, First Aid, and Assist is mandatory

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- Hours are generally Monday - Friday, 8:30am -4:30pm but additional hours may be required
- Average amount of physical effort is required
- Requires the ability of handling light and moderate weight objects including office equipment and other office supplies
- Frequently sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time
- Vehicle travel to community sites
- Ability to walk up and open doors as required

**Why Work For Us?**

**Our Vision**
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

**Our Mission**
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

**Our Culture**
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen, we know what it means, and why it matters.

**Our Commitment**
People are