Addictions Counselor

Are you an individual with a passion for helping Indigenous community members on their healing journey?_
- Do you have experience integrating Indigenous cultural practices and harm reduction techniques into your work as a Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor?_
- Are you able to advocate for clients and ensure that they are receiving the timely and quality of care they deserve? _

If so, this opportunity is for you

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic primary health care to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa - one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence.

As an Indigenous frontline worker with a post secondary degree in an Addictions and Mental Health fields (both is preferred), combined with an understanding of how to access treatment, mental health and social supports, you will want to consider this opportunity.

**Purpose of the position**:
Under the direction of the Mental Wellness Team Lead, the Addictions Counselor will work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members to prepare them for treatment and provide aftercare. The Addictions Counselor will ensure that the right community, professional and cultural supports/services are in place in order to maximize the wellness and success of the individual. In this capacity the position fulfills a variety of case management related functions including but not limited to: establishing supportive relationships, doing assertive outreach, ensuring professional case management and referral and providing crisis intervention if required as well as counselling functions including group facilitation and/or co-facilitation.

**Responsibilities**:

- Provide outreach addiction support services to homeless or at risk of being homeless population through harm reduction;
- Provide assessment, referral, support and advocacy services within a case management framework;
- Provide crisis intervention;
- Provide one-on-one and group support and education;
- Provide clients with treatment options and support the client throughout the process;
- Assist clients to resolve social issues by helping them navigate systems and provide referrals when necessary as it pertains to: income supports, basic needs, status cards, housing, education, employment, child care, vision/dental/medical benefits, CAS issues, legal concerns, addictions resources, social supports and community resources;
- Provide life skills, coaching, offer advice, and support services for referred individuals and their families (on an individual basis and group settings);
- Prepare individuals to go to residential program and provide follow-up upon return;
- Liaise with other agencies and services to better address the addiction needs of clients and improve the quality of available services;
- Conduct outreach in order to effectively promote the program;
- Maintain appropriate and confidential records of all clients;
- Complete reporting and other admin requirements.

**Qualifications**:

- A post-secondary degree in a Mental Health field with specialization in Addictions or experience working with substance misuse, abuse, or dependency;
- Must have a thorough knowledge of treatment options and other social services;
- Client service oriented;
- Harm-reduction approach;
- Good interpersonal and counseling skills; able to work flexibly with a variety of population groups and treatment settings;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Indigenous people, including a sound knowledge and understanding of the issues that affect their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in contemporary society;
- Demonstrated cultural competency in working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities with the ability to offer culturally appropriate services;
- A nonjudgmental, inclusive, and positive attitude towards people who are experiencing problematic substance use, and other issues;
- Ability and skills to recognize and manage the signs of a client in crisis;
- A demonstrated ability to exercise strong decision-making skills and deal with unpredictable situations.

**Specifications**:

- Successful applicants would be required to submit a criminal reference check to work with the vulnerable population.

**Why Work for Us**:

- Collaborative and supportive work environment
- Group health and dental insurance
- Defined benefit pension plan/employee pension plan with contribution by Wabano
- Employee assistance program
- Staff reported over 90% that they feel their work is meaning and they are having an impact in the work they are doing.

To pursue this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and CV. The position will remain open until filled.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contac