Addiction Counselor

**Position Summary**:
The case load will be varied, complex, demanding and often crisis oriented. The Addiction Counselor will provide direct intervention and/or referrals to appropriate service providers/programs for clients on issues related to:

- Life skills
- Detox/Treatment
- Addictive patterns of behavior/ motivation to change continuum.
- Mental Wellness prevention, intervention and recovery and education; and
- Other mental health, behavioral, and emotional concerns related to abuse, violence, grief and loss.

**Responsibilities**:

- Demonstrate and lead behaviors and attitudes that represent the strategic priorities and overall spirit of the STC Health Centre as a place that is judgment free, accepting, compassionate, and empathetic regardless of race, nationality, or economic standing;
- Build capacity of cultural intervention and use of cultural perspective in current programming;
- Provide crisis and on-going counselling to clientele;
- Carry out a range of program activities including one-on-one, family and group counselling, support groups, and workshops with cultural considerations;
- Provide comprehensive addiction assessments relating to all substance and behavioral addictions;
- Assist clients to address emotional, psychological and relationship difficulties utilizing a range of counselling methods and models;
- Work in collaboration with other team members to determine service plans for clients;
- Refer clients to appropriate community agencies and services for assistance not available within the programs to improve personal, social and vocational functioning and for practical help;
- Seek consultation and supervision as necessary;
- Advocate on client’s behalf as appropriate and necessary;
- Participate in project development, assessing clients and population needs, and developing new harm reduction strategies;
- Participate in project evaluation;
- Participate in health promotion projects and activities;
- Maintain records and statistics in accordance with project evaluation and funding agreement standards;
- Respond to community request to provide emergency mental health support as an active member of the CISM team;
- Participate in STC Accreditation;
- Participate in the Emergency Response Plan;
- Participate in infection prevention and control;
- Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the reporting Director or designate on an as required basis.

**Education and Experience**:

- A Mental Health and Addictions Diploma, a two-year Chemical Dependency Diploma, or a post secondary Degree in Health Science (Social Worker or BA/BSc with specialization in Chemical Dependency);
- Minimum of 1-2 years related work experience;
- Will consider equivalent work experience in combination with some formal education;
- Certifications in Addictions Assessment Training an asset;
- Certification in Mental Health and Addictions an asset;
- Certification in treating gambling and other addictions an asset.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**:

- Knowledge of community resources;
- Knowledge of harm reduction goals and philosophy;
- Experience working with addictions, mental health and wellness challenges;
- Experience in case management skills, including crisis and individual counselling;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
- Ability to develop, implement and evaluate quality programming consistent with mental health and addiction best practice;
- A creative problem solver, resourceful and comfortable working in a flexible and challenging work environment;
- Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures; knowledge of an indigenous language would be an asset;
- Must demonstrate appropriate communication during difficult, high stress and/or emotional situations;
- Knowledge of Accreditation Canada standards would be an asset;
- Knowledge of the political, social and economic objectives of the Saskatoon Tribal Council and of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures will be considered an asset.

**Other Conditions**:

- Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license, a reliable vehicle and meet STC’s insurance requirements;
- Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CPIC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment;
- Moderate risk of exposure to disease or illness through provision of client care;
- Exposure to clients who may have impaired judgment due to emotional distress, mental illness or intoxication; and
- Must be willing to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends, and to perform other related duties as required or assigned.