Child and Youth Substance Counsellor

**Kairos Child and Youth Substance Use Health & Addictions Counsellor**

**ABOUT THE AGENCY**

**The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our capacities in serving the community, and Youth Diversion strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.**

Youth Diversion is a charitable organization which has offered service to youth in the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington area since 1974. The agency’s mission is to help youth overcome challenges by: Providing prevention, intervention and educational services that divert youth from risk and support their ability to thrive.

**OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY**

The Kairos Substance use Counsellor is responsible for managing a case load, perform intake and assessment of needs, developing individualized support plans & providing outreach services to children and youth with a focus around substance use & substance use education. Presently, our Kairos Counsellors work primarily in schools to offer outreach and quick response services to children and youth. They offer one-on-one support, school and community education & training around substance use and addictions. Our team of counsellors work in schools, alternative education settings, in the community to support and meet the needs of their clients. The Kairos counsellor will be responsible for receiving referrals, performing intakes, completing needs assessments & screeners, developing action plans/goals with clients, provide psychoeducational workshops/presentations and oversee & manage their caseload of clients. Additional responsibilities are on reporting and statistical requirements using a combination of case management approaches which include the use of a data information system to input client information and data.

**EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Diploma or Degree in the social sciences with a concentration in the field of Substance Use and Addictions
- Minimum 2 years of experience in the field of Substance Use and Addictions supporting children, youth and young adults. A focus on addiction issues within the elementary & high school aged population is considered an asset. **Internationally trained professionals and/or applicants with equivalent international experience are welcomed to apply.**:

- Exceptional presentation skills and experience delivering workshops and presentations.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- The position requires the successful applicant to work flexible hours and travel throughout Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addingston counties. With ability to travel up to northern communities within the catchment area in order to provide outreach services
- Satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check
- Updated first aid and CPR training

**SKILLS**:

- Sound knowledge and practice in the use of counselling techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative therapy, Stages of change Model and Harm Reduction Theory
- Knowledge and understanding of the Bio-Psycho-Social model, Stages of Change, basic pharmacology of psychoactive substances and the Harm Reduction approach
- Ability to provide one-on-one and group sessions for children/youth
- Strong public speaking skills and possess an ease and ability to present to groups such as children/youth, families, educators, community members and stakeholders
- Knowledge of programs and treatment options for youth
- Strong knowledge of community support resources and services for children, youth, and families
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to establish rapport with clients
- Possess excellent documentation skills relating to client records and case managing following appropriate reporting procedures
- Ability to utilize web-based client Information system database for client record keeping and case management. Ability to collect and submit appropriate data for statistical analysis
- Knowledge of trauma-informed therapeutic approaches
- Skills and cultural competency in working with a diverse range of cultures particularly with BIPOC groups
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, _Child & Family Services Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, and Personal Health Information Protection Act_

**PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Assess the needs of the client using standardized screening and assessment tools related to the field of substance use and addictions
- Provide counselling services to help clients resolve social and personal problems relating to substances use. Additionally, provide support to child and youth who are experiencing concerns around family members or friends’ usage
- Refer clients to agencies and services that provide support in the areas of mental health, education, housing, recreation, child services and other services
- Develop an action/intervention plan that is evidence based and reflects the needs of the client and best practice
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