Counsellor, Undergrad

Job Summary
The Addictions Counsellor (Undergrad) at Phoenix Society provides counselling and support to individuals and families experiencing mental health and addiction issues. The position is responsible for: individual and group counselling; assessments and referrals; medication administration; client support and community building; and community relations. The Addictions Counsellor (undergrad) facilitates the recovery and capacity-building of clients to maximize their potential and support their goals for successful independent living in the community.

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Organizational Status*
The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. [Insert description of department/unit that the role works within and its function within Phoenix Society. Include information on the department/unit such as, number of residents/ clients/ staff, aims and objectives, etc.]
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**Work Performed**
**Client Services**
× Act as a positive role model, coach, advisor, leader and rational authority for clients
× Teach clients effective social and interpersonal skills through daily groups and through the tasks of appropriate daily living and social activities
× Contribute to maintaining a therapeutic environment following therapeutic community principles which encourage awareness of interdependence of community members and the value of responsible concern for oneself and others
× Monitor clients’ behaviour and activities, and liaise with the integrated services team as necessary
× Conduct baseline and ongoing biopsychosocial assessments with clients, including GAIN, GAF, HONOS and the Addiction Severity Index
× Identify and prioritize clients’ needs in the following areas: employment; financial support; substance use; criminal justice involvement; family history; etc.
× Lead assessments and responses to critical issues such as suicide risk, worsening mental health issues, depression, anxiety, etc.
× Articulate and reinforce program guidelines to proactively deal with disruptive behaviours
× Assist in monitoring client’s activities within residential buildings to ensure that areas are appropriately used for their purpose by visiting floors and common areas and viewing video camera feeds as necessary
× Connect clients to relevant community resources, services and opportunities
× Act as an advocate for the client during their stay at the Phoenix Centre and maintain contact after discharge from the ESTLR program to provide follow-up support if possible

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Counselling*
× Respond appropriately and effectively to clients who are typically in various stages of recovery, have difficulty self-regulating and problem solving, and who may have physical, mental, social, legal and financial problems
× Act as an approachable, friendly and ethical representative of the Society by building rapport with clients, enhancing clients' motivation for positive change and encouraging clients to make healthy lifestyle choices
× Provide individual and group counselling to clients affected by substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, homelessness, criminal justice involvement and other poverty related issues in a professional and ethical manner, reflecting evidence-based practices and clinical experience
× Facilitate group counselling sessions and workshops in the following areas: communication; conflict resolution/mediation; personal financial management; cooking and meal preparation; personal hygiene and self-care; living with concurrent disorders; etc.
× Determine the needs and composition of counselling groups and design or adapt a process tailored to clients’ needs
× Work to improve groups and client meetings by adjusting interventions, strategies and approaches to meet group members’ needs
× Help group members establish how they will treat each other. Facilitate communication among group members
× Encourage the engagement and participation of all group members
× Facilitate learning of healthy choices, coping skills, relationships and boundaries; effective communication and conflict resolution; and positive parenting techniques
× Respond to clients' requests and crises in a responsible, timely and flexible manner
× Respond to the feelings, attitudes, values and concerns of clients with empathy and respect for their life journey

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Community Relations*
× Act as a liaison with the community and promotes/encourages community involvement in the program
× Maintain current knowledge of social, economic, recreational and educational resources in the community

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Qualifications*
× Bachelor’s degree or post-secondary diploma (e.g., 2 to 3 years) in counselling, social work, psychology, etc.
× 1 to 3 years of experience providing counselling in the community social services sector and workin