Drug Outreach and Mental Health Counsellor

**SUMMARY**:
Under the general direction of the first line services intervention supervisor, the incumbent of this position is responsible for the day to day management of the goals, objectives, and activities of the prescription drug abuse program guidelines and the drug strategy counsellor work plan. The primary goal is to support community members struggling with prescription drug substance abuse and develop mental health and addiction plans that provide a range of harm reduction activities, such as:

- efforts to strengthen screening and assessment
- brief intervention approaches
- case management

The incumbent will work towards a drug-free community through outreach initiatives, presenting choices and using non-judgmental coercive strategies to empower community members to live safer and healthier lives. Another objective of this position is to reduce the ill health, social harms and tragedies associated with addiction and substance use. The incumbent will work on strategies which include meeting clients, gaining trust with clientele, reducing stigma in the community that challenges harm reduction efforts, enabling connections that promote healthy lifestyles including cultural links.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**1.** **Outreach Activities and Interventions**
- Provide information through conversations with community members and provide follow-up literature to summarize discussions
- Counselling services based on motivational interviewing techniques that encompass a holistic approach that targets basic needs and empowers the client
- Assist with Opioid Agonist Therapy for the client when they are ready
- Relevant self-care introduced, both culturally adapted and/or the western approach depending on the client’s preference
- Effective distribution of harm reduction kits and naloxone
- Maintain client files according to organizational policy
- Engage emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required
- Participate as an active member of a multi-disciplinary team, actively participating in staff and group meetings
- Contribute to a positive team environment
- Recognize and respond effectively to an individual/group/community crisis
- Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed

**2. Client Connection Activities**:

- Collaborating with nurses, social workers, psychologists, doctors etc. to complete referrals for clients
- Treatment center and detox center referrals with discharge planning and aftercare help
- Accompaniment of clients to OAT clinic
- Ensure that services that are offered at the safe space apartment are coordinated around the needs of the clients
- Provide support to clients with their social wellbeing and communication between clients and their family members
- Provide connection activities that foster a healthy lifestyle alternative Cultural/land-based healing connections
- Develop and deliver workshops to the community throughout the year

**3. Advocacy and Promotion**
- Advocate for opportunities for clients who struggle with addictions
- Case management efforts to better coordinate services and supports
- Promote harm reduction
- Other related duties as requested by the supervisor

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS**:

- Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Mental Health or Social work field
- A good understanding of addictions
- One (1) year plus work experience or related experience of adversities in order to provide emotional and social support, free of judgment, to others who share a common experience
- Valid Class 5 Quebec or equivalent drivers’ license

**KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS**:

- Peer leadership, research and guidance skills
- Facilitation skills that will lead people to take charge of their lives
- The ability to assess and self-reflect on the efficiency of the program delivery
- Knowledge of traditional medicine and a holistic approach to community health and wellness
- Good verbal and written communication skills and report writing and data collection skills
- Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize urgent client needs
- Be knowledgeable of available resources for referrals
- Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment
- Ability to represent TFN with a professional image
- Vulnerable sector check must be attached to be considered (or must be able to attain as soon as possible)
- Bilingualism is considered an asset
- Able to work evenings and weekends (as required)

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $24.78-$35.67 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed

**Education**:

- DCS / DEC (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-09-24