Addiction Counsellor

**Remote Eligible**:

- Yes

The Clinical Manager of Swing/Acute Assessment is currently seeking an Addiction Counsellor. The purpose of this position is to provide assessment, treatment and support for patients who have a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder (concurrent disorders).

The Acute Assessment Program - AAP is a thirty-four bed in-patient unit divided into two locations (Swing Unit with 20 acute beds and AAP 14 acute beds in addition, AAP also has 6 Sans Souci Rehabilitation beds). Both locations have an Extra Care Area (ECA) for patients that require closer observation and extra support. We admit all Form 1 (Application for Psychiatric Assessment) referrals received from Central Region emergency departments. Patients’ age range is from 16 - geriatrics. We provide care and support for patients experiencing a situational crisis, difficulty coping, suicidal/ homicidal thoughts, first onset serious mental illness, drug induced psychosis, addiction, schizophrenia, mood disorders, developmental disabilities and dementia. We are a recovery oriented and strength based service providing short-term admissions for crisis intervention, risk assessment, rapid stabilization, symptom reduction, health promotion and discharge planning.

**Please Note: This position offers a hybrid work environment consisting of in-office and remote work. Office location is 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene ON.**

**Key Accountabilities**:

- Provide assessment of severity, frequency and duration of substance abuse
- Provide integrated group psycho-educational sessions on substance use and mental illness.
- Provide group and individual therapeutic interventions for concurrent disorders
- Assist with intake and triage with referral sources, processing patients through the admission process, and responding to family concerns when need arises
- Assess and record patient symptoms and progress in the clinical file
- Participate in research activities, program development and evaluation projects as required

**Requirements/Qualifications**:

- Formal training in addictions and mental illness from a recognized post-graduate addiction studies program
- Membership or eligibility in the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF)
- Preference for experience working for a hospital or mental health care service
- Preference for experience in Forensic Mental Health
- Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience with therapeutic practices and approaches for assisting patients who have concurrent disorders
- Demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric disorders, the interactive problems with addictive substances, mental illness and prescribed medications, and theories of addiction and treatment interventions
- Results oriented work ethic to work independently and undertake tasks needed to accomplish work objectives and deliver quality, consistent and timely results
- Demonstrated leadership, conflict resolution, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Proven written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to adapt readily to change
- Models and promotes core ethical practice, Waypoint Values, and reflects an optimistic and positive attitude
- Preference for proficiency in French and English language skills
- You must meet the requirements of our COVID-19 Immunization Policy by providing proof of full vaccination, or a request and receipt of an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including a medical exemption.

**How do I apply?