Addictions Counselor

**Posting No. 22-03-220**

**Addictions Counselor, Full-Time**

**_Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team_**

Thresholds Homes and Supports Inc. is a community-based agency that promotes recovery and improved quality of life for people who are experiencing mental health and addiction issues by providing affordable housing and individualized, flexible support services through our wide-ranging programs offered throughout Waterloo Region and Wellington County. Our staff are committed and passionate about what they do, and take pride in the difference they make in our community. Our values include **PERSON-FOCUSED, HOPE, RECOVERY, SELF-DETERMINATION, QUALITY OF LIFE, INTEGRITY** and **COLLABORATION**. We also take time to recognize each other and have fun

**We are currently seeking an Addictions Lead to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.**

**SUMMARY OF THE POSITION**

The ACT Team is a client centered, recovery oriented specialized mental health service delivery model that provides supports to clients living in the community. These clients have serious and persistent mental illness and significant functional impairments. The Team is made up of Nurses, Addiction counselors, Social Work, Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Peer Support and Psychiatry.

The Addictions Counselor will take a lead role in providing intensive treatment, rehabilitation, counselling, coaching and support based on a personal support plan developed with individuals to help them reach their potential. This position will be the primary case manager for particular individuals and backup case manager for others and will take the lead in facilitation of team approaches to working with individuals who have substance abuse issues. The Addictions Lead will conduct specific assessments and provide substance use counselling to those with complex presentations.

**HOURS OF WORK**

The Addictions Counselor will work a thirty-five (35) hour week, the hours being flexible to the needs of the program. This position participates in a rotating team schedule including in one (1) evening shift per week and one (1) weekend shift every nine (9) weekends.

**SALARY RANGE**: $26.22 - $33.24

**BENEFITS**

Float Holiday

Health and Dental Benefits

RRSP 5% matched after 1 year

Above ESA standard vacation entitlement

Sick days

**ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS**
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in a human services field.
- Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in the treatment of addictions, preferably working with adults who are recovering from a mental illness.
- Specific education in addictions assessment and treatment, including supervised practical experience.
- Experience using a harm reduction approach and motivational interviewing.
- Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation.
- Must have a valid ‘G’ class driver’s license, relevant insurance and use of a reliable vehicle.
- Willing to travel extensively within the catchment area and to work evenings and weekends on rotational basis.
- Proficient in PC skills (MS Office Suite) and documentation.
- Provide a satisfactory police vulnerable sector check.
- Certification in CPR, non-violent crisis intervention and in suicide risk assessment preferred.