Substance Use Counsellor

Salary Rate: $45,500 - Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package

Location: Scarborough Town Centre YMCA

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Employment Type: Contract Full Time Salaried (12 months)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: October 11, 2024

Deadline to Apply: September 20, 2024 at 5:00pm

**Be the Spark** Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community

YMCA Employment and Community Programs provide a variety of employment, counselling, outreach, intervention, training and newcomer programs to youth and adults throughout the GTA.

The Substance Use Counsellor will provide individual substance use counselling to youth ages 14-24 that are at risk, including street involved youth, as well as community education to youth, parents, guardians and role models.

**In this role, you will**:

- Provide brief solution-focused and motivational interviewing counseling, case management, and crisis intervention as needed, on and off-site
- Conduct intakes, assessments, and referrals
- Deliver presentations to community youth agencies, schools, parents, professionals, and YMCA youth programs throughout the GTA
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client case notes and files
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date statistics for YMCA use as well as the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
- Establish connections and build relationships with other youth agency committees
- Raise awareness of YSAP services in the GTA area and within the YMCA
- Assist with continued program development
- Participate in clinical supervision, staff meetings, and professional development trainings as required
- Perform other duties as assigned

**You bring**:

- S.W., B.A., College Counselling Diploma, or other related degree/diploma, or equivalent experience
- Training certificate in LGBTQ2S and trans-positivity or related experience
- At least two years' experience working with youth at risk
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the substance use field, especially as it relates to youth at risk, homelessness, mental health, and harm reduction
- Knowledge and ability to integrate anti-oppression, critical disability, LGBTQ2S and trans-positivity, trauma, recovery approach in support of mental health and strengths-based principles into practice
- Familiarity with the youth service agencies and youth resources in Toronto
- Ability to speak a second language an asset
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities
- Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and communicate excellently with members, staff, and volunteers
- Excellent written communication skills
- Good computer skills in Microsoft Office and PowerPoint Presentations
- Valid Ontario driver's license and daily access to a vehicle
- Flexibility regarding assigned work schedule and locations, ability to regularly travel throughout the Greater Toronto Area
- Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity, including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design

**What you need to succeed**:

- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

**Why work for the YMCA?**

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020-2025 strategic plan, _Ignite the Light_,_ which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years