Substance Use Counsellor

Substance Use Counsellor

Grid level 14 Paraprofessional

Provides prevention, assessment, referral, counselling and follow-up services to individuals and family members affected by substance use.
- Conducts comprehensive assessments, develops treatment plans and makes referrals to other programs or agencies as required.
- Provides individual, family and group counselling using therapeutic techniques drawn from theoretical frameworks such as family systems, solutions-focused, narrative and psychodynamic group work.
- Works from a harm reduction framework, which may include abstinence, assists clients to make safer choices through psychoeducation and developing life skills and community survival skills.
- Supports clients to engage in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community.
- Works with other professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and other service providers, to collaborate on treatment methods and plans for patients and to assess suitability for counseling services or referrals to other treatment centers.
- Develops and facilitates support groups for clients and/or their families as required.
- Reviews and evaluates client’s progress and adjusts treatment plans as required. Provides feedback and support to clients and/or their families.
- Develops and provides prevention and education activities in the community such as workshops, as required.
- Conducts research as needed to develop new treatment methods and to stay up to date on changes within the field.
- Maintains client records and provides statistics and reports as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in a related human/social service field.
- Two (2) years recent related experience, including training or experience in addictions work. Or an
- equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- First Aid certification and a Class 5 Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge of evidence-based counselling techniques and counselling modalities.
- Demonstrates therapeutic competence and the ability to provide client-focused, trauma informed and culturally safe care.
- Strong working knowledge of issues and resources related to substance use
- Demonstrates appropriate boundaries, ethical decision making and maintains a helping role to meet the needs of the people we serve.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

General Expectations:
The Substance Use Counsellor will:

- seek to obtain and maintain professional registration and/or licensing with appropriate professional entities, where appropriate and available.
- be responsible for their professional proficiency by keeping up to date on relevant clinical and social developments, potentially affecting practice.
- become familiar with and abide by all relevant policies and best practice standards of PCFSA, as well as to contribute to appropriate organizational developmental activities and practices.
- consult regularly with their supervisor regarding clinical, case and program matters.

Conditions of Employment:

- This position is 35 hours per week. Schedule to be negotiated with the supervisor, and will include some evening and weekend work, according to program needs.
- Requires use of employee’s own vehicle during employment and may be asked to transport clients. Must maintain a valid class 5 driver’s license and adequate insurance coverage of at least ($3,000,000) is required. Mileage will be reimbursed as per the Collective Agreement.
- Requires remote work, and in office work at our Langford, Colwood and Sooke office.
- Requires a recent vulnerable sector criminal record check prior to commencement.
- The first three months of employment will constitute a probationary period, after which a performance appraisal will be conducted to determine suitability for further employment.
- This is a union position (BCGEU).

Additional Information:
This position involves work in stressful circumstances, dealing with individuals and families in crisis.  The ability to function independently and under pressure, including managing emergencies, is an ongoing expectation of this position.

Pay: $38.68-$48.88 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- Counselling: 2 years (required)
- Substance Use counselling: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person