Substance Use Support Coordinator

**EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY**

**Substance Use Support Coordinator**
Regular Full Time

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a proud Coast Salish nation with our land base situated in
Tsawwassen, B.C. In 2009, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement came into effect - this
treaty was the first modern urban treaty in BC and the first treaty to be successfully negotiated
through the BC Treaty Commission process. The Treaty provides us municipal, provincial and
federal types of jurisdiction over a land base of 724 hectares.

Tsawwassen First Nation also became a full member of Metro Vancouver, the first First Nation to
do so. We are now going through a period of revival and renewal as we plan our future and seek
opportunities to sustain our growth physically, economically and culturally, for present and
future generations.

TFN has an exciting and immediate opportunity for a Substance Use Support Coordinator
to join our Health & Social Services team. This position will have the opportunity to contribute to
the exciting time of growth for the TFN Community.

**Position Summary**:
The Substance Use Support Coordinator works within a trauma informed, client and family
centred model within a harm-reduction framework. The Substance Use Support Coordinator will
provide supports and services to clients struggling with unmanaged substance use issues. This
includes assisting in transition planning to and from treatment, post treatment supports, and
supporting clients with managing their substance use. Monitors, documents and provides
support to clients. Assists with basic living skills and system navigation. The Substance Use
Support Worker will support TFN community members to remain active, healthy members of the
TFN community. The position is part of a multi-disciplinary department that supports TFN
families through outreach and in a case management role.

**Specific Responsibilities
- Assist in the implementation of programming that will support the engagement of youth,

adults and elders who are struggling with substance use through one-to-one supports or
small group programs.
- Build programming that will focus on a strengths-based approach to building resiliency

and self-esteem.
- Assist clients in identifying individual plans and client centred goals that focus on areas

clients are interested in changing in their substance use; but can include other issues like
- life skills, self-esteem, financial skills, obtaining and maintaining housing, and safety
- needs and safe health practices.- Assist clients in learning more about and/or connecting with TFN cultural practices, and
- traditions/healing.- Provide information and education on substance interactions, impacts of different

substances on the brain and body, how to support family members struggling with
substance use issues, etc.
- Build and maintain a network of positive working relationships with other TFN

departments and outside service providers to ensure effective referrals and a good
continuum of care. This includes attending and sitting on substance use and mental
health community committees/ working groups.
- Ensure that clients are engaged and connected to programming and supports offered

through HSS and outside agencies. Assist clients in accessing outside services, working
with HSS team to do referrals, and transporting clients when needed.
- Provide interim support and services to clients who are on wait lists for outside services.
- As required, consult with HSS programs, and other relevant individuals to identify and

respond to the needs and goals of individual clients, coordinating case consultation when
necessary following TFN procedures.
- Function as a team member of the health and social services department. Attend and

positively participate in staff meetings as required.
- Keep abreast of all current social concerns, various modalities of substance use

treatments and street trends and as required attend professional development activities
in order to remain informed regarding issues relevant to providing services to TFN
members.
- Positively address all concerns, incidents or crises which affect program mandate, TFN

policy, personal issues, community relations, etc.
- Respect and assure clients of confidentiality in the community and with other service

professionals.
- Consult with and report to immediate supervisor, and prepare and submit reports to

supervisors, as required. Maintain accurate client files along with all required forms,
compile statistical records to support program needs and inform ongoing program
development and evaluation. Ensure client files are kept in accordance with TFN Freedom
of Information and Personal Privacy Act and other records keeping legislation that
applies.
- Assist other members of the Health and Social Services team in establishing a trusting,

non-judgmental, non-exploitative rapport with clients. As required, perform any other
duty that the Health and Social Services Manager deems necessary to