Addiction Counsellor

Position Overview:

Heritage Skills Development Centre is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Part-Time Addictions Counsellor to join our team. The successful candidate will play a key role in providing culturally safe, client-centered care and support to individuals with lived and living experiences of substance use. In collaboration with the project team, the Addictions Counsellor will offer counseling, care coordination, and harm reduction services to individuals at risk of overdose, with a focus on reducing substance use-related harm in the community.

This role involves developing and maintaining strong partnerships with community organizations and offering integrated care and support that promotes recovery, empowerment, and well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

• Screening and Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments to ensure the most appropriate interventions and treatment options are provided to clients.
• Counseling and Support: Deliver culturally competent, individualized addiction counseling to clients in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Provide evidence-based treatment interventions for individuals dealing with substance use and related concerns.
• Care Coordination: Assist clients with navigating and accessing community resources, including referrals to external services, and provide ongoing support through their recovery journey.
• Harm Reduction and Education: Promote harm reduction strategies and practices in line with current evidence-based models, offering education and guidance to individuals at risk of overdose or further substance use harm.
• Peer Support Programs: Support the planning, implementation, and facilitation of peer support training programs and weekly drop-in workshops, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals in recovery.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Develop and nurture relationships with community partners to ensure seamless care for clients and to enhance the availability of recovery services.
• The Addictions Counsellor will also facilitate workshops and group sessions, providing education, support, and skills development to individuals in recovery, fostering a sense of community and promoting healing through shared experiences.

Qualifications:

• Education: A Post Secondary degree in a relevant health-related field (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, or Nursing), clinical psychology or post-graduate training in addiction counseling with relevant experience
• Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant experience providing addiction-related services, including both direct service delivery and group facilitation, particularly to individuals with substance use disorders.
• Skills and Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of addiction treatment models, harm reduction, and evidence-based interventions.
• Proficient in conducting clinical assessments, providing supportive counseling, and developing individualized treatment plans.
• Ability to provide care and support within a client-centered framework, respecting cultural sensitivities and diversity.
• Knowledge of key legislation, including the Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, and Personal Health Information Protection Act.
• Advanced clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities to assess and address complex client needs.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Empathetic, non-judgmental, and approachable with a strong commitment to fostering positive outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use.
• Collaborative team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while maintaining close coordination with the team and external partners.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person