Addictions Counselor III

Your Opportunity:

Working at the Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), and under the direction of the Manager, this position is part of the OPS providing harm reduction and supervised consumption services. The site is currently located outside of the Lethbridge Shelter. Lethbridge OPS provides a place where people can use drugs in a monitored, hygienic environment to reduce harm from substance use while offering wrap-around services such as counselling and referrals to services such as housing and treatment ( Opioid Agonist Therapy, detox, income support). The AC III works as a key member of the team. The AC III collaborates with team members to deliver client centered, trauma—informed care, practicing within the harm reduction philosophy to clients who are socially vulnerable and/or dealing with problematic substance use. In addition to the duties outlined in the Provincial AC III Job Profile, this role requires specific knowledge, experience and skills pertaining to Opioid Use Disorder and the provision of trauma-informed and culturally sensitive services to the most vulnerable and marginalized of persons who are typically unhoused and experiencing myriad stigmas and discrimination, including specifically providing culturally sensitive services to Indigenous persons.

Description:

As an Addiction Counsellor III, you will provide quality, client focused, recovery based and culturally appropriate assessment, treatment, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for clients and their families; as well as community stabilization services. You will develop and implement treatment plans and provide a range of interventions which offer least intrusive and most appropriate services to clients and their families. You will also monitor and evaluate client progress and achievement of recovery goals and adapt treatment as needed. As an Addiction Counsellor III, you will depend on your excellent relationship building skills with clients, families, government staff and colleagues.

Bachelor's degree in Addictions or a combination of a bachelor's degree in a related field with course work in addictions. A related degree combined with a diploma related to addictions, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Individuals eligible for registration under the Health Professions Act (Alberta) must maintain active registration. Individuals may require authorization/permission under regulation to perform restricted psychosocial interventions and/or restricted activities.

As required.

Two years’ experience working with inner city/vulnerable populations. Experience working within a harm reduction framework. Demonstrated proficiency in the assessment of patients with substance use disorder. Knowledge of screening tools used for assessments of substance use and treatments. Non-violent crisis intervention. First Aid.