Clinical Substance Use Counsellor

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, the Clinical Substance Use Counsellor provides comprehensive clinical counselling and therapy on complex voluntary and involuntary clients and families, including youths and adults with, and affected by, problematic substance use or addictions, visiting the Clinic and on an outreach basis, as required, in accordance with Alcohol and Drug Service's ethical standards and the Fraser Health Mission, Vision and Values, with a focus on the South Asian community. Assesses clients, determines referral needs, liaises with community sources for further and/or specialized services, counsels clients, formulates and implements treatment plans, and provides comprehensive case consultation and follow-up support on treatment decisions, in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team. Participates in and leads a variety of team and/or local committees and internal and external case conferences and develops, coordinates, and delivers in-services, presentations, and training to clients, families, and caregivers. Provides prevention services to contribute to community development and participates in the development and evaluation of clinic programs. Responsibilities Provides comprehensive clinical counselling and therapy to youth and adults with, or affected by problematic substance use or addictions on complex cases including people in crisis. Provides therapy in compliance with the Alcohol and Drug Services ethical standards on cases on issues including violence, sexual abuse or mental illness, in group, individual and family settings utilizing a variety of clinically sound psychotherapeutic techniques. Assesses clients following clinically sound assessment procedures including Alcohol and Drug Services standardized instruments to determine voluntary and involuntary client needs and establishes and evaluates risk indicators to determine the need for referral. Liaises with community resources, mental health centres, emergency department, inpatient psychiatric units, refers clients for further and/or alternate specialized services such as detox, intensive treatment requiring residential and non-residential services, hospitals, recovery groups and employment training and advocates on behalf of the client/family to ensure respect and dignity are maintained. Formulates and implements treatment plans by negotiating a process for achieving goals, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, and evaluating goals while maintaining respect for client dignity and maximum client self-determination and independence. Provides comprehensive case consultation and follow-up support on treatment decisions regarding problematic substance use or addictions by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, communicating with external professional community sources including Social Workers, General Practitioners, psychiatrists, inpatient psychiatric units, emergency departments, mental health centres, hospital and school staff, and other caregivers, providing input and advice and ensuring treatment decisions meet client/family needs. Maintains client records by documenting client assessments, charting client information, preparing progress notes and reports, in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements, documenting for future reference and ensuring that access to and disclosure of information and records are in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Participates in and leads a variety of team and/or local committees and internal and external case conferences by engaging in practice evaluation, identifying opportunities for change, assessing available resources, initiating solutions, and analyzing outcomes. Identifies areas for improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery to enhance client care services and represents the Clinic to ensure positive and productive community relationships. Maintains a variety of records such as workload statistics by recording information into approved formats under the request and direction of Management and the Clinical Coordinator, collating data, analyzing trends, accounting for variances, preparing reports as required, and recommending an action plan to the Clinical Coordinator as required. Provides prevention services by identifying ongoing prevention needs within the community, participating in advisory committees and/or prevention task forces for agencies within the community and leading and/or contributing to community development and prevention activities with other agencies, ministries or individuals. Organizes and evaluates activities in the team and community, provides public education and participates in speaking groups. Documents activities, target groups, and outcomes to maintain accountability and adherence to action plans and in accordance with department policies on access to and disclosure of information and records. Develops, coordinates, and delivers in-services, education sessions, presentations and training to clients, families, staff and other caregivers through methods such as collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, determining relevant content and required handouts, conducting literature searches and planning and coordinating seminars. Maintains broad development of the Mental Health and Substance Use profession related to the areas of youth and adult problematic substance use and addictions by reviewing literature and research, consulting with clinical and community experts within the field, evaluating clinical practice, and participating in professional development activities in order to improve care through new practices. Assists in the orientation and training of new staff and provides internal, local and regional training on specialized addictions issues as requested. Participates in the development and evaluation of clinic programs by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, providing input, and making recommendations to the Clinic Coordinator as requested. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Master's Degree in Social Work, Clinical Counselling, Counselling Psychology, or other health related or social science discipline. Two years' recent related addictions counselling experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Eligible for registration with relevant professional association. Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposes. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of problematic substance use, addictions, mental health disorders, medication side effects and substance use counselling techniques. Ability to assess, plan, organize, implement, evaluate and problem-solve. Ability to communicate effectively in English and Punjabi, both verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and other professionals within an interdisciplinary environment in a diverse community. Comprehensive assessment, clinical counselling and therapy skills including crisis counselling to families, youths, and adults. Ability to work effectively with others, including working effectively in a multicultural environment, independently, as part of an interdisciplinary team, and understanding the frameworks of other disciplines. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, staff, and community agency personnel. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of relevant Acts such as Child & Family Community Services Acts, Child & Youth Advocacy Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act (British Columbia), Mental Health Act, Freedom of Information Act, pertinent regulations, policies and procedures, and other statutory duties. Ability to educate and provide consultation to clients, families, and healthcare professionals. Ability to develop, coordinate, and deliver in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups. Ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with community health. Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related word processing and database management software applications. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

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