Addictions Counsellor (PHAST Counsellor)

About this position

ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of the largest and most diversified treatment agencies in Ontario. We offer a full spectrum of services to clients experiencing concerns with addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders, as well as to their families and loved ones.

ADAPT and its health partners are dedicated to changing the face of addictions and mental health services. We are hiring for one (2) Addictions Counsellors (PHAST Counsellors) roles.

POSITION

Addictions Counsellor (PHAST Counsellor)

TERM

• First position: 1.0FTE (37.5hrs/week), full-time, permanent; this position requires some Saturday shift coverage
• Second position: 0.6FTE (22.5hrs/week), part-time permanent; this position requires some Saturday shift coverage; NOTE: Depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and interest, there is a possibility of combining this role with the Back on Track Facilitator role which will lead to the increase of work hours/ week (will approach/ be at 1.0FTE/ 37.5hrs)

When applying, not in your cover letter which position you are interested in: 1.0FTE or 0.6FTE with or without the Back on Track facilitator role or both.

LOCATION

Joseph Brant Hospital

REPORTS TO

PHAST Supervisor

SUMMARY: Provides group and individual therapy and facilitates active transfer and navigation of clients to subsequent needed services across the region.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In partnership with clients, families and stakeholders responsibilities include:

• Addictions & Mental Health assessment, delivery of acute stabilizing interventions, evaluation of interventions and treatment
• Facilitate development and implementation of clients personalized wellness plans
• 1:1 Instrumental support based on needs
• Group therapy development, delivery and evaluation
• Crisis Support
• Family engagement, support and education
• Maintaining proper health records at a high standard of quality
• Community engagement
• Inter-professional, inter-agency engagement, relationship building and collaboration
• Identifying next stage services and facilitating navigation and warm transfer to these services
• Completing statistical information in accordance with Ministry and Program requirements
• Participate in continuous quality improvement cycles

SKILLS:

• Broad knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories, mental illness, and community resources
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Ability to: function independently, maintain effective working relationships with others, work effectively under pressure or deadlines and work outside regular office hours as required, use good judgement to make sound decisions
• Very strong interpersonal as well as teamwork skills
• Attention to detail and skills in rapport building with clients
• Experienced sense and awareness of ethics, ethical boundaries, confidentiality and clinical reporting obligations
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively during periods of stress
• Active time management and scheduling
• Ability to effectively present complex clinical information in writing and verbally
• Demonstrated ability to tolerate ambiguity, embrace change and champion innovative ideas
• Comfort working across and with diverse stakeholders and ministries
• Commitment to evidence informed and evidence generating practice
• Commitment to transforming the Addictions & Mental Health system
• Comfort and flexibility to perform duties in the locations across the care continuum where clients and families need them most.
• Demonstrated strong clinical assessment and treatment skills (group & individual).
• Demonstrated competencies in maintaining and protecting personal health records
• Reasoning abilities: ability to deal effectively with ‘people’ and administrative challenges; ability to apply understanding, based on experience, to carry out instructions given in written or oral form; ability to analyze and resolve problems involving a large number of abstract and concrete variables.
• Computer skills: ability to use common office administration software, such as MS Office; ability to learn and adapt to new computer software and applications, to embrace technological advances to better meet with needs of diverse populations; experience with client data entry system such as Catalyst is preferred

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree in Social Work and/ or Health related studies plus Addiction/ Concurrent Disorders studies certification, or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Designation of Social Service Worker (SSW) or actively in pursuit of professional designation preferred
• 3 years of experience in an addictions or concurrent disorders setting providing assessment, treatment, consultation, and education to a similar target population
• Experience in community-based/community outreach service delivery preferred
• Experience in: Individual, family, and group therapy, community development and networking, record keeping and file management
• Basic life skills counselling, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and group work
• Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change * Regular access to a dependable vehicle is required.

ADAPT is proud to offer:

- competitive salary; - full package of health and dental benefits; - life insurance; - unbeatable RRSP program; - flexible working hours; - continuing education opportunities; - corporate wellness programs; - attractive vacation levels; - EAP; - paid sick time; - company events and social hours; - casual dress code, and much more.

ADAPT is a respectful, caring and inclusive workplace committed to Employment Equity. We welcome diversity in the workplace, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals including members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities. We will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Applicants need to make their accommodation needs known when contacted.