Addictions Case Worker

at  The Salvation Army

The Caseworker provides supervision and support for clients of the Halifax Centre of Hope as required by The Salvation Army and funding contract policies and procedures. The Caseworker is part of the Case Management Team for the Anchorage Recovery Program and reports to Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor

CASEWORK ACCOUNTABILITIES AND CLIENT SUPPORT:

• Provide case management services for residents of the Halifax Centre of Hope.
• Work with residents to create effective plans to address issues
• Builds and maintains a therapeutic milieu with workers and residents.
• Assist residents with applications to addiction recovery programs and provide referrals to community resources.
• Conduct intakes with clients of the Anchorage Recovery program.
• Facilitate group counselling sessions in an ethical and professional manner
• Performs intake and discharge procedures for clients of the Anchorage Recovery Program.
• Intervenes in crisis situations and provides relapse prevention strategies to aftercare clients of the Anchorage Recovery Program.
• Understanding and implementation of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing modalities

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a University Degree- in a relevant field of study (Psychology/Social Work)
• Must possess or be willing to obtain CCAC (Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor) upon hire.
• A minimum of 2 years of case management experience with individuals with substance use disorder.
• A different combination of education and experience might be considered
• Current First Aid/CPR
• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Non-violent crisis intervention training (NVCI)

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLED KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of issues facing persons experiencing housing crisis, various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the families served.
• In depth knowledge and experience utilizing therapeutic modalities with individuals with substance use disorder
• Knowledge and sound understanding of the Mental Health and Addictions support systems available to individuals in the region.
• Solid background of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.

PREFERRED SKILLS/CAPABILITIES:

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Patience and ability to de-escalate situations
• Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback
• Ability to problem solve and make independent decisions within established framework while understanding the impact decisions will have on programming as well as programs around them
• Ability and willingness to respect, promote, and support the mission, vision, and values of TSA and develop an understanding of the purpose of the Salvation Army in Canada and its implication as related to position responsibilities
• Strong professional writing skills
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal, motivational, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Attentive listening skills for the purpose of supervision, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to deal with internal and external contacts at all levels of the organization in a professional manner.
• Ability to develop and maintain a team environment; work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
• Demonstrates experience with Microsoft Office, internet, and typing
• Understands the dynamics of resident/client behaviour with the ability to assess needs and risks
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of and empathy toward cultural differences
• Has skill in understanding the use of authority in supervision and effective intervention in crisis situations.
• Good interpersonal skills and attentive listening skills.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry is required.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance reviews/evaluations as required.