Addictions Counselor

at  Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health

Canadian Mental Health Association, Huron Perth, Addiction and Mental Health Services (“CMHA HP AMHS”) offers community-based addiction and mental health support in both Huron and Perth Counties. CMHA HP AMHS provides assessment, referral, counselling and peer support to anyone impacted by their own or someone else’s substance use or gambling/gaming or other behavioural excesses and/or mental health concerns.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Supervisor of Counselling, the incumbent will provide initial assessment and treatment planning, community-based treatment, referral and, on occasion, case management services to clients who contact the agency with concerns regarding their own or someone else’s substance use and/or gambling behaviour. Experience and/or knowledge of process addictions and harm reduction theory required. The incumbent will perform other duties as required, which may include, but are not limited to, data entry, report generation and community education. Also, the incumbent must be available for evening clinical work during regular office hours and on occasion outside of regular hours as needed and when appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work or related discipline. Additional education in addictions studies an asset. Registration (or qualifying) with a “Regulatory College” whose members are eligible to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, such as the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, is required. Prior experience in assessment, counseling and an understanding of issues facing individuals with substance use and mental health concerns is required.

RELATED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Strong and demonstrated understanding of the issues and challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, including mental illness, addictions, legal and justice issues, victimization, and abuse.

• Able and willing to promote harm reduction practices and anti-oppression practices.
• Broad knowledge of addictions treatment and explanatory theories, homelessness, mental illness, and community resources.
• Experience in:
• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Community development and networking,
• Record keeping and file management,
• Managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change.
• Ability to:
• Function independently,
• Maintain effective working relationships with others,
• Identify problems (practical, individual, and interpersonal) and use related problem-solving skills,
• Work effectively under pressure or deadlines, with constant interruptions or unpredictability,
• Use good judgement to make sound decisions,
• Operate such office equipment as a digital, multi-extension telephone system, a photocopier, and a fax machine,
• Competently use computer technology and the Internet.
• Demonstrated and well developed:
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills,
• Organizational and time management skills,
• Verbal and written communication and listening skills,
• Advocacy and negotiation capabilities
• CPR and First Aid Certified
• Crisis prevention training is an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening – police check.
• Valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and automobile endorsement insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout the agency’s catchment area.

TEAM & ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaise with community partners and other agencies in a manner that promotes the agency’s reputation and facilitates quality care for shared clients.
• Participate in agency work delegated to committees related to staff development, program planning, social activities and community information.
• Share information and constructive observations with colleagues that promote clinical and administrative activities of the agency, including peer review and consultation.
• Commitment to research investigations, pilot projects, that may be undertaken by the agency.
• Help ensures the organization and program objectives are met.
• Participate in public education, placement student mentoring, professional development activities, program development, planning groups, as appropriate or assigned.
• Demonstrate interest in the broad field of health care and the specific fields of substance abuse, problem gambling, process or behavioural concerns, concurrent disorders, and supportive housing.
• Work harmoniously with colleagues, including not behaving in ways that are likely to be offensive in any manner to others and confronting such behaviours by others.
• Conduct self in a responsible, professional manner.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned on occasion.