Job Description

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Addictions Counselor, Oak Tree Clinic provides counseling support for clients with substance use problems. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans as well as individual, group and family counseling while following a harm reduction model. Consultation and liaising with other members of the team is expected.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Performs intakes to collect addiction specific data and client profile information for the purposes of assessment and individual treatment planning. This includes meeting one on one with clients, gathering information from referral package and interviewing and formulating individual treatment plans.



2. Works within a harm reduction model of care, conducts individual and group counselling sessions designed to increase client awareness of substance misuse related issues and enhance positive motivation for change.



3. Functions as a case manager for specified number of clients by completing forms relevant to ongoing and after care planning and gathers information from addictions and mental health resources to assist clients in reaching their treatment goals.



4. Performs crisis intervention on immediate and on-call basis by assisting clients in crisis to develop containment skills and coping strategies; provides phone and in-person counseling at the request of support staff and as scheduled by the Program Manager.



5. Manages client concerns as they arise (financial, legal and/or family problems). This includes gathering information and providing counseling intervention which leads to resolution or referral.



6. Collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary team including social work, nursing and medicine, in the formulation of treatment and discharge plans. Makes recommendations for forwarding to referral sources in order to ensure continuity of care.



7. Refers clients to other community based addiction services, such as Outpatient Alcohol & Drug counselling services, support recovery homes and self help groups.



8. Maintains client file, referral and assessment forms, and other statistical information for the purpose of follow up and outcome evaluation of treatment plan.



9. Collaborates with Oak Tree Clinic, Aurora, and Fir Square staff to share addiction specific information and discuss current issues and trends.



10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience



Master's degree in a health related discipline such as Clinical Counselling, Clinical Psychology, or Addictions plus two (2) years' of recent related experience, including at least one year's experience in alcohol and drug counselling, including relevant experience in HIV/AIDS, family and individual counselling, and harm reduction interventions or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills & Abilities:

Demonstrated knowledge of gender-specific issues, including woman abuse Working knowledge of trauma-informed care Demonstrated knowledge and skill in working with clients who are chemically dependent. Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues. Ability to work within as well as having a working knowledge of women and family-centred care and harm reduction models. Knowledge of sexual abuse, trauma, alcohol/drug, and women's issues. Demonstrated broad skills in counselling, clinical assessment and report writing. Ability to be flexible and open to all ranges of treatment modules for clinical dependency from abstinence to harm reduction. Considerable knowledge of community health agencies in British Columbia and available services. Working knowledge of facilitation, mediation and conflict resolution techniques and demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within an inter-disciplinary service delivery model and with a variety of internal/external contacts, including medical professionals. * Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.