Job Description

Temporary Assignment - Approximately 26 Weeks

The Concurrent Disorders program provides a holistic treatment approach for individuals that are experiencing both addiction and mental health issues. The program is designed to meet the unique treatment needs of individuals that require expertise in both addictions and mental health treatment. An integrated care model ensures a seamless integration of psychiatric and substance abuse interventions. Services include assessment, consultation, intensive case management, shared care and capacity building across St. Joseph\xe2\x80\x99s Healthcare Hamilton and community partners.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Community Support Counsellor \xe2\x80\x93 Addiction Specialist participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary Concurrent Disorders Outpatient Team.

The Community Support Counsellor \xe2\x80\x93 Addiction Specialist provides crisis intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and support services to persons with severe and persistent mental illness allowing them to live successfully in the community by demonstrating best practice competencies in psychosocial rehabilitation. The Community Support Counsellor - Addiction Specialist is a primary resource to the team regarding addictions assessments, interventions and programming and contributes generically to the interdisciplinary team in utilizing evidence-based treatment for addictions/concurrent disorders, and demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning skills. This position works in partnership with the Concurrent Disorder Capacity Building Team and the RAAM Clinic.

QUALIFICATIONS:
-Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in Psychology, Sociology preferred or relevant discipline OR two-year community college diploma in human services or relevant field required
-Registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) preferred
-Evidence of ongoing advanced addictions education from an accredited educational institution required
-Two (2) years recent related experience working in a mental health setting utilizing an evidence informed concurrent disorder framework required
-One (1) year specific experience in an addiction treatment or medical setting preferred
-Completion of Level 3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training preferred
-Completed of TEACH Tobacco Cessation training preferred
-Current First Aid/CPR certification
-CPI-Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion as part of clinical orientation) required
-Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation which includes: Mental Health Act, Healthcare Consent Act, and Substitute Decisions Act
-Demonstrated knowledge of clinical psychiatry and psychiatric medications
-Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to access formal and informal community services and resources
-Demonstrated competence in evidence-based addiction individual and group-based counselling techniques and interventions (Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction)
-Demonstrated sound understanding of the principles of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
-Demonstrated knowledge of the stages of change model and ability to utilize stage specific interventions
-Demonstrate ability to develop and maintain effective professional and therapeutic relationships with patients
-Demonstrated competence in conducting the screening, assessments and tools of patients with addiction and concurrent disorders including the identification of risk factors (i.e. CAGE-AID, GAIN Tool)
-Demonstrated skill in the identification and assessment of withdrawal symptoms and the application of appropriate interventions
-Demonstrated skill in the incorporation of evidence-based practice and relevant referrals into addiction/concurrent disorder specific treatment plans
-Demonstrated crisis intervention, case management skills and knowledge of behavioral techniques
-Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
-Demonstrates ability to function effectively within a multidisciplinary team and ability to work independently as well
-Demonstrated computer skills including use of Microsoft Office
-Excellent organizational and time management skills, including ability to prioritize workload
-Good work performance and attendance record is required
- Valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s license, adequate insurance, and consistent access to a reliable vehicle required

HOURS OF WORK:
Rotating Shifts & Extended Hours Monday to Friday; days and evenings. This position is co-located at between, West 5th and ERMHS and works closely with the Concurrent Disorders Capacity Building Team and the RAAM Clinic

PLEASE NOTE:
Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

St. Joe\xe2\x80\x99s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.

St Joseph\'s Healthcare Hamilton