Job Description

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In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at VIHA; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.


Reporting to the Program Coordinator and working as a member of a multidisciplinary health and human services team the Youth and Family Addiction Counsellor provides intake, assessment, intervention, education, treatment, consultation and referral for clients experiencing alcohol and drug, concurrent concerns or other behavioural health issues. The Counsellor works with youth, their families, caregivers and other supports to provide individual assessment of each youth's particular situation, assists each youth to set goals and develop plans which minimize the harms associated with substance use and/or other behavioural health issues in order to maximize their capacity to develop and work towards the goals which have been identified.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

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Education, Training And Experience

Baccalaureate Degree in a health or human services related discipline, including counselling content, from an approved post-secondary institution. Two (2) years recent experience in a counselling role with youth where substance use is a major issue. Understanding of alcohol and drug issues relating to youth, substance use assessments, treatment methodologies, strength-based case management, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics. Knowledge of and experience with a range of emotional, behavioural and mental health issues specific to the youth and family population. Knowledge, skill and experience with individual, family and group counselling. Travel is a requirement of this job. Travel arrangements must meet the requirements of the program.

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Skills And Abilities

Demonstrated understanding congruent with the range of services and treatment of alcohol and drug issues, from misuse to dependency. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to deliver empathic/non-judgmental age and gender sensitive service and to relate well with people from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural environments. Demonstrated foundation in counselling evidence-based modalities and approaches - Client Directed - Outcome Informed (CDOI) used within the field of practice including, but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches, and the Transtheoretical Model of Change. Demonstrated ability in problem solving and ethical decision-making. Demonstrated ability to engage clients through the use of sound judgment, good observation and attending skills, tact and empathy. Ability to engage in productive clinical supervision processes. Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to promote and support positive change and independence. Ability to physically and emotionally carry out the duties of the position. Ability to operate a personal computer with a variety of windows based software. Ability to foster good public relations

Job Requirements:

https://jd.viha.ca/JD4486.pdf