Opioid Response Counsellor

Classification:                                   Disciplines Allied to Social Work Grade l (b) Master

Hours/Shifts:                                     22.5hrs/wk; 8:30am – 5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday & 

                                                          Friday, however, shifts may vary depending on the 

                                                          needs of the Agency.

Union & Grid Level:                         HSPBA; Grid Level 12

Compensation:                                 $42.27/hr & full extended benefits following 489hrs of probation

Reports to:                                        Clinical Supervisor 

Closing Date:                                    September, 2024, or until filled 

Employment End Date:                     Pending incumbents return; Tentatively April 2026

Job Summary

Working within the context of a client centered care model, collaboratively as a member of the counselling team and in accordance with the vision/values of Alouette Addiction Services, the Opioid Response Counsellor provides outreach services to youth, families and adults ages 14 - 24 requiring more intensive case management supports with counseling, and intervention activities pertaining to substance use. This position is both school, community and office based, and the counsellor is responsible for provision of consultation, assessment, referral, case management, counselling and follow up. 

The Opioid Response Counsellor works with youth who are at risk of a significant substance use (not limited to opioids) in a prevention, and early identification as well as working with youth already significantly engaged in substance use.  Values include providing culturally safe and appropriate services in a trauma and resiliency informed way, working within a harm reduction framework, and using a bio-psycho-spiritual approach.   The Opioid response counsellor will liaise and consult with other community services including schools, detox, bed-based substance use treatment, mental health, and other specialized programs and services supporting youth to navigate and access care in a timely streamlined and coordinated way. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide counseling to youth (ages 14 – 24), families and groups significantly impacted substance use including people in crisis.  Provides group and individual counselling using a variety of modalities such as brief service models, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
2. Provide information, and coordinates with other community resources such as health access, other counselling services, groups, Foundry and other community-based resources.
3. Complete initial and/or comprehensive assessment using therapeutically sound and approved clinical instruments.
4. Respond to risk indicators that indicate a need for clinical or legal interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of an individual or others.
5. Creates client files, documenting contact with case notes and create comprehensive documented treatment planning and goals in accordance with policy, procedures, and program practices for counseling clients.
6. Participates in regular quality assurance reviews, supervision, team meetings, program planning and development.
7. Contributes by supporting with knowledge and service to the organization’s goals and objections.
8.  8. Facilitates continuity of care collaborating with other support services: Liaise with collateral service  providers and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Master’s Degree in a health-related discipline from an approved post-secondary school plus three years of recent related experience. Experience must be directly related to providing counselling/treatment of substance misuse. 

A valid BC Driver’s License is required, and a vehicle is required for this position.

Clean Criminal Record Check.         

Skills & Abilities: 

• Knowledge and skill working with youth who are using substances and those who care for them from a client centered, harm reduction perspective.
• Excellence in presentations, counselling skills, using a variety of modalities. 
• Strong clinical assessment, documentation, crisis management and case management skills.
• Ability to apply all ranges of treatment approaches from abstinence to harm reduction.
• Skilled in brief service counseling.
• Knowledge of substance use/mental health resources and supports and other available resources.
• Knowledge of facilitation, mediation, conflict resolution techniques and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to connect with youth, communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing using a variety of computer programs/tools.
• Ability to independently plan, organize and prioritize workload and adapt to a changing caseload.
• Ability to perform a range of needs assessments with both individual and groups.
• Ability to counsel a variety of group configurations.

                        We thank everyone who applies, but only those short listed will be contacted.