FT- Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellor

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

ROLE PURPOSE

This position will provide education, assessment, referral, counselling, and facilitation of follow-up services to residents of Connective’s therapeutic community programs that are healing from substance use and/or mental health disorders.

REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports and is accountable to the Senior Director Northern BC & Yukon or their designate.
• Participates as a member of the Connective services team to ensure quality and continuity of services to residents.
• Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required.
• Liaises with Connective staff as necessary.
• Accepts clinical direction from the care team.
• Participates as a member of the therapeutic community to facilitate community goals.
• Facilitates in the construction of community cooperative agreements and community led sanctions.

HOURS 

FT & PT positions available 

WHAT WE OFFER

• Committed Living Wage Employer
• 2022 & 2023 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Aware from NEOC
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
• Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conducts comprehensive assessments, develops personal care plans and makes referrals to other programs or agencies as required.
• Counsels residents individually and in a group setting; develops and implements case management of assigned residents (for example, counsels in establishing goals, monitors, and records progress) 
• Presents case reports and progress of residents at regularly scheduled clinical team meetings; has input to case management of total resident load through clinical meetings.
• Maintains and updates all appropriate documentation related to residents and initiates any new documentation; completes all reports required by the ministry, organization and various stakeholders.
• Facilitates healing activities and initiatives upholding the adaptative therapeutic community model while exposing multiple models of recovery-orientated practise.
• Develops and facilitates support groups for residents and/or their families as required.
• Reviews and evaluates resident’s progress and makes adjustments to treatment plans as required. Provides feedback and support to residents and/or their families.
• Develops and provides prevention and education activities in the community such as workshops, as required.
• Engages in the development of inter-personal, therapeutic relationships that promote dignity and respect.
• Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, ministries and the community.
• Provides guidance and support to volunteers, students, and orientation to new community members.
• Maintains resident records and provides statistics and reports as required.
• Group facilitation (process, psychoeducational, skills-based and CBT orientated).
• Performs other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the care team
• Adheres to Connective’s policies and procedures
• Is available to work flexible hours as needed, which may include some evenings/weekends, as determined by program/resident needs and schedules

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a related human and/or social service field. 
• Two (2) years recent related experience, including training or experience in addictions work; an equivalent combination of education, training and experience might be considered. 
• A demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations.
• An understanding of providing service to people with different learning abilities.
• Demonstrated an ability to deal with de-escalation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Universal understanding in various assessment tools.
• Professional registration with the CACCF, CCPA and BCACC an asset.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check for the vulnerable sector
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate 
• Evidence of compliance with the province’s immunization and tuberculosis control programs

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.