Temporary Full Time Addictions Counsellor

The Addictions Counsellor will be responsible to provide direct clinical care to clients. The position supports the assessment and referral, treatment, documentation, discharge planning and overall care of clients at New Choices. Counselling, group facilitation and effective community liaison are also part of the process to ensure the compassionate care for our clients.

Program Development

• Model appropriate behaviour, intervenes in crises, provide intake assessment, counselling, case management, and client/community education.
• Utilize evidence-based counselling strategies in both group and individual formats.
• Implement the Choices and Changes protocol specific to families referred by child-welfare.
• Assist clients in developing personalized treatment plans according to identified stages of change.
• Enhance existing program materials by keeping abreast of current best practices and evidence-based interventions.
• Participate in program evaluation and research initiatives as required.
• Maintain a comprehension understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues.
• Maintain accurate and timely records and correspondence as per policies and procedures i.e., attendance, progress notes and maintain client database; submit monthly/quarterly statistical information as required.
• Maintain a physical environment, which includes, a warm, welcoming, and counselling environment.
• Maintain the organization and storage of equipment, supplies, and group materials.
• Perform other position related duties as required.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member.
• Participate in team consultation and decision making.
• Attend and participate in individual and team supervision and broader agency meetings.
• Follow the policies and procedures of Grace Haven - New Choices.
• Foster a team environment by performing other functions, assisting other staff, and filling in, as required to benefit the clients and the agency.
• Interact professionally and communicate with other agency staff and involved parties i.e., CAS/CCAS, Public Health Nurse, Family Home Visitor, Infant Parent Therapists etc.
• Maintain an up-to=date understanding of current best practices for women and substance abuse.
• Support the mandate of New Choices.
• Participate in supervision and annual performance reviews.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Consult immediately with Supervisor and other team members regarding child protection concerns and issues, and other program concerns (i.e., serious occurrences, disruptive behaviours, attendance, etc.)
• Determine maintenance needs and independently respond to emergencies as required.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a temporary full-time position based on a 40 hours per week with an end date of July 2026
• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities - some weekends and evening work may be required.
• Adjust work schedule/tasks to accommodate workplace/client needs.
• Tavel is required.

Normal Work hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday includes a ½ hour paid meal break.

Normal location of work: 431 Whitney Avenue, Hamilton ON L8S 2H6

• Minimum of an Undergraduate University Degree preferably in Health or Social Services, with an addiction concentration or complimented by other recognized Addiction Studies.
• First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certificates.
• Valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver's abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience, including, experience with direct front line addiction counselling in an applicable social field.
• Current demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the impact of substance use on women and their children.
• Knowledge of child welfare system and legislation.
• Current and demonstrated knowledge in fundamental concepts and theories of addiction and mental health, pharmacology relevant to community treatment, relapse prevention, harm reduction and stages of change model, standardized admission, and discharge tools for assessment.
• Aware of issues around, women and substance abuse, women and trauma, women and domestic violence, marginalized populations, spirituality, boundaries, conflict of interest and confidentiality within a social services setting.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Demonstrated assessment, group facilitation, individual counselling, and effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with pregnant and parenting women in a supportive, non-judgmental manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to liaise with community partners
• Computer skills, specifically MS Office, with an understanding of Catalyst database.
• Strong oral and written skills
• Self-motivation and discipline.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective listening, observation, and facilitation skills to effectively assess clients and provide appropriate treatment and consultation.
• Strong mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to respond or assist in emergency situations.
• Must have strong skills and experience using word processing (WORD), spread sheet use (EXCEL).
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.