Addictions Counselor III

Addictions and Mental Health Access 24/7 is an exciting new opportunity to offer a centralized and integrated intake using a front door location at the Edmonton Community Health Hub North. Reporting to the Care Manager and under the direction of the Program Manager for Urgent Services, the Addiction Counsellor functions in the context of a multi-disciplinary team that provides quality, client focused, recovery based, concurrent capable, culturally appropriate care to those seeking assistance/services within Addictions and Mental Health. Access 24/7 will be a single point of contact for AHS and Covenant addiction and mental health services. The range of services include assessment, crisis intervention, navigation assistance, and stabilization services to the residents of the City of Edmonton and suburban areas. Access will conduct triage, screening and assessment in order to best match an individual’s need(s) to services and programs. Access 24/7 offers a wide range of services, as indicated, which offer the least intrusive and most appropriate services to clients and their families whether that be within clinic, community or client's home, which are based on the needs identified. This position includes an outreach component provides short-term stabilization when clients are experiencing an Addiction and Mental Health crisis and/or when they require more intensive short-term monitoring. This position has been identified and is anticipated to transition to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you will transition to Recovery Alberta. In accordance with the transition letter of understanding with UNA, current employees under the UNA Collective Agreement who accept an employment offer, issued after July 1, 2024, will not have any rights under Article 15: Layoff and Recall.

As an Addiction Counsellor III, you will provide quality, client focused, recovery based and culturally appropriate assessment, treatment, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for clients and their families; as well as community stabilization services. You will develop and implement treatment plans and provide a range of interventions which offer least intrusive and most appropriate services to clients and their families. You will also monitor and evaluate client progress and achievement of recovery goals and adapt treatment as needed. As an Addiction Counsellor III, you will depend on your excellent relationship building skills with clients, families, government staff and colleagues.

Bachelor's degree in Addictions or a combination of a bachelor's degree in a related field with course work in addictions. A related degree combined with a diploma related to addictions, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Individuals eligible for registration under the Health Professions Act (Alberta) must maintain active registration. Individuals may require authorization/permission under regulation to perform restricted psychosocial interventions and/or restricted activities.

As the Addiction Counsellor you will be required to assess of the nature and severity of client's mental health and substance use, plan, and implement interventions to stabilize the situation. Minimum of 3 years of relevant Addiction and Mental health experience. Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP). A minimum of 3 years direct crisis experience, preferably in a community setting. Formal clinical training in triage, intervention, stabilization and case management skills, preferably in a community setting. Ability to ambulate, climb stairs, and move quickly without limitations in a variety of environments. Extensive knowledge of the resources of Addiction and Mental Health and the community.

Demonstrated ability to work well with a range of community and agency stakeholders as well as clients and families. If registered with ACSW, preference to those candidates with authorization to perform restricted psychosocial interventions.