Addictions Counselor III

Reporting to the manager of the Inner City Health & Wellness Program, the Addictions Counselor III (AC) - ARCH works as a key member of the multidisciplinary ARCH team. The AC collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to deliver a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach to care practicing within a harm reduction philosophy. The goal of the ARCH team is to provide evidence-based, holistic care to patients who are socially vulnerable and/or dealing with problematic substance use. By using a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, the team strives to support at risk patients who want to improve their social determinants of health. The role includes providing comprehensive assessments, delivery of harm reduction supplies, patient education, take home naloxone kit distribution and other education and support. The AC also works collaboratively with other members of the multidisciplinary team including providing consultation support for other staff caring for patients accessing the supervised consumption service. The AC performs detailed initial patient assessments, interventions and treatments, counsels patients through recovery, and supports the patient’s care team in comprehensive care and discharge planning. The AC works with both the inpatient ARCH clinical team and the ED ARCH clinical team. 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.

Experience working with inner city/vulnerable populations. Demonstrated experience of working within a harm reduction framework. Demonstrated proficiency in the assessment of patients with substance use disorder. Knowledge of screening tools used for assessments of substance use and treatments. Demonstrated ability to support patient’s transition to community resources to ensure continuity of care. Strong communication skills. Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

Connect Care experience an asset.