Addictions Counselor III

The successful applicant has the option to work from either our Ponoka, CCMHBI office or our Red Deer, Centre 5010 office. Reporting directly to the Manager, Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, the Addiction Counselor III on the Youth Services Team, will offer harm reduction focused, mental health and addiction services to youth clients across the province. The Social Worker II will work within an interdisciplinary environment to provide harm reduction focused, culturally appropriate, specialized assessment, treatment, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for opioid dependent youth and their families. Tasks include following regulatory procedures regarding Suboxone and Methadone, as well as monitoring prescription changes, facilitating changes with doses, monitoring urine drug screen results, insuring the VODP physician is apprised of client status and supporting the clients in psychosocial areas related to addiction. Collaborating with Children’s Services, community programs and services, Pharmacies, Labs, Emergency Departments, Physicians, existing Addiction and Mental Health Services, you will take a participatory decision-making approach within a team and external stakeholders in finding solutions and resources to support individuals with an opioid dependency. The successful applicant is an assertive, proactive individual with a strong foundation in mental health and addictions and excels at working professionally and independently in a collaborative, fast-paced, positive team environment that requires excellent assessment, prioritization, conflict resolution, critical thinking and decision-making skills. Your understanding, passion and experience in Opioid Treatment is essential, as well as excellent computer, texting and telephone etiquette, as you will be monitoring and evaluating client progress via zoom, text and telephone.

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.

Excellent knowledge of addictions and mental illness. Must be competent in identifying clients at risk and completing a suicide risk assessment. Knowledge of Suboxone/buprenorphine and Methadone. Advanced computer literacy. Above average keyboarding skills and proficient with computer programs - Outlook MS Office, Zoom, Connect Care, etc. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

Working knowledge of Trauma Informed Care. Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing. 1 - 2 years’ experience with individuals with Mental Health and Addictions issues. 1 - 2 years’ experience in counselling.