Addictions Counselor III

Reporting to the Program Manager of ACARP (Acute Care Addiction Recovery Program), the Addictions Counselor III (AC) - ACARP UAH, works as a key member of the multidisciplinary ACARP team at the University of Alberta Hospital. This is a newly created team, and the successful candidate will be integral in the development of its cohesiveness. The AC collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to deliver patient-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care for patients who use substances. By using a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, the team strives to holistically support patients who want help for problematic substance use. The role includes providing comprehensive assessments and treatment referrals, patient education, brief intervention, and other education and support. The AC also works collaboratively with other members of the multidisciplinary team by providing consultation support to facilitate holistic care of patients. The AC performs detailed initial patient assessments, suggests interventions and treatments, counsels patients through their recovery journey, and supports the patient’s care team in comprehensive care and discharge planning. The AC will work collaboratively with other UAH staff to develop patient care plans and goals in order to better facilitate recovery. 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.

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.

A combination of education and experience may be considered. Registration Requirements: Registered with applicable professional association or college, if applicable Experience working with inner city/vulnerable populations. 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. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP). Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training. Motivational Interviewing.