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Addiction Counsellor I

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior, Mid & Senior Level
  • Healthcare

AI generated summary

  • You need a social sciences diploma, knowledge of addiction models, crisis intervention skills, counseling experience, teamwork ability, computer proficiency, and commitment to safety and core values.
  • You will provide supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals, assess client needs, collaborate with professionals, manage documentation, and ensure compliance with health standards.

Requirements

  • Community College diploma in social sciences and, if recommended, registration with professional college, as regulated;
  • Additional graduate certificate in Mental Health and Addictions preferred;
  • Thorough working knowledge of withdrawal management protocols, models of addiction, concurrent disorders, motivational interviewing, pharmacology, risk and harm reduction, community withdrawal management;
  • Experience in crisis intervention, suicide assessment and intervention techniques;
  • Demonstrated experience with substance use populations;
  • Well-developed counselling skills in both individual and group formats;
  • Effective interpersonal, communication and organizational skills;
  • Ability to work closely with others in a team environment, under clinically challenging situations
  • Experience in applying counselling principles to practice;
  • Ability to recognize and diffuse escalating or potentially violent clients;
  • Knowledge of community resources and provincial addiction system;
  • Commitment to client centered philosophy of care;
  • Ability/willingness to use computer program catalyst and LEADS;
  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff safety, patient safety and environmental safety and participation in regular in-service education sessions in this area;
  • Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy;
  • Proven good work performance; and,
  • Proven good attendance record with ability to maintain the same.

Responsibilities

  • Providing information, supportive counselling and/or crisis intervention to clients on a walk-in or telephone call-in basis, within a team based environment
  • Providing motivational interviewing and/or referral to those clients in need of withdrawal management and early recovery services
  • Providing short-term, individual support to those clients presenting with barriers to treatment
  • Knowledge of current opioid issues including risks, overdose prevention and opioid replacement therapy
  • Providing groups specific to the development of life skills, relapse prevention and problem solving
  • Assessing clients presenting with suicidal ideation to match them with the most appropriate referral source and advocating on their behalf when necessary
  • Collaborating with Addiction Counsellors and other professionals within the Pinewood and Mental Health program, wider hospital programs, and community as required
  • Considering the need for medical clearance prior to admission to RWMS and for emergency assistance
  • Liaising with emergency medical and mental health services as well as pharmacies to coordinate client needs
  • Maintaining close observation and documentation of withdrawal symptoms, physical and emotional health status within a team based environment
  • Providing telephone Community Withdrawal Management Services
  • Providing discharge planning to RWMS clients during times when the Discharge Planner is not available
  • Contributing to clinical meetings, safety issues and workgroups
  • Being committed to ongoing professional development and clinical supervision
  • Compliance with Personal Protective Equipment use as required
  • Entering required data on computer programs
  • Compliance with Mental Health and Addiction standards and corporate policies of Lakeridge Health
  • Other duties as assigned

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Addiction Counsellor I.

Where is the position located?

The position is located at Lakeridge Health Pinewood Centre.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for this position is $30.540 - $36.340 per hour.

What are the working hours for the Addiction Counsellor I position?

The working hours include days, nights, and weekends with 8 and 12-hour shifts, which are subject to change.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A Community College diploma in social sciences is required, along with recommended registration with a professional college. An additional graduate certificate in Mental Health and Addictions is preferred.

Is experience with substance use populations required?

Yes, demonstrated experience with substance use populations is required for this position.

What type of counselling skills are necessary for this role?

Well-developed counselling skills in both individual and group formats are necessary for this role.

What is the commitment expected from the Addiction Counsellor I regarding client care?

A commitment to a client-centered philosophy of care is expected from the Addiction Counsellor I.

Are there any specific computer programs that the Addiction Counsellor I needs to use?

Yes, the Addiction Counsellor I should have the ability and willingness to use computer programs such as Catalyst and LEADS.

Is there a requirement for a Criminal Investigation Reference for this position?

Yes, successful external applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six months.

Are accommodations provided during the recruitment process?

Yes, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Is there a vaccination requirement for new employees?

Yes, new Lakeridge Health team members will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 during their Post-offer/Pre-employment Health Assessment, subject to any exemptions recognized under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

What values does Lakeridge Health promote?

Lakeridge Health promotes core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork, and Joy.

Lakeridge Health is a healthcare system serving communities in Durham Region and beyond. #OneSystemBestHealth

Science & Healthcare
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees
1998
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Lakeridge Health is a healthcare provider that operates multiple hospitals and medical facilities, offering a wide range of health services, including acute care, rehabilitation, mental health services, and cancer treatment. Their ultimate mission is to provide high-quality, patient-centred healthcare to the communities they serve. Lakeridge Health's purpose is to enhance the health and well-being of their patients by delivering compassionate, innovative, and accessible healthcare services, while continually striving for excellence in clinical practice and patient care.