Reports To: Health Director
Job Purpose:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to fill the role of a First Nations Drug and Alcohol Addictions Counsellor. The primary focus of this position is to provide harm reduction through education and support to individual clients, families and groups in the community and schools, offering both group and individual counselling sessions. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering confidential and holistic support to individuals grappling with chemical or alcohol addictions. The counsellor will also play a key role in facilitating recovery and support through arranging detox, treatment, aftercare, family case conference and interagency planning.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Individual and Group Counseling:
- Conduct confidential individual counseling sessions for individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addictions.
- Facilitate group counseling sessions aimed at providing education, support, and harm reduction strategies within the community and school settings.
Education and Prevention:
- Develop and implement educational programs on drug and alcohol addiction prevention within the community and schools.
- Collaborate with schools to integrate substance abuse education into the curriculum.
Harm Reduction Strategies:
- Promote and participate in harm reduction strategies to mitigate the impact of substance abuse within the community through community visits, home visits and as a team member on the mobile wellness initiative.
- Provide resources and tools for safer substance use and prevention of related health issues.
- Assist clients to access detox and treatment when they are ready
Holistic Support:
- Offer holistic support that considers the cultural, emotional, and spiritual aspects of individuals seeking assistance.
- Collaborate with other community resources to provide comprehensive support.
Follow-Up and Referral:
- Conduct follow-up sessions to assess progress and address emerging needs.
- Make appropriate referrals for additional services based on individual needs.
- Work with the client to arrange support meetings (AA, Women’s/Men’s groups) after treatment.
- Establish and implement self-help groups such as AA, Al-Anon, Al-Teen, Gambling, etc.
Family Case Conferences:
- Participate in family case conferences to involve and engage family members in the recovery process.
- Provide guidance and support to families affected by substance abuse issues.
Interagency Planning:
- Collaborate with various agencies to coordinate and plan interventions for individuals dealing with addictions.
- Contribute to interagency initiatives to enhance community-wide support for addiction recovery.
Personal and Professional Development:
- Attend courses and in-service training as required.
- Keeping updated on drug and alcohol related material
Other duties:
- Perform other duties as required.
- Organizing and encouraging case management meetings with other local agencies or departments with the nation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- A related University Degree is the preferred credential and/or two-year post-secondary diploma plus related work experience and/or training.
- Certification in Addictions Counseling from an accredited Institute.
- Maturity and interest in community work and ability to relate well with all age groups individually or in a group setting.
- Knowledge of Cold Lake First Nations culture, government, languages, and community dynamics.
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Computer skills and familiarity with computer software programs, Micro-Soft Office Word, Excel, power point, Accuro EMR, etc.
- Ability to:
- Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions when dealing with workplace conflict.
- Exercise independent judgment and work with minimum supervision.
- Manage time effectively.
- Lead an addictions free lifestyle and be a good role model for community.
- Maintain client confidentiality at the highest level.
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
- Working in an office environment and community setting.
- 37.5 hours/week. Monday – Friday. Hours will vary from day to evening work.
- Will involve frequent travel to client homes, school, and other agencies.
- Verbal communications is conducted face to face, virtual and on the telephone.
- A computer keyboard is used to enter and retrieve data and requires continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements.
- This assignment may include some evenings and/or weekends to accommodate client needs or community social event.
- Licenses:
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Current First Aid and CPR Certificate
- Provide criminal records check and Child Welfare Information (CWIS) check, as required.