Substance Use Counsellor
Program Coordinator 1
(30 hours per week)
Agassiz Harrison Community Services is seeking a qualified Substance Use Counsellor. If you have the qualifications listed below, this position will be of interest to you.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree preferred, Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Arts in a related field.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in addictions treatment or a related social service field.
- Sound knowledge of current best practices in the treatment of substance abuse.
- Demonstrated skills in the areas of individual and group counselling.
Job Summary:
The Substance Use Counsellor provides early intervention, treatment and support services for individuals and their families affected by drug and alcohol dependency and misuse. This position requires an understanding and knowledge of substance use issues such as: chemical dependency and behavior, barriers to recovery, harm reduction and substance affect.
Skills in case management, case planning, and implementation of substance use programs are required. Effective delivery includes: orientation, screening/intake, required assessments, treatment planning and implementation, case consultation, clinical counselling, case management, referral, program evaluation and follow up services. It includes facilitation of psycho-educational, therapeutic groups, and prevention planning for the community to promote public awareness of alcohol and other drugs.
The counsellor will help to establish and maintain wellness and balance through effective addiction treatment interventions. As the qualified Substance Use Counsellor at AHCS you will be required to:
One-to-One Treatment:
- Assist clients and substance affected family members with concern and empathy, valuing respect of others.
- Demonstrate strong morals and ethics, respecting commitment to confidentiality and privacy.
- Deliver sound knowledge of various therapeutic addiction counselling theories and practices.
- Effectively and pleasantly work with a wide range of people of different ages and cultures.
- Be skilled in crisis intervention, anger diffusion, conflict intervention and resolution and effectively use chemical dependency diagnostic tools.
- Record case notes and produce client-related documentation such as reports according to accepted practices and policies.
Group Facilitation:
- Provide both insight and practically focused counselling while maintaining a safe group environment.
- Plan and implement relevant group programming according to the outline of the AHCS Substance Use Outpatient Policies and Procedures.
- Act as a positive role model for participants and assist in developing healthy lifestyles.
Organizational Requirements:
- Attend monthly Regional Substance Use Network (SUN).
- Complete statistics for the Fraser Health Authority (FHA).
- Participate in organizational planning and staff meetings.
- Interact professionally with clients, family members, staff, visitors and government agencies.
- Deliver a high degree of resourcefulness and adaptability.
- Communicate competently both verbally and in writing.
- Maintain all required documentation and data entry in a timely manner.
- Competent computer skills – MS Office and Outlook 365
- Participate in AHCS Occupational Health and Safety Program.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required.
Additional Requirements:
- Current Police Information Check (PIC) with vulnerable populations enhancement.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license
- Reliable vehicle as occasional travel is required.
- Drivers Abstract.
- Successful candidate must work 1 evening per week
Benefits: After a probationary period of 3 months, the employee is eligible for the group benefits plan of the agency.
Hours of work: 30 hours per week
Hourly pay rate: $29.17 to $33.49 per hour depending on education and work experience
Start date: March 1, 2025
Deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
We ask that you please submit a cover letter with your resume and references to [email protected].
Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
We thank you for your interest.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $29.17-$33.49 per hour
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Extended health care
Flexible language requirement:
Schedule:
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-02-21
