Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties.

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments, treatment plans, safety plans, referrals, and integration of required services for addiction clients.
• Attends and facilitates case conferences with the Case Management Team.
• May chair monthly (or as needed) planning meetings for clients and other Social Services Workers.
• Maintains and updates all appropriate documentation related to clients/residents; submits written reports on case load.
• Maintains a broad knowledge of addiction treatments and explanatory theories, homelessness, mental illness, and community resources.
• Participates fully and constructively in staff meetings and service training.
• Engages in formal evaluation sessions with the direct supervisor after the probation period and annually thereafter.
• Represents the organization in a professional manner
• Counsels clients/residents individually or in a group setting according to counselling best practices
• Develops and implements case management of assigned clients/residents.
• May support clients with appointments (medical, counselling, etc.).
• Supports the efforts made to meet the client’s spiritual needs and cultural practice by working with the Spiritual Care team.
• Builds and maintains a therapeutic environment with clients. Confront in a therapeutic manner, if necessary, to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflict. Document observances of the clients along with actions taken by the staff.
• Develops and implements treatment plans for clients, including establishing goals, monitoring progress and program completion.
• Provides education to individuals and families about the causes and effects of addictions.
• Refers clients to appropriate sources for the purpose of personal care, employment, educational, practical everyday needs, and other recovery needs.
• May perform intake and discharge procedures for clients/residents as assigned.
• Intervenes in crisis situations, relapse prevention, early intervention, follow-up, and aftercare and provides addiction counselling services as required.
• Presents case reports and progress of clients at regularly scheduled team meetings and provides input into the individual plans.
• Presents to the Residential Services Manager or designate, when required, a written or oral report on the progress of each assigned client.
• Promptly reports incident reports in accordance with policy.
• Liaises with the Police, Ministry of Social Services, Provincial Court, community agencies, family, and other staff members.
• Maintains confidentiality and keeps accurate statistical records (SAMIS)
• Provides statistical and evaluative information to management and funders.
• Maintains an active interest in all phases of the residential program and suggests improvements to the same.
• Adheres to standards consistent with the values and philosophy of The Salvation Army. Reads and follows the Policy & Procedures Manual and the Employee Handbook.
• Practices The Salvation Army professional code of ethics and communicates and cooperates with all co-workers, partners, and clients in a respectful, open, and honest manner, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• A large part of the work of Mental Health and Addictions worker involves people and health information, therefore, courtesy and confidentiality are imperative. Employees are to show respect and dignity to fellow community partners, employees, clients, and members of the public. All employees are expected to abstain from using profane language while in the facility or representing The Salvation Army as an employee.
• Required to work in cooperation with other staff members in job-related areas and treat all clients, staff, volunteers, and members of the public with respect, dignity, and confidentiality.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:
Internal: Case Management team, residents, staff, residents’ families
External: Police, Ministry of Social Services, Provincial Court, community agencies

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reports directly to the Program Supervisor
Direct reports: None.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT:
• Minimal material responsibilities (access to confidential information).
• Little to no responsibility for finances.
• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.
• Does not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

• WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • The incumbent’s work environment is typically in an office or work site within residential settings.
  • The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:
  - Exposure to dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste
  - Exposure to drugs and alcohol
  - Noise
  - Dealing with people with challenging behavior
  - Verbal abuse
  - Odors
  • The incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate injury or illness due to:
  - Physical attacks by others (i.e., being attacked by a client/resident)
  - Exposure to infectious diseases
  - Exposure to toxic chemicals
  - Sharp Objects (i.e., needle sticks)
  - Other dangerous situations
  • Dress in a manner that is professional and presentable with respect to the employment position.
  • If you are aware of confidential information as part of your work, you are not permitted to discuss this information with anyone other than those to whom you are responsible to for your position. Divulging any information is grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Alternative combination of education and Experience may be considered.
• Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
• Completion of a formal post-secondary/university degree – BSW or equivalent.
• CACCF certification (Canadian Corrections Counsellor Certification Federation) will be considered as a strong asset.
• Training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution and mediation skills is an asset.
• A different combination of education and experience might be considered.
• CRC with Vulnerable Sector Check

Experience and Knowledge:
• Two years of prior related experience, including experience with direct counselling in an applicable social service field or in a residential or supportive housing setting and corrections experience
• First Aid/CPR certificate
• E-learning (Abuse Prevention & WHIMIS) – to be completed before the first shift.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 computer programs.
Skills and Capabilities:
• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.
• Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to network with other community partners, building strong relationships.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, motivational, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Attentive listening skills for the purpose of coaching and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain a team environment; work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of and empathy toward cultural differences. Must be sensitive to and respectful of cultural and lifestyle diversity.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $52,520.00 to $65,644.80 with a maximum of $78,790.40.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.