WMC Counsellor Relief

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.

Position Purpose Summary: The Withdrawal Management Counsellor is responsible for providing direct clinical care to clients.

Accountabilities:

• Observe, record, assess and manage the behaviour of residents who are intoxicated, in the state of withdrawal, and in crisis; monitor residents and record significant changes in their level of functioning.
• Provide physical care/procedures as outlined in policy and procedures or directed by Manager.
• Document admission and discharge data, client service plans and progress toward goals, and any other significant information relating to quality care.
• Formulate a comprehensive client service plan (including discharge) in collaboration with the client.
• Educate residents about the effects of chemical dependence and substance use, along with the process of recovery.
• Provide emotional support and information regarding treatment options and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide clients with individualized assessments as outlined in the Admission and Discharge and Assessment tools provided by the Ontario Substance Abuse Bureau.
• Communicate client response to procedures and activities, and report any changes or adverse effects to the Manager.
• Provide individual and group counselling and facilitation and aftercare support and the provision of support, counselling and education to families and other client supports.
• Identify and refer all medical emergencies to the Emergency Department when necessary.
• Responsible for the contents, upkeep, and tidiness of the supply room - including toiletries, linen/towels, personal hygiene; ensure that clients have adequate supplies of personal items, including clothing.
• Responsible for helping clients to store, retrieve and secure their belongings throughout their stay.
• Perform regular rounds throughout the floor, including walking through the dormitory, bathrooms, and lounges.
• Perform the routine and emergent household tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Advise the Manager of equipment problems or programming needs.
• Perform all necessary clerical duties, data entry, and report writing, answer the phone and relay messages as required.
• Participate in Quality Assurance Program as requested by Manager.
• As required and as applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to the Withdrawal Management Program Manager.

Health and Safety

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Work closely with security, identifying any safety and security needs.
• Responsible for the following: work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Act and Regulations, use personal prescribed safety equipment and clothing as directed by the employer, report workplace hazards, dangers, injuries or illness, work in a manner as required by the employer, and report workplace injuries or illness.
• Responsible to follow through on all safety and security procedures (including fire) as outlined in the policy and procedures manual.
• Perform other position related duties as required.

Critical Relationship Management:

• Internal: Work cooperatively with staff from various Centre of Hope departments. Participate in regular staff meetings to review operational effectiveness, changes in policies and procedures, and in-service training.
• External: Community, clients.

Managerial/Technical Leadership Responsibility: This position reports directly to the Withdrawal Management Manager or designate.

Working Conditions: The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule. Normal hours of work may vary as per operational requirements and responsibilities and includes a 1/2 hour paid meal break where applicable. Normal location of work is at: 281 Wellington Street, London, ON N6B 2L4 and outreach locations.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with the Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian Standards of conduct.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Education, Qualifications and Certifications: Minimum two-year Community College or University Degree in a Health or Social Service Program, with an addiction concentration, or complemented by other recognized Addiction Studies.
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certificate and Crisis Intervention training.
• Demonstrated observation, assessment, communication and effective withdrawal management skills.
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the National Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of one-year of prior related experience (within the last five years) in the field of addictions, Withdrawal Management experience is required.
• Current and demonstrated knowledge in: fundamental concepts and theories of addiction and mental health, pharmacology relevant to withdrawal management, relapse prevention; harm reduction and stages of change model.
• Current experience and demonstrated skills in the following areas: interviewing and counselling in individual and group therapy with substance abuse and dual disorder clients, utilizing standardized admission and discharge tools for assessment, extensive knowledge of the community agencies and self-help groups that provide support to clients struggling with substance use and addiction, good knowledge of critical physical, psychological, and social phases of alcoholism and drug addiction, and of withdrawal, including progression, stages, and symptoms, computer skills specifically MS Office with an understanding of data collection and the Catalyst database.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Demonstrated ability to deal with people with substance use disorders in a supportive, non-judgmental manner, on both a one-on-one basis and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain successful working relationships; and to deal with people in a pleasant, professional, and responsible manner.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope.

Compensation: The target hiring range for this position is $28.89 to $29.32 with a maximum of $29.74. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market.