Addictions Counsellor - 020-2026

Fort McKay First Nation; Fort McKay; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness centre

Transportation to and from work

Indigenous community-focused workplace

Job summary

Fort McKay First Nation is seeking a dedicated Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor to provide client-centered, recovery-based counselling within the Fort McKay community.

You will perform intake, assessments, treatment planning, case management and crisis intervention, applying psychological theories to diverse situations in a multidisciplinary setting. Community involvement and Elders’ collaboration are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, addictions, health promotion, social work or related human services field is required.
• Active registration with the applicable regulatory college or professional association is required.
• Three years of related experience with at-risk populations and healthy living and life skills.
• Three years of addictions services and counselling experience.
• Experience in a First Nations community setting is an asset.
• Valid class 5 driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Clean criminal record and vulnerable sector check required.
• Willingness to relocate to Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Responsibilities

• Work with at-risk populations including those with complex needs, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders by providing addictions, life skills and trauma counselling.
• Utilize psychosocial interventions and treatment modalities (individual, family, group) to children and adolescents experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
• Complete intakes, assessments and determine treatment goals with clients.
• Review, evaluate and document client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Provide pre-care and after-care planning and support for clients attending addictions treatment.
• Identify and develop safety plans for high-risk clients and coordinate emergency services when necessary.
• Establish care plans and holistic wellness goals with clients.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to case manage and share therapeutic strategies.
• Provide individual counselling and run groups focused on sober living, relapse prevention and life skills.
• Collaborate with Mental Health and Addictions team to support clients.
• Engage Elders to support cultural and spiritual needs and encourage cultural activities.
• Build relationships with services in the Wood Buffalo region to assist clients with additional services.
• Maintain consistent communication with supervisor and monthly data reporting.
• Maintain clinical records and perform related duties.

Skills

Active registration

Experience with at-risk populations

Addictions counselling

First Nations community experience

Driver's license

Criminal record check

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, addictions, health promotion, social work or related human services field

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will provide quality, client focused, recovery based, and culturally appropriate counselling services and support for community members, families and groups within the Fort McKay community. The Counsellor will provide intake, assessments, treatment plans, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for clients and their families. The work performed is specialized and involves applying psychological knowledge and theories to a variety of situations. Often the work is performed in multi-disciplinary teams to develop and implement care or treatment or behaviour support plans. Counsellors require active registration with the applicable Alberta regulatory college or professional association.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work withat risk populations including those with complex needs, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders; by providing addictions, life skills and trauma counselling.
• Utilize a variety of psychosocial interventions and treatment modalities (individual, family, group) to children and adolescents experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
• Complete intakes, assessments and make decisions around treatment goals with the client.
• Review, evaluate, and document client progress and make changes to treatment plan, as necessary.
• Provide pre-care and after-care planning and support for clients attending Addictions treatment.
• Identify and develop safety plans for high-risk clients, manage and support clients to receive emergency services if necessary.
• Establish care plans, goal setting and identify needs as they pertain to holistic wellness.
• Work as a part of an interdisciplinary team of professionals to case manage, discuss appropriate therapeutic strategies and share information as required.
• Provide one on one counselling and run groups that support enhanced person‑centered wellness, inclusive of sober living, relapse prevention, living skills, and other supportive measures.
• Work with other members of the Mental Health and Addictions team in offering services and support for clients.
• Work with Elders to support the cultural and spiritual needs of the clients, as well as seek out and encourage cultural activities that will support sobriety and overall wellness.
• Build relationships with services in the Wood Buffalo region to assist clients with additional services.
• Provide consistent communication with the direct supervisor.
• Provide monthly statistical data to the direct supervisor.
• Maintain records and files in a clinical and professional manner.
• Perform other related duties as required.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, addictions, health promotion, social work or related human services field is required.
• Active registration with the applicable regulatory college or professional association is required.
• Three (3) years of related experience in working with at risk groups and supporting healthy living and life skills.
• Three (3) years of experience in addictions services and counselling.
• Experience working in a First Nations community setting including knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions and values considered an asset
• Valid class 5 Driver’s License & Clean Driver’s Abstract
• A clean criminal record and vulnerable sector check is required
• Successful candidate will be required to live in (or relocate to) Fort McMurray, Alberta

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position has been designated as safety sensitive and requires strict compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and standards. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test prior to commencing employment.

WHY APPLY?

At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive Pay, we also offer the following;

• A healthy work‑life balance with an on‑site fitness centre
• Transportation to and from work
• The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands
• Shift: Monday - Thursday - 8:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please ensure you indicate the Competition #020-2026

Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry in any hiring decision, please declare your Indigenous status in your application.