Addictions & Recovery Worker - (202143)

Island Health; Victoria; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking an Addictions and Recovery Worker to provide essential non-medical withdrawal management care. The role emphasizes safety and continuous improvement, requiring strong communication and facilitation skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in addiction counselling and experience with clients facing substance misuse challenges. This position involves both independent and collaborative work, focusing on client support and education.

Qualifications

• Two years of recent related experience required.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provides non-medical withdrawal management care.
• Facilitates group sessions and supportive counselling.
• Observes and monitors clients dealing with substance misuse.

Skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Crisis intervention

Organizational skills

Facilitation

Education

Post-secondary certification in addiction counselling

Job description

Position Overview

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a shared responsibility. The role involves continuous improvement of quality and safety in all aspects of the position.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Coordinator or designate, the Addictions and Recovery Worker provides non-medical withdrawal management care, including:

1. General care services
2. Harm reduction education
3. Group facilitation
4. Individual screening for risk
5. Client registration, admission, and discharge
6. Supportive counselling
7. Daily living activities
8. Supervision of clients dealing with substance misuse

The worker observes and monitors clients, models healthy lifestyle behaviors, and completes documentation. Travel may be required, and transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements, potentially including the use of a personal vehicle.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary certification in addiction counselling or equivalent, plus two years of recent related experience
• Working knowledge of chemical dependency
• Basic knowledge of community resources
• Certification in First Aid and CPR
• Valid BC Driver's License (as required by operational needs)
• Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) within the first three months of employment
• Foodsafe Certification for Supportive Housing and Long-term Care positions

Experience working with adults and youth with mental health and substance use issues is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with seriously addicted and mentally ill clients and their families
• Ability to observe and recognize behavioral and health status changes
• Facilitation skills for supportive and educational groups
• Role modeling healthy lifestyle choices
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries
• Independent and collaborative work skills
• Organizational and prioritization skills
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
• Proficiency with related equipment and software such as word processing and spreadsheets

For more details, see the full job description at https://jd.viha.ca/JD1741.pdf.