Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor

Alliance for Healthier Communities; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative organization dedicated to improving mental health and addiction services for Indigenous communities. As a Mental Health and Addictions Counselor, you will provide essential support through both group and individual counseling, utilizing a holistic and trauma-informed approach. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with diverse clients, addressing their unique needs while promoting a safe and respectful environment. With a flexible schedule and a commitment to professional development, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Benefits

Employee Critical Illness Insurance

Employee Life and AD&D Insurance

Business Travel Life and Disability Insurance

Immediate eligibility for Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan

Qualifications

• 2-5 years’ experience with complex mental health and addictions issues.
• Ability to register with a regulatory body such as OCSWSSW or CRPO.

Responsibilities

• Provide group and one-on-one mental health and addiction counseling.
• Facilitate groups and deliver holistic, trauma-informed counseling.

Skills

Knowledge of Historical Trauma

Experience with Indigenous Peoples' culture

Understanding of harm reduction strategies

Ability to manage disruptive behaviors

Experience with addictions and concurrent disorders

Holistic and evidence-based practices

Competence in clinical assessments

Respect for the rights and dignity of others

Education

Undergraduate degree in Social Work

College diploma with related experience

Job description

De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre’s Mental Health & Addictions Program is seeking a full-time Mental Health and Addictions Counselor in Brantford. The successful candidate will provide both group and one-on-one mental health and addiction counseling services to individuals age 16+. The counselor will facilitate groups and deliver counseling that is holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. This position works Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, with flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends to accommodate group programming.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of Historical Trauma and Intergenerational trauma affecting Indigenous Peoples.
2. Experience with and extensive knowledge of Indigenous Peoples' language, culture, customs, and traditions.
3. Understanding of harm reduction strategies, detox referrals, treatment and wellness planning, relapse prevention, and coping techniques for anxiety and depression.
4. Ability to manage disruptive behaviors and de-escalate crisis situations effectively.
5. Experience working with addictions, concurrent disorders, and active substance users.
6. Ability to integrate holistic and evidence-based practices into client and program interventions from a trauma-informed perspective.
7. Competence in conducting intakes, clinical assessments, developing treatment plans, referrals, and discharges.
8. Consultation with and providing information to DAHC staff regarding clients, and assisting in care plan development for complex cases.
9. Participation in case conferences with external agencies to coordinate client care.
10. Maintaining clinical records and data using electronic medical records according to DAHC requirements.
11. Respect for the rights, dignity, and feelings of others to promote a safe, harassment-free, and respectful work environment.
12. Established self-care routines and support systems.
13. Other duties as assigned by the team lead or management.
14. Educational requirements include an undergraduate degree in Social Work, Mental Health & Addictions, Psychology, or Sociology from a recognized university; college diploma with related experience will also be considered.
15. Minimum of 2 to 5 years’ experience working with individuals with complex mental health and addictions issues.
16. Additional training or certifications supporting individuals with addictions are assets.
17. Ability to register with a regulatory body such as OCSWSSW or CRPO.
18. Benefits include Employee Critical Illness Insurance, Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Business Travel Life and Disability Insurance, and immediate eligibility for the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOP).

Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Please note that only complete applications with a cover letter will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous descent.