Recovery Aftercare Caseworker

The Salvation Army in Canada; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Yellowknife is seeking an Addictions Recovery Aftercare Caseworker to provide client support and counseling. You will manage case assessments and create support plans for individuals post-recovery. The ideal candidate has a background in Social Work, with 3-5 years of relevant experience and skills in crisis intervention and effective communication. Competitive compensation is offered in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in addictions and mental health field.
• Life skills and recreational programming for high need residents.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License & clear Driver’s Abstract.

Responsibilities

• Provide aftercare support to program participants.
• Facilitate counseling with community elders.
• Monitor and document client progress and program adherence.

Skills

Case management skills

Crisis intervention skills

Effective communication

Cultural competence

Assessment skills

Education

Post-Secondary education in Social Work, Counselling or Nursing

Addictions Counselling Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office365

Job description

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
Position Purpose Summary: Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, the Addictions Recovery Aftercare Caseworker will give focus to client assessment, care planning, aftercare support to THARP program participants and create important linkages with service providers in the community to further expand the reach of an aftercare program.

Accountabilities

• Case Management: Keeps abreast of the day-to-day resident issues
• Assists program participants with aftercare plans for individuals who have completed recovery programs in the north or addictions treatment centres in the south
• Provides counselling on addictions to individuals and couples
• Assists with screening new clients and oversees their case management
• Provide advocacy services or teaches self-advocacy for program participants as needed
• Ensure program participants understand and adhere to program rules and responsibilities
• Coordinate second phase resident referrals to services with other agencies or professionals (income support, employment, treatment programs, counselors, doctors)
• Consolidates and analyzes data collected by a variety of assessment tools for the purpose of guiding client recovery program

Behavior Management
Implements emergency/incidental behavioral interventions, including, utilizing Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or Verbal Judo training.

• Identifies and documents potential problematic or maladaptive behaviors
• Provides incidental problem solving and emotional support to program participants
• Provides immediate stabilization crisis management support and provides emergency incidental behavior management
• Plans and implements formal sessions for program participants or refers them to external agencies that offer formal sessions on a variety of topics including anger management, grief and loss, sexuality, self-esteem, violence, addictions and personal safety
• Develops and monitors behavioral modification strategies as needed

Program Operations

• Attend team meetings and training sessions to contribute to the identification and resolution of trends or issues that will affect the program
• Research and develop various Addictions aftercare related support programs
• Provide input into the development and implementation of short and long-term plans for their area of responsibility
• Plans and carries out community based on-the-land-activities for/with THARP clients and possible other aftercare program participants (e.g. WMS Second Phase clients)
• Carries out cultural and addiction and recovery workshops for THARP clients and community members as needed
• Facilitates counselling with community elders
• Establish networks with like-minded organizations
• Organizes, promotes, and assists program development to build capacity of program participants for independent healthy community living.
• Provides information and life skills support to THARP clients related to personal, family, housing, healing, safety, work, school, income maintenance, etc.
• Role models, encourages and assists program participants to practice self-help, non-violent problem solving and decision-making skills daily
• Interacts with significant others involved with program participants to support the program participant’s relationships with family and the community
• Facilitates and oversees resident house meetings who provide feedback and input into program and resident issues
• May assist Resource Centre and Bailey House program participants on an as needed basis

Program Administration

• Makes general and specific recommendations for improvement of program content and equipment
• Maintains consistent and accurate case notes
• Prepares monthly and/or quarterly program reports of program participants
• Prepares incident reports and program participant specific information in aftercare program participant files
• Completes THARP client exits summaries and closes all file work for clients discharged from program
• Ensures second phase resident’s program fees are paid and works with those residents to develop budgets if required
• Hands over all resident records up to previous fiscal year to Program Supervisor to be stored for future easy access
• Ensures files and documentation adhere to agency guidelines and are easily available
• Develops and maintains open communication and refers to other resources, professionals, and agencies
• Utilizes communication skills to ensure positive image of organization in community
• Represents WMS referrals at the Bailey House Admissions Committee when required
• Informs Program Supervisor of supplies, program materials and equipment needing to be purchased
• Performs other tasks as assigned by Program Supervisor
• Complies with The Salvation Army’s Policies and Procedures

Health, Safety & Security

• Follows safety measures and provides appropriate responses to emergencies and confrontations using non-violent crisis intervention and/or Verbal Judo training
• Reports all incidents of suspected resident abuse to Program Supervisor and follows organizational protocols
• Ensures the program safety policies are followed at all times
• Ensures that the safety, cleanliness, and tidiness of the program site is maintained
• Ensures personal knowledge of individual residents’ medication considerations and special medical conditions
• Reports all accidents, injuries, and illnesses to the Program Supervisor, and completes incident reports
• Ensures all residents are not placed at unreasonable levels of risk either in or outside the residence

Working Conditions

• This is a casual position with hours offered on an as-needed basis.
• The work environment entails frequent association with individuals who have chronic addictions and mental health issues or related behaviours.

Education And Experience Qualifications

• Post-Secondary education in Social Work, Counselling or Nursing - Diploma or Degree
• Addictions Counselling Certification (diploma or certificate) or related experience. I.C.A.D.C. an asset
• 3 - 5 years’ experience in the addictions and mental health field, and in residential/outreach settings
• Life skills and recreational programming for high need residents
• Suicide Intervention Certification (e.g., ASIST)
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention or Verbal Judo
• Mental Health First Aid
• First Aid Certification
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License & clear Driver’s Abstract
• Computer Literacy (e.g. Microsoft Office365)
• Clear Criminal Record check (Vulnerable Sector Check)

Skills And Capabilities

• Ability to work within the mandate of and embrace the mission of The Salvation Army
• Case management and counselling skills
• The ability to respond appropriately, decisively, and effectively in crisis situations and in a stressful environment
• Effective communication in English both written and oral
• Effective assessment, observation and recording skills
• Ability to work within a teamwork structure though will be required to work with minimal supervision
• Effective interviewing, report writing and group facilitation skills
• Understanding and skilled in working with: First Nations and Inuit Cultures: Addictions: Mental Health and other social issues
• Computer skills are required
• Ability to uphold and enforce policies and procedures
• Effective interpersonal communication and interactive skills with individuals experiencing chronic mental health issues, effects of intoxication and other behavioural issues
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other staff
• Ability to establish effective working relationship with contracting agencies and community resources

The Successful Incumbent Will Be Required To Complete/provide

• Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid First Aid certificate
• WHMIS
• The Salvation Army on-line certification for abuse prevention
• Clear internal abuse registry check
• Participate in mandatory yearly training

Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $30.60 to $31.77 with a maximum of $32.93.