Addictions Counsellor III

This position is part of the Overdose Prevention Site providing harm reduction and supervised consumption services, based in Lethbridge. The site is currently located outside of the Lethbridge shelter. These services are part of a range of evidence-based services that support prevention, harm reduction and treatment for Albertans living with substance use challenges. The Overdose Prevention Site provides a place where people can use drugs in a monitored, hygienic environment to reduce harm from substance use while offering wrap-around services such as counselling and referrals to services such as housing and treatment (e.g., opioid agonist therapy, detox, income support). The Addictions Counselor III works as a key member of the multidisciplinary team. The AC collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to deliver patient centered, trauma informed care, practicing within the harm reduction philosophy. The goal of the Overdose Prevention Site is to provide patient-centered, evidence based, holistic care to patients who are socially vulnerable and/or dealing with problematic substance use. By using a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, the team strives to support at risk patients who want to improve their social determinants of health. The role includes providing comprehensive assessments, delivery of harm reduction supplies, patient education, take home naloxone kit distribution and other education and support. The AC also works collaboratively with other members of the multidisciplinary team, including providing consultation support for other staff caring for patients accessing supervised consumption services. The AC performs detailed initial assessments, interventions and treatments, counsel’s patient through recovery, and support the patients care team in comprehensive care and discharge planning.

As an Addiction Counsellor III, you will provide quality, client focused, recovery based and culturally appropriate assessment, treatment, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for clients and their families; as well as community stabilization services. You will develop and implement treatment plans and provide a range of interventions which offer least intrusive and most appropriate services to clients and their families. You will also monitor and evaluate client progress and achievement of recovery goals and adapt treatment as needed. As an Addiction Counsellor III, you will depend on your excellent relationship building skills with clients, families, government staff and colleagues.

Bachelor's degree in Addictions or a combination of a bachelor's degree in a related field with course work in addictions. A related degree combined with a diploma related to addictions, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Individuals eligible for registration under the Health Professions Act (Alberta) must maintain active registration. Individuals may require authorization/permission under regulation to perform restricted psychosocial interventions and/or restricted activities.

This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

Two years’ experience working with inner city/vulnerable populations. Experience working within a harm reduction framework. Demonstrated proficiency in the assessment of patients with substance use disorder. Knowledge of screening tools used for assessments of substance use and treatments. Non-violent crisis intervention. First Aid.