Addictions Counsellor III

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled addiction and mental health professional as an Addiction Counselor III on the Assertive Community Treatment team (ACT). Reporting to the Care Manager, you will be part of a team providing assertive, client focused, culturally appropriate, community-based, recovery-oriented care to adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, addictions and houselessness. Clinical services are most often delivered through outreach services and targeted to those individuals whose illness presents a barrier to engagement in treatment. The AC III engages in assessment, treatment, and evaluation of care plans to clients with substance use disorders and related mental health presentations, providing team case management within the multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge of addiction and mental health disorders with experience providing treatment for these complex needs and be able to navigate the health system to ensure the coordination of services to best meet the client’s needs. This candidate will be able to multitask and effectively manage multiple priorities and demands with a large caseload. This candidate will have a good working knowledge of legislation regarding mental health care including the Alberta Mental Health Act and Community Treatment Orders (CTO). 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.

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.

Minimum of 3 years of relevant addiction and mental health experience, preferably in a community setting. Advanced working knowledge of the identification and treatment of mental illness and concurrent disorders, complex addiction, and chronic disease is required. Successful candidate must possess good critical thinking skills and have experience with risk assessment, crisis management, and the use of harm-reduction methods and evidenced based treatment. Experience working with vulnerable populations and knowledge of Edmonton inner-city resources is essential. Demonstrated ability to work well in a team and seek consultation when necessary. Ability to ambulate, climb stairs, and move quickly without limitations in a variety of environments. Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Two to three years of experience working with unhoused individuals is preferred. Experience working in an assertive community team environment and strong awareness of community resources is an asset. Working knowledge of Connect Care is an asset.