Addictions Case Worker

The Caseworker provides supervision and support for clients of the Halifax Centre of Hope as required by The Salvation Army and funding contract policies and procedures.  The Caseworker is part of the Case Management Team for the Anchorage Recovery Program and reports to Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor

Casework Accountabilities and Client Support:

• Provide case management services for residents of the Halifax Centre of Hope.
• Work with residents to create effective plans to address issues
• Builds and maintains a therapeutic milieu with workers and residents.
• Assist residents with applications to addiction recovery programs and provide referrals to community resources.
• Conduct intakes with clients of the Anchorage Recovery program.
• Facilitate group counselling sessions in an ethical and professional manner
• Performs intake and discharge procedures for clients of the Anchorage Recovery Program.
• Intervenes in crisis situations and provides relapse prevention strategies to aftercare clients of the Anchorage Recovery Program.
• Understanding and implementation of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing modalities

Case Management:

• Monitor the environment and clients/residents to ensure safety and security; completes regular client/resident status checks and room searches as required for residents of the Anchorage Recovery Program. Ensures that all required documentation of searches/checks is completed as required.
• Completes urinalysis with clients of the Anchorage Recovery Program as required
• Assist the Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor in developing and coordinating the delivery of designated programs as required.
• Intervene in crisis situations, provide emotional support and advocacy as required for clients of the Anchorage Recovery Program.
• Perform other position related duties as assigned by the Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor.

Communication and Reporting:

• Establish, compile, and maintain proper records and files as required, writes progress and in-depth reports and provides information on the outcomes of the programs and the progress of each client/resident.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Maintain and update all appropriate documentation and reports related to clients/residents.
• Maintain statistical information relevant to the evaluation of service provisions and provide direct supervisor with other relevant data as required by the funder and The Salvation Army.
• Provides statistical and evaluative information to the Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor.
• Works in collaboration with the Anchorage team and staff of the Halifax Centre of Hope

Community Networking and Partnerships:

• Assists clients/residents by providing support, networking, and other direct services.
• Assists clients/residents with applications to addiction recovery programs and provide referrals to community resources.
• Broad knowledge of addictions treatments and explanatory theories, homelessness, mental health, and community resources.
• Attend and facilitate case conferences with the case management team.
• Liaise with other agencies and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate.

Other Duties:

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance reviews/evaluations as required.

Health & Safety:

• The incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate injury or illness due to:
  • Physical attacks by others (i.e. being attacked by a client/resident)
  • Exposure to infectious diseases
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Sharp Objects (i.e. needle sticks)
  • Other dangerous situations

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils:

    Internal:

• Case Management Team
• Leadership Team
• Inter-Disciplinary Team
• Residents
• Staff

External:

• Ministry of Corrections and Public Safety
• Drug Treatment Court
• Housing Corporation
• Housing Authority
• NSHA

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to Anchorage Recovery Program Supervisor

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• TSA owned computer hardware and software

Working Conditions:

• Majority of work will take place with a shelter environment.
• The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:
  • Exposure to dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste
  • Exposure to drugs and alcohol
  • Noise
  • Dealing with angry and abusive people
  • Verbal abuse
  • Odors

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a University Degree- in a relevant field of study (Psychology/Social Work)
• Must possess or be willing to obtain CCAC (Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor) upon hire.
• A minimum of 2 years of case management experience with individuals with substance use disorder.
• A different combination of education and experience might be considered
• Current First Aid/CPR
• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Non-violent crisis intervention training (NVCI)

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of issues facing persons experiencing housing crisis, various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the families served.
• In depth knowledge and experience utilizing therapeutic modalities with individuals with substance use disorder
• Knowledge and sound understanding of the Mental Health and Addictions support systems available to individuals in the region.
• Solid background of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Patience and ability to de-escalate situations
• Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback
• Ability to problem solve and make independent decisions within established framework while understanding the impact decisions will have on programming as well as programs around them
• Ability and willingness to respect, promote, and support the mission, vision, and values of TSA and develop an understanding of the purpose of the Salvation Army in Canada and its implication as related to position responsibilities
• Strong professional writing skills
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal, motivational, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Attentive listening skills for the purpose of supervision, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to deal with internal and external contacts at all levels of the organization in a professional manner.
• Ability to develop and maintain a team environment; work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
• Demonstrates experience with Microsoft Office, internet, and typing
• Understands the dynamics of resident/client behaviour with the ability to assess needs and risks
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of and empathy toward cultural differences
• Has skill in understanding the use of authority in supervision and effective intervention in crisis situations.
• Good interpersonal skills and attentive listening skills.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.  The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry is required.

Interested applicants must respond in writing by September 1st, 2024 to:

Hiring Committee:

e-mail: Christina.Pyrek@salvationarmy.ca

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS