Withdrawal Management Counsellor

The Withdrawal Management Counsellor is responsible for providing direct clinical care to clients. As 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, every position contributes to the spiritual and social services mission of The Salvation Army, ensuring that their work and interactions with clients and coworkers is done in a manner befitting Christian standards, attitudes, principles and goals.

Accountabilities:

1.  General

• To complete all duties in accordance with the Standards and Policies & Procedures of The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope and Ontario Withdrawal Management Standards
• Participate in regular staff meetings to review operational effectiveness, changes in policies and procedures, and in-service training
• As required and as applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to the Withdrawal Management Program Manager
• Perform all necessary clerical duties, data entry, and report writing
• Answer the phone and relay messages as required
• Participate in Quality Assurance Program as requested by Manager
• Observe, record, assess and manage the behavior of residents who are intoxicated, in the state of withdrawal, and in crisis
• Monitor residents and record significant changes in their level of functioning
• Provide physical care/procedures as outlined in policy and procedures or directed by Manager
• Document admission and discharge data, client service plans and progress toward goals, and any other significant information relating to quality care
• Formulate a comprehensive client service plan (including discharge) in collaboration with the client
• Educate residents about the effects of chemical dependence and substance use, along with the process of recovery
• Provide emotional support and information regarding treatment options, and make appropriate referrals
• Provide clients with individualized assessments as outlined in the Admission and Discharge and Assessment tools provided by the Ontario Substance Abuse Bureau
• Communicate client response to procedures and activities, and report any changes or adverse effects to the Manager
• Individual and group counseling and facilitation
• Crisis intervention
• Aftercare support and the provision of support, counseling and education to families and other client supports
• Identify and refer all medical emergencies to the Emergency Department when necessary
• Responsible for the contents, upkeep and tidiness of the supply room – including toiletries, linen/towels, personal hygiene,
• Responsible to ensure that clients have adequate supplies of personal items, including clothing
• Responsible for helping clients to store, retrieve and secure their belongings throughout their stay.
• Responsible to follow through on all safety and security procedures (including fire) as outlined in the policy and procedures manual and report unsafe conditions to the Manager
• All shifts will make regular rounds throughout the floor, including walking through the dormitory, bathrooms and lounges
• Perform the routine and emergent household tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment
• Advise the Manager of equipment problems or programming needs
• Maintain current knowledge in infection control procedure
• To promote the mission, policies, and objectives of The Salvation Army
• To maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope
• To treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution
• To act in the best interest of the employer at all times

 2. Health and Safety

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Work closely with security, identifying any safety and security needs
• Responsible to work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Acts and Regulations
• Responsible to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer
• Responsible to report workplace hazards and dangers
• Responsible to work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment
• Responsible to report workplace injuries or illness

 Perform other position related duties as required.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

Minimum two-year Community College or University Degree in a Health or Social Service Program, with an addiction concentration, or complimented by other recognized Addiction Studies

• Minimum one year experience (within the last five years) within the field of addictions Withdrawal Management experience is required
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certificate and Crisis Intervention training
• Demonstrated observation, assessment, communication and effective withdrawal management skills
• Computer skills specifically MS Office with an understanding of data collection and the Catalyst database

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Current and demonstrated knowledge in:
  • fundamental concepts and theories of addiction and mental health
  • pharmacology relevant to withdrawal management
  • relapse prevention; harm reduction and stages of change model
• Current experience and demonstrated skills in the following areas:
  • Interviewing and counseling in individual and group therapy with substance abuse and dual disorder clients
  • Utilizing standardized admission and discharge tools for assessment
• Extensive knowledge of the community agencies and self-help groups that provide support to clients struggling with substance use and addiction
• Good knowledge of critical physical, psychological, and social phases of alcoholism and drug addiction, and of withdrawal, including progression, stages, and symptoms

 Skills and Capabilities:

• Demonstrated ability to deal with people with substance use disorders in a supportive, non-judgmental manner, on both a one-on-one basis and as part of a team,
• Demonstrated ability to maintain successful working relationships; and to deal with people in a pleasant, professional, responsible, and reassuring manner.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

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

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.

Interested applicants must respond in writing with a cover letter and resume.