Addiction Counselor – Problem Gambling and Behavioural Change

Addiction Counselor – Problem Gambling and Behavioural Change

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or other related discipline such as Nursing, or a Social Service Worker Diploma from a recognized college, with specific focus Problem Gambling and/or Addiction Studies.
• Current Registration with a college authorized to provide counselling under the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy.
• Prior experience in assessment, counselling and an understanding of issues facing individuals with problem gambling, behavioural addictions and/or substance abuse is required.
• Broad knowledge of addiction and mental health treatments and explanatory theories, homelessness, and community resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge in individual, family, and group counselling, and community development and networking.
• Understanding of principles of stages of change and harm reduction.
• Communication-written and oral, planning, leadership, interpersonal, negotiating, directing/motivating, organizing, and decision making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide education, consultation, crisis management, assessment, treatment planning, referral, advocacy, case management and community treatment as appropriate, to individuals that are living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and/or addiction issues.
• Provide education and consultation both within the agency and with community partners as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the individual and those in his/her circle of care to develop and implement a plan, and provide follow through/evaluation to ensure quality of life.
• Engage in community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner.
• Maintain a complete, accurate and comprehensive clinical record of each client contact.
• Report statistics about clinical activities using designated agency format as required.
• Complete monthly, annual and other reported documentation as required in a punctual and comprehensive manner.
• Participate on internal agency committees and/or outside community committees as appropriate.
• Attend and actively participate in any team and staff meetings, the Annual General Meeting, and periodically scheduled strategic planning, team building and agency events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in assessment and counselling specific problem gambling is an asset.
• Knowledge of current community mental health and addiction resources is an asset.
• Prior experience in individual, family and/or group therapy, managing clients with complex needs in varying stages of change preferred.