Job Description

Job Summary:

The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor works within a multi-disciplinary team to provide prevention, assessment, referral, clinical counselling and follow up services to individuals and family members affected by mental health and substance use issues, more specifically individuals who identify as Indigenous.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor provides counselling and support to individuals and families experiencing mental health and addictions. Specifically, engaging the Indigenous population in the North Okanagan in culturally competent services. This may include confidential individual, family or group counselling about the causes and effect mental health and addictions, support for families and/or referrals for additional treatment. The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will also provide education to individuals and groups in the community with a focus on mental health and addictions related topics such as suicide prevention, substance use, anxiety and depression, and other related topics. The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will be familiar with other services and resources in the North Okanagan community and work closely with other agencies to provide information and support when needed. The Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor also facilitates Wellbriety using Indigenous cultural techniques. The North Okanagan Friendship Center Society (NOFCS) seeks an Indigenous person for this position.

1. Provide mental health and addictions counselling and support to individuals, families and groups in the community. Answer phone calls and inquiries concerning available programs and services.

• Provide mental health and counselling regarding the cause, symptoms and prevention strategies or various mental health diagnoses
• Provide counselling regarding the use and effects of alcohol and drug
• Prepare needs and risk assessments.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues.
• Provide outreach counselling in the community.
• Accept and make referrals to outside agencies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals.
• Maintain a management record system to document all client encounters in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and facilitate education workshops on mental health and addiction related topics in the community and via webinars.
• Prepare funding proposals for mental health and addiction programs and initiatives, as needed and when there is a viable opportunity.
• Collaborate with the office support staff who functions as a communication coordinator to develop promotional materials and information for health promotion initiatives.
• Attend and participate in community and organizational committees.
• Record and maintain statistics of number of clients counselled and activities participated in and preparation of quarterly reports to the funding partner as per their guidelines.

2. Provide Treatment Referrals

• Assist individuals to identify their need for treatment programs.
• Be aware of and liaise with treatment programs.
• Assist clients to meet all requirements.
• Assess funding for treatment programs.
• Liaise with community agencies and supports on behalf of clients.
• Complete treatment centre referrals.
• Complete Admission and Discharge Criteria and Assessment Tools.
• Arrange transportation for clients to and from treatment centres.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs.
• Understand the needs of clients so that best services and supports can be sourced.

3. Prepare and Facilitate Mental Health and Addictions Programs

• Prepare proposals for program funding, as needed.
• Develop and facilitate Mental Health and Addictions related group counselling such as Structured Relapse Prevention, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Wellbriety. Oversee and supervise other program areas such as Mother’s for Recovery group provide support and information as needed, and the Perinatal Substance Abuse Outreach program and the Men’s Wellness Wellbriety group.
• Assist where appropriate with the Father’s Support Program.
• Conduct a Needs Assessment/SWOT Analysis for proposed programs.
• Collaborate with community partners with developing programs.
• Prepare program evaluations and analyze results with a view to continued learning and improvement.

Required languages: English

Education level: Registered Social Worker

Required skills: Experience working with people struggling with mental health and addiction problems. Practice from a harm reduction philosophy. Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addiictions interventions, practice methods and professional skills. Knowledge of community resources, treatment centres, social service networks and organizations. Knowledge of funding agencies available to assist clients in assessing needed support services and community resources. Working knowledge of computer software (email, internet) and Microsoft Office applications {Work, Outlook) and a management record system.

Additional skills / Assets: Valid BC Driver's Licence and use of own vehicle for NOFCS business Must Provide a Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector screening. Preference to those who identify as Indigenous.

Closest intersection: 2904 29 Ave, Vernon, BC