Under the guidance and supervision of Clinical Supervisor, Addictions, and the Manager of Mental Wellness and Addictions, the main focus of the Addiction Response Worker is to provide specialized counselling, education and support services to individuals, families and the community of Kahnawake by helping client understand and address substance abuse and related problems, including mental health issues, problem gambling, family dynamic impacts and lifestyle changes.
The Addictions Response Worker conducts screening, assessments, and provides specific addiction treatment options including referrals to internal/external treatment programs. Develops treatment plans and addresses behavioural issues to achieve short- and long-term goals of the individual. A key component of this role is ensuring that all treatment plans are grounded in trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and person-centered approaches, which reflect the values and mission of KSCS.
Through trauma sensitive approaches and a commitment to legal integrity, the Addictions Response Worker helps to foster an organizational culture that prioritizes trust, respect, and well-being, while upholding the organizations goals of compliance, equity, and creating a positive, resilient workplace for all.
- Conducts screenings, intakes and orientations with individual clients.
- Assesses and evaluates client strengths, weaknesses, problems and need for development of a treatment plan.
- Designs and arranges for treatment plans based on the assessments.
- Provides specific counselling to clients.
- Provides appropriate case management activities for specific cases.
- Intervenes in crisis situations.
- Provides client education to individuals and groups.
- Identifies needs which cannot be met internally and provides referral to appropriate resources.
- Provides effective reports and record keeping.
- Networks with other professionals.
Performs any other job-related duties as may be required by the immediate Supervisor.
- Team Work: Commonly requires a level of collaboration and cooperation to get work or projects complete.
- Advising: Frequently provides information that must be understood and explained.
- Training: Occasionally provides training to stakeholders or clients.
- Types of Schedule: Regular work week, occasional flex required.
- Stress Factor: High Stress.
- Deadlines: Some tight deadlines (unplanned).
- To provide services in a manner consistent with KSCS Mission Statement and Personnel Policy Manual.
- To provide professional, trustworthy and tactful support, counselling, crisis intervention to individuals, families, youth and the elderly of the Kahnawake community.
- To deal with the clients, other service providers and the court system in a respectful and diplomatic manner and with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
- To establish and maintain positive working relationships and work constructively with all community agencies, organizations and individuals dealing with substance abuse and concurrent disorders.
- To demonstrate as a positive role model in the community.
- To maintain confidentiality practices.
- To present self in an approachable and friendly manner as an ethical representative of a professional community organization.
- To establish and maintain professional working relationships.
- To participate in ongoing professional development activities.
- To maintain professional credentialing, certification and continuing education requirements on own initiative and in conjunction with organizational resources, when and where available.
- To implement related learning and professional development plans as discussed with Supervisor.
- Must be an active member of the Professional Order of Social Workers
- The Acquired Rights with one (1) to three (3) years related work experience
- Addictions Counseling Certification or other relevant counselling certification.
- Thorough knowledge of substance abuse, cause and effects, evidence-based models of treatment intervention and his/her application to diverse population.
- Knowledge of individual, family, group and crisis counselling methods.
- Knowledge of mental health issues, causes and treatment, including both psychological and pharmacological.
- Knowledge of the Kahnawake community, community resources and its community members and his/her challenges, problems and aspirations.
- Excellent conflict resolutions skills.
- Computer program knowledge (Word, Excel, etc.).
- Ability to protect themselves physically as well as emotionally.
- Ability to deal with life-threatening situations, including suicide prevention.
- Ability to deal with high stress situations.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are a requirement.
- Ability to travel inside and outside of the community.
- Ability to work flexible hours when required, evenings, weekends, etc.
- Lifestyle must reflect that of a positive role model.
- Knowledge of Kanien’keha.
- Experience in native communities.
- Addiction Counseling Certification with a recognized Addiction Certification Board.
