INTRODUCTION:

De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre’s Integrated Program is seeking a Full-Time contract Indigenous Addictions Counsellor. The successful candidate will provide both group and one-on-one mental health and addiction counseling services to youth and adults that are wholistic, trauma-informed, and strengths based to vulnerable Indigenous community members accessing the Homeless & Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs in a variety of settings, including home visits. They will work closely with external partners involved in the Hub to serve DAHC patients and participants effectively and efficiently through traditional and cutting-edge approaches to service delivery. While staff are expected to operate from a harm reduction-informed perspective, this role does not include the provision of harm reduction supplies (e.g., needles, pipes, or other safer use materials).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of Historical Trauma and Intergenerational trauma of Indigenous Peoples.

· Experience working with and extensive knowledge of Indigenous Peoples language, culture, customs, and traditions.

· Knowledge of harm reduction strategies, referrals to detox, treatment planning, wellness & recovery planning, relapse prevention, pathways, anxiety & depression, coping skills & techniques.

· Ability to effectively manage disruptive behaviour and de-escalation in crisis situations.

· Experience working with and addressing addictions, concurrent disorders, and active substance users.

· Knowledge and ability to integrate wholistic-based and evidence-based practice into the planning and evaluation of client and program intervention from a trauma-informed lens.

· Ability to support clients non-judgmentally within the framework of harm reduction, while adhering to organizational and/or legal limitations on service delivery.

· Ability to complete intake, provide clinical assessments and interventions as needed,



develop treatment plans, referrals, and discharge.

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

· Consult with and provide information to staff regarding clients and assist with the development of care plans for complex clients.

· Participate in case conferences for client plans of care with external agencies and services where appropriate.

· Maintain clinical records and data compilation utilizing the Electronic Medical Record according to the requirements of the DAHC.

· Possess excellent time management, organization, and verbal & written communication skills

· Respect the rights, dignity, and feelings of others to create a safe and respectful work environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.

· Established self-care routine and supports.

· Other duties may be assigned by team lead and/or management.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS:

· Undergraduate degree in Social Work, Mental Health & Addictions, Psychology or Sociology, from a recognized university preferred. College Diploma and related experience in the field of Mental Health & Addictions will be considered.

· Minimum 2 to 5 years’ experience working with individuals with complex mental health and addictions.

· Additional trainings and certifications that support individuals with addictions are considered an asset.

· Ability to register with a regulatory body – i.e. OCSWSSW or CRPO

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 19 months

Pay: $65,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

- individuals with complex mental health, addictions: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Ability to register with a regulatory body (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Indigenous Addictions Counsellor (St. Catharines)
🏢 De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
📍 St. Catharines