Preference will be given to male candidates

NATURE AND SCOPE The Counsellor functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary care team to provide services that promote wellness while empowering individuals to achieve their highest level of functioning. In delivering these services, the Counsellor utilizes a case management approach, consulting with their clinical team and other supporting agencies. The Counsellor is required to provide coordination in the areas of case management, case planning, and implementation of programming.

The Counsellor provides support to program offerings including (but not limited to): Detox, Residential, and Continuing Care Programs.

The Counsellors main job is to assist clients along the continuum of care from admission to Continuing Care. Counsellors at Thorpe provide one-on-one therapy and group processes that contribute insightful, practical and meaningful information to the development of treatment plans. Every counsellor possesses the ability to offer trauma informed care and culturally responsive counselling.

Each Counsellor carries a caseload and provides clinical treatment in the form of, but not limited to, individual, family and group counselling daily. As a member of the treatment team, the Counsellor meets regularly in collaborative fashion with the rest of the team to discuss their client’s progress. The counsellor works in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team to develop a holistic treatment process and plan.

A Counsellor must possess foundational knowledge of concurrent disorders, process addiction and a thorough understanding of substance use disorder and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

- Meet with clients within 24 hours of counsellor assignment to establish therapeutic rapport.
- Complete a biopsychosocial assessment within one week of being medically cleared.
- Develop and adapt individualized treatment plans based on client assessments, presenting issues, and unique needs.
- Utilize an interdisciplinary approach and explore all available resources to maximize the effectiveness of client care.
- Provide a range of counselling and education services, including individual, group, and family therapy.
- Deliver relapse prevention, education, and ongoing support to clients.




- Maintain regular contact with clients and families to support engagement, monitor progress, and address concerns.
- Assist with referrals, interventions, and coordination of case management, case planning, and program implementation.
- Support clients in the development of problem-solving, coping, and conflict resolution skills.
- Address addictive behaviours, concurrent disorders, trauma, grief, and other behavioural or mental health concerns.
- Assess suicidality and risk of harm to self or others.
- Maintain accurate records, case-notes, and client-related documentation according to accepted practices and policies.
- Advocate for clients and intervene in crisis or emergency situations.
- Assist with planning and implementation of TRC program enhancements.
- Provide ongoing evaluation and revision of client progress and treatment goals.
- Deliver services in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to practicum students or junior staff as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

- A Bachelor’s degree (or working towards a Bachelor’s degree) or master’s degree in psychology, Counselling or Social Work; one to three years’ experience in Addiction Counselling is an asset. A diploma in Addiction Counselling may be considered, depending on the individual candidate’s skills and other competencies.
- Registered (or working towards registration) in a regulated mental health/addiction profession is an asset.
- Certification (or working towards certification) in MI, CBT and DBT .
- Sound knowledge of various therapeutic addiction counselling theories and practices.
- Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with a wide range of individuals consisting of diverse ages and cultures, in potentially volatile and emotionally charged situations.
- Ability to work well under pressure,



individually and as part of a team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to assist clients and family members with empathy, respecting their confidentiality and privacy in a respectful manner.
- Solid moral and ethical reasoning, along with a commitment to privacy.
- High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability.
- Must provide a valid driver’s license and a current driver’s abstract upon hire.
- Will be required to obtain a Criminal record Check with Vulnerable sector check upon hiring and every 2 years of employment.
- All employees are required to complete Naloxone training, along with other mandatory trainings, within their first three months of employment

BENEFITS- Full Time /Part Time (24 hours per week minimum) Paid vacation based on standard working hours

Paid Sick Leave in accordance with organizational policy

11 Stat holidays/ 1 Floating Holiday

Dental Care

Long Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

RRSP Match

Extended Health Care

Training and continuing education opportunities

Flex Spending Account

STANDARD SCHEDULE

Monday to Friday 0800 – 1630

Includes a rotational weekend schedule and on- call responsibilities as required

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Thorpe Recovery Centre works to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of clients, staff, students and volunteers. All employees must adhere to current Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, all applicable regulations, licensing bodies requirements, standards as well as organizational health and safety requirements and procedures.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All candidates must adhere to the standards and policies laid out in the Residential Addiction Treatment Services – Mental Health Services Protection Regulation and the Mental Health Services Protection Act - MHSPA (current as of December 15, 2022).

📌 Counsellor – Residential Addiction Treatment (Blackfoot)
🏢 Thorpe Recovery Centre
📍 Blackfoot