POSITION SUMMARY The Addictions Social Service Worker provides frontline support, counselling, case management, and prevention services to individuals, families, and community members experiencing substance use and addiction-related challenges.

The role is grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and culturally safe First Nations wellness approaches, supporting healing through both Western and traditional Indigenous practices.

The worker supports clients through assessment, intervention, relapse prevention, referral, and ongoing recovery planning while collaborating with community partners, Elders, and health professionals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment and Intake

- Conduct intake assessments for clients experiencing substance use concerns
- Complete biopsychosocial and addiction-related assessments
- Identify risk factors including overdose risk, withdrawal, mental health concerns, and social determinants of health
- Determine level of care needed (prevention, outpatient support, treatment referral, crisis intervention)

Counselling and Support

- Provide individual and group counselling using trauma-informed approaches
- Support clients in developing coping strategies, relapse prevention plans, and recovery goals
- Use motivational interviewing and strengths-based approaches
- Support families affected by addiction through education and counselling

Case Management

- Develop and monitor individualized care and recovery plans
- Coordinate referrals to detox, treatment centres, mental health services, housing supports, and medical care
- Advocate for clients within health, social, and justice systems
- Maintain ongoing follow-up and support continuity of care

Harm Reduction Services

- Provide education on safer substance use practices
- Distribute harm reduction supplies (e.g.,



naloxone kits where applicable)
- Educate on overdose prevention and response
- Support clients who are not ready for abstinence-based treatment

Cultural and Traditional Healing Integration

- Integrate First Nations cultural teachings, land-based healing, and ceremony into care planning when requested
- Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and traditional healers
- Support cultural identity as a protective factor in recovery
- Respect and promote Two-Eyed Seeing approaches (Western + Indigenous healing systems)

Crisis Intervention

- Respond to addiction-related crises (withdrawal, overdose risk, relapse, mental health distress)
- Provide immediate support and stabilization
- Coordinate emergency medical or mental health services when required
- Participate in safety planning for high-risk clients

Prevention and Community Outreach

- Deliver addiction prevention education to youth and community groups
- Participate in community wellness events and outreach programs
- Develop awareness campaigns on substance use and mental health
- Support early intervention initiatives

Follow up and After Care · Support aftercare for clients returning from treatment. Relapse prevention and crisis intervention.

· Complete regular follow ups for clients well being

Documentation and Reporting

- Maintain accurate and confidential client records
- Document assessments, interventions, referrals, and outcomes




- Prepare reports for program evaluation and funding requirements
- Ensure compliance with privacy legislation and organizational policies

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education

- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Addiction Counselling, Psychology, or related field
- Certification in addictions counselling (preferred or in progress)

Experience

- Experience working in addictions, mental health, or community social services
- Experience working with First Nations or Indigenous communities (robust asset)
- Experience in case management and crisis intervention

Knowledge

- Substance use disorders and recovery models
- Harm reduction principles
- Trauma-informed care practices
- Intergenerational trauma and Indigenous social determinants of health
- Mental health co-occurring disorders
- NNADAP or similar addiction program frameworks (asset)

Skills

- Strong counselling and communication skills
- Ability to build trust and rapport with clients
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
- Case management and organizational skills
- Cultural humility and reflective practice

CULTURAL SAFETY COMMITTMENT This role is grounded in First Nations wellness perspectives, emphasizing:

- Holistic healing (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual)
- Connection to land, language, and culture
- Respect for Elders and traditional knowledge
- Trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches
- Community-led definitions of wellness and recovery

Pay: $34.52-$48.77 per hour Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits

- Company events
- Company pension
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care

Education:
- DCS / DEC (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Addictions Social Service Worker (Notre-Dame-du-Nord)
🏢 Timiskaming First Nation
📍 Notre-Dame-du-Nord