Addiction Support Worker (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Addiction Support Worker for our FolkStone-Northwest Territories team. The proposed start date for this position is November 28, 2023. This position requires BCGEU membership.

Participants who access these services have significant substance misuse issues, considerable involvement in the criminal justice system, and complex personal and social needs that require a heightened level of support, supervision, and specialized services. The Addiction Support Worker is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing one-to-one activities with the participant that are consistent with the goals identified in their service plans, address their immediate needs, support their efforts to make safer choices, and strengthen their life skills and protective factors; and facilitating a range of group treatment programming. 

Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Abbotsford, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are based on a Tuesday to Saturday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings and weekends,  of 35 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline, and at least one (1) year recent experience working in programs with individuals who are deemed to be high risk, and/or involved in the justice system, and involved in harmful substance use, and their families/caregivers.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable community services agency that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver high quality, innovative services to children, youth, adults, and families facing significant challenges in their lives. PLEA is an ally in reconciliation. The organization is committed to providing culturally safe programs and continuing to work towards breaking down the barriers that cause harm to Indigenous people and communities.

What You Will Do: 

• Work closely with the Services Coordinator and Family Caregivers to support the goals identified in each participant's service plan. Develop and implement appropriate plans, strategies and activities that will address their complex needs, strengthen their protective factors, and provide a sense of stability in the program.
  

• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist participants to achieve their individual goals, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, and develop new interests and connections.

• Implement interventions that address the complex personal, social, and healthcare needs of the participant and recognize the contextual dynamics they are experiencing. Facilitate group treatment programming, support the teacher-supervised educational program, and supervise a variety of group outings in the community.

• Provide opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable and encourage participants to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, and vocational skills. Include such community resources as an integral part of the participant's case management plan.

• Maintain on-going positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participate as part of the team responsible for improving the quality of life for the participant, and addressing their individual strengths, needs, abilities and preferences consistently.

• Teach life skills and community survival skills, provide emotional support and model acceptable behavior. Engage participants in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that build on their strengths, encourage new interests, involve them in their culture and strengthen their sense of identity, and success. Support participants toward integration and normative functioning in the community.

• Develop collaborative relationships with participants' families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.

• Respond to placement emergencies; recognize potential crises, analyze these situations accurately and implement strategies to deal with them, and inform the manager when such situations arise. Provide on call and duty coverage.

• Maintain necessary program participant and program reports and statistics. Ensure that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA's policies and procedures.

• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.

• Adhere to all policies and procedures established by PLEA and meet the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons served. Exercise the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with the philosophical approach and mandate of the program.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Excellent interpersonal communication, counselling, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.

• Excellent interpersonal communication, counselling, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, enjoys the company of people and can implement effective behavior management strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with participants and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage, and to be sensitive an understanding of their social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.

• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.

• Ability to facilitate a group and work through group processes, including managing conflict constructively.

• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team with other program staff, and with others in the community including professionals, collaterals, and families/caregivers, informal supports and community members; use good judgment, manage conflicts constructively, work independently and be accountable for results.

• Knowledge of theory, principles, and best practices with respect to providing
  addictions services based on the core principles of a harm reduction approach to participants who are at risk, their families, and communities.

• Good understanding of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies, the role of Youth and Adult Court, Child Welfare Legislation and policies including the Child, Family and Community Service Act; Foster Care and Residential Standards and applicable government legislation, regulations and accreditation standards.

• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.

• Demonstrated group facilitation skills for individuals who have complex needs and may be reluctant to engage.

• Work or volunteer experience in a residential care facility or foster home model program.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with databases.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period.

• Education and Training Fund*

• Physical Activity Fund*
  

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources.

• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.

• Employee Recognition Program (i.e., long service awards).
  

• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).

• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.
  
  *these benefits are available to employees who are eligible for PLEA's health and welfare benefits.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Use of personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5), and suitable driver's abstract.
• Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
• Our funding contracts require that successful applicants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023200ASW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.