Therapeutic Addictions Counsellor
Job Title: Therapeutic Addictions Counsellor
Company: John Howard Society of Victoria
Job type: Permanent, Full time
Work hours: Mon – Fri, can vary between 7:30 and 20:00 (40 hours per week)
Work locations: In person, 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N3
Salary: $56,420.00 to $63,700.00 annual ( $31 - $35 per hour)
Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Employee assistance program, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, RRSP match
About the organization:
The John Howard Society of Victoria is a dynamic, innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.
What We Offer:
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy paid vacation, sick and personal time, health and dental plans, long-term disability, critical illness and RRSP
Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee committees, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
Impactful Work: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values
Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
Our Goals:
Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
Our Values:
Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) – Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
Team Values (How we work together) – Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency
About the Role:
Reporting to the Guthrie Therapeutic Community (GTC) Program Manager, the Addictions Counsellors will play a vital role in guiding and supporting residents in the Therapeutic Community Program. The Addiction Counsellor is responsible for promoting positive life skills and supporting the reduction of the negative impact of alcohol and drug abuse, promote "Right Living" concepts, peer-led activities, and accountability among residents. The Addictions Counsellors will provide group and individual support, as well as participate in case planning with demonstrated skills and understanding in the elements and practices of a traditional therapeutic community prescribed by Dr. G Deleon, 'The Therapeutic Community, Theory Model and Method
Job Responsibilities:
Guide and support residents in the Therapeutic Community Program
Provide person centered, recovery based and culturally appropriate assessments, treatments, case management, crisis intervention, education, and referral services to the residents
Promote "Right Living" concepts, peer-led activities, and accountability among residents
Provide group and individual support to residents
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care for residents
Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of resident progress and treatment interventions
Facilitate psychoeducational groups and therapeutic activities related to addiction recovery
Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed
Enforce policies and procedures to ensure high quality of care for residents and physical and mental safety of residents and staff
Stay updated on current research, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in addiction treatment techniques
Maintain a caseload which includes managing case file work and writing resident reports (i.e., termination/discharge, incident, or referral)
Maintain all case notes and updates as per JHSV and BC Corrections requirements
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as Human Services or Social Services, counselling, or relevant discipline or Certificate in addictions counselling by a recognized body
Master's Degree in a related field such as Human Services or Social Services, counselling, or relevant discipline preferred
A combination of education and experience will be considered
Demonstrated Skills and understanding in the elements and practices of a traditional therapeutic community prescribed by Dr. G Deleon, 'The Therapeutic Community, Theory Model and Method
Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a therapeutic community or residential addictions treatment facility
Minimum of 1 year of experience facilitating programs aimed at treatment and sustained recovery for addiction
Skills and Abilities:
Understanding of Addiction and Recovery: Strong knowledge of addiction theories, recovery processes, evidence-based treatment techniques, therapeutic community principles and peer support models
Assessment and Treatment Planning: Ability to conduct culturally appropriate assessments and develop effective, individualized treatment plans
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with residents and documentation
Group Facilitation: Experience in leading group sessions and engaging residents in discussions
Crisis Intervention: Skills in crisis management and de-escalation techniques to support residents in distress
Case Management: Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads and maintain accurate documentation
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care
Passion: Someone with a passion for and interest in working with vulnerable populations
Competencies:
Empathy and Compassion: Ability to understand and share the feelings of residents, providing support without judgment
Cultural Competence: Awareness and sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds and the ability to tailor support accordingly
Ethical Practice: Adherence to professional ethical guidelines, maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust approaches based on resident needs and changing circumstances
Accountability: Commitment to promoting accountability among residents and in personal practice
Continuous Learning: Engagement with current research and best practices in addiction treatment
Personal Characteristics:
Passion for Helping Others: Genuine interest in working with vulnerable populations and making a positive impact on their lives
Resilience: Ability to cope with challenging situations and maintain a positive outlook
Patience: Capacity to remain calm and supportive, especially during difficult moments
Motivational: Ability to inspire and encourage residents in their recovery journey
Integrity: Strong moral principles and commitment to ethical conduct in all interactions
Team Player: Willingness to collaborate and contribute to a supportive team environment
Work Expectations:
This job description provides an overview of the duties and responsibilities for this role but does not list every task within it; all tasks and job requirements will be within the framework and context of this job overview.
Hours of work will be 35 hours per week, Mon to Fri and can vary between 7:30 and 20:00 on any day during the week. Most tasks for this position are completed during the workweek, however occasional evening, weekend, and Statutory holiday work may be required. Occasional travel to Victoria will be required.
Diversity and Inclusion at JHS Victoria:
At the John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We warmly welcome candidates who are racialized persons or persons of color, Indigenous Peoples, women, individuals with disabilities, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and anyone who brings unique perspectives and ideas to the table.
We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodations during your interview, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to help!
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application through our portal. We’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, so don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!