Job Title:                                              Intake Counsellor

Classification:                                     . 7FTE

Grid Level & Union:                             11 to 12 Phase-In; HSA

Compensation:                                    $40.53/hr. & full extended benefits, as per the guidelines of the HSP Collective Agreement.

Hours of work:                                    Shifts will vary, depending on the needs of the Agency. Will need to be available 12-8:30 & 8:30-5.

Reports to:                                          Supervisor of Clinical Services

Posting Date:                                      July 13, 2023

Closing Date:                                      September 30, 2023

Position Start Date:                             October 2023

Position End Date:                              December 31, 2024

Job Summary

Working within the context of a client centered care model, collaboratively as a member of the counselling team and in accordance with the vision/values of Alouette Addiction Services, the Intake Counsellor provides first contact and assessment support for clients coming in for counseling support for issues related to Substance Use or being Substance Affected. The Intake Counsellor is responsible for provision of consultation, assessment, referral, and transitional case management transitioning to counselors for individuals with a Substance Use Issue or who are Substance Affected.

These services will be provided in a variety of modalities including individual and group counselling. The Intake Counsellor will also liaise and consult with other community services including detox, residential treatment, and other specialized Ministries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide specific detailed information to callers about counselling services, groups, other agency services and community resources.
2. Screen for high-risk callers who may require immediate service.
3. Complete initial and/or comprehensive assessment using therapeutically sound and approved clinical instruments.
4. Respond to risk indicators that indicate a need for clinical or legal interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of an individual or others.
5. Distribute cases to counsellors and/or programs.
6. Uses client database to create data files on callers requesting service.  
7. Maintains tables and data integrity of the client database and producing reports.
8. Participates in regular quality assurance reviews, supervision and meetings as required.
9. Clinical Participation in Alcohol and Drug Team Practices, Program Planning and Development:
• Liaise with collateral service providers and the community regarding substance use/misuse concerns.
• Participate as a member of the clinical team in program policy and development.
• Contribute leadership, knowledge and service to the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Record Keeping
• Perform case file documentation in accordance with governance policy and procedures.
• Provide internal, community and regional training/education in related subjects.
• Attend specific training events as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree in a health-related discipline from an approved post-secondary school, plus three years of recent related experience. Experience must be directly related to providing counselling/treatment of substance misuse.

A valid BC Driver’s License is required.

Clean Criminal Record Check.

Full series of Covid 19 vaccinations, that have been approved by the World Health Organization. (WHO)

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and skill working with individuals who are chemically dependent and those who care for them.
• Excellence in counselling skills, clinical assessment skills and report writing.
• Ability to apply all ranges of treatment approaches for chemical dependency from abstinence to harm reduction.
• Knowledge of community health agencies and other available services.
• Working knowledge of client centered care.
• Knowledge of facilitation, mediation, conflict resolution techniques and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to independently plan, organize and prioritize workload and adapt to a changing caseload.
• Ability to perform a range of needs assessments with both individual and groups.
• Ability to counsel a variety of group configurations.