Rehabilitation Counsellor

* TERM JOB POSTING *

Position: REHABILITATION COUNSELLOR
Department: Indigenous-led Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic
Site: Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. (AHWC) in the Neeginan Centre
Address: 181 Higgins Avenue
Reports to: Director of RAAM
Status: 1.0 FTE
Hours of Operation: 11-7 weekdays; 9-4:30pm Saturdays
Union: Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals (MAHCP)
Salary: $$34.736 - $40.296/hour
Term Date: Coverage for Indefinite Leave

JOB OVERVIEW

The Rehabilitation Counsellor will provide the long-term case management, systems navigation, and counselling for visitors to the Indigenous-led RAAM Clinic who are no longer in crisis (e.g., mental health or psychosocial) but still in need of care. The focus is to provide intake and assessment, counselling, referrals, educational sessions, development of treatment plans and continuing care services for concerns related to the effects of addiction, alcohol and drug use.

Drawing from AHWC’s mission statement and values, and working as a member of a diverse, inter-professional team, this person will be a welcoming, kind, and compassionate front-line person for community members when they visit the Indigenous-led RAAM Clinic to access supports during their healing journey.

The Rehabilitation Counsellor should demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the histories, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous peoples, inclusive of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Communities and Nations, including an understanding of the importance of decolonizing healthcare systems and spaces.

EDUCATION

• Completion of a recognized degree or diploma from a University or Community College program in Social Services, or a related health discipline preferred
• Minimum six months working with individuals and families who are managing addiction
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as recognized by AHWC and Crisis Response Services may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of two years’ mental health experience at the para-professional level, providing support services to adults with addiction and mental illness required
• Basic familiarity of a range of addiction and mental illness presentations
• Basic knowledge Mental Health Programs and Services
• Familiarity with relevant aspects of the Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Act, and Child & Family Services Act
• Understanding of Trauma Informed Care
• Knowledge and experience in working with people with substance related concerns

SPECIAL TRAINING

• Mental Health First Aide and ASIST certificates or willingness to obtain
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training, preferred
• Computer skills including Internet and Microsoft Programs (Word, Outlook)
• Working knowledge of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), preferred
• Addiction related training is an asset

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Cognizant and respectful of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple demands, and prioritize duties
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with resources
• Proficient at case management
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills through clear communication and positive behavior within the Respectful Workplace Policy
• Adherence to all Workplace Safety and Health regulations and Safe Work practices
• Ability to prioritize tasks; excellent organizational skills
• Ability to respect and promote confidentiality

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Welcomes and supports all Indigenous - First Nation, Inuit, and Métis – and non-Indigenous community members entering AHWC / RAAM Clinic, including people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and persons who live with disabilities; sees to their immediate comfort
• Nurtures a judgement-free, shame-free environment, focused on harm-reduction and the journey of healing that the individual has defined for themselves
• Emphasizes culturally sensitive, culturally relevant, person-centered care
• Demonstrates active listening abilities, is coachable and responds positively to supervision
• Maintains key working relationships: Collaborates as required with withdrawal management services and addiction treatment agencies; Interfaces with Clinical Team Leads / RAAM Clinical Team Members, Inpatient and Community Mental Health Services, as well as external agencies/organizations, stakeholders, and general public
• Facilitates problem-solving techniques with the client, in consultation with RAAM team and other allied health professionals identified in care plan; Supports a Collaborative Care Model
• Documents: Engages in Intake / Registration Process with client; Documents in client file, all pertinent information in a clear and concise manner and in accordance with the required format, policies, and legal guidelines
• Educates patients on cognitive strategies for coping with cravings
• Gives practical guidance on relationships, housing, and finances
• Encourages patients to seek help from community resources (such as self- help groups and mental health services), and/or the Cultural Coordinator at the Indigenous-led RAAM Clinic
• Attends staff meetings as required
• Meets with supervisor as required
• Possesses knowledge of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, substance use, mental health/illness, racism, and other challenges faced by Indigenous populations in Winnipeg
• Completes other duties that may be assigned (be a ‘Helper’) when required as part of the RAAM Clinic team, not exceeding stated skills and capabilities

DECISION MAKING

• Ability to distinguish between circumstances in which decisions can be made independently and those where consultation is needed
• Ability to determine the best recommendations to make when approached for advice or resources
• Knows how to obtain evidence-based information necessary to make informed recommendations and referrals

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

• Days, evenings, nights, and weekend shifts
• Unexpected deadlines
• Some interruptions from internal and external sources
• Wide range of client-related and environmental responsibility (stocking, light lifting, transport tasks)
• Should have good coping skills and stress management

All positions are subject to Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry checks. Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine the knowledge, skill, and ability required for position.

AHWC is committed to equity and inclusion and is on an earnest journey to increase responsiveness to Indigenous peoples by promoting a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, those with personal and/or familial lived experience, and members of equity-seeking groups. Qualified applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their application.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: June 3, 2024 or when position is filled
Please submit cover letter, resume, and three work related references to:

Crystal at [email protected]