Withdrawal Management Counsellor

OVERVIEW

The Withdrawal Management Service (WMS) is a community-based, facility dedicated to supporting people who use substances and experiencing withdrawal from substances. WMS has a Male identified unit with a capacity of 30 beds and a female identified unit with a capacity of 16 beds. WMS provides a safe supportive setting that is trauma-informed and gender-transformative for clients who often experience a range of mental health and/or medical issues. As a member of the Toronto East Health Partners network, these services are essential to the continuum of care for our community members living with substance use and mental health concerns.

The ideal candidate is committed to providing high quality, evidence-based care in a fast paced and developing clinical environment where roles and responsibilities are continually evolving to better meet the needs of our clients. The Withdrawal Management Counsellor will work as a member of an inter-professional team comprised of Social Workers (SWs), Counsellors, Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to support overall safety, health and wellbeing of WMS clients.

This position is required to work 24 hours weekly and will be expected to work across a range of shifts, including days, evenings, weekends and overnights.

EDUCATION

• Accredited College diploma in either Human Resources Counsellor or Social Services Worker required.
• International Certified Alcoholism and Drug Counsellor (ICADC) certificate is an asset.
• Baccalaureate Degree in a related field (Social Services or Psychology) preferred.
• Certification in addiction counselling an asset.
• First Aid/CPR certification required.
• Completion of specialized training/course in supporting individuals who are substance using/dependent.
• Additional training in harm reduction, recovery, mental health, and various therapeutic modalities such as motivational interviewing or crisis prevention/management strong assets.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one (1) year of recent relevant experience working with adults living with substance use/dependency, mental health challenges, and concurrent disorders in a community or hospital-based setting.
• Proven skills and experience in conducting person-centred biopsychosocial assessments and developing care plans with individuals experiencing challenges with substance use/dependency and/or mental health challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed manner using well developed leadership, critical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to evaluate and respond to emerging concerns related client safety and well being.
• Experience with preventing and responding to crisis.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative person and family centred care.
• Training, knowledge and experience in anti-oppressive, gender transformative approaches to care/treatment.
• Demonstrated competency and experience working with diverse communities using a health equity lens.
• Knowledge and experience applying conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge and experience working with adults with histories of trauma, abuse, self-harm and/or suicidal behaviour.
• Knowledge of adult mental health and substance use/addiction resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaboratively and effectively in an interprofessional team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing quality improvement and excellence in care.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, accountability and positive attitude.
• Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications.
• Excellent work and attendance record required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of legislation that guides mental health and addition nursing practice including the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act.
• All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) [formerly Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH)] agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
• All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
• All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and practices.