Addiction Counsellor Team Lead

Job Summary:

As the Addictions Program Team Lead, you will assume a leadership role in overseeing all aspects of the program aimed at supporting individuals struggling with addictions and substance misuse. WBWS is committed to providing comprehensive services, including all aspects of residential addiction treatment, clinical supports, housing support, healthcare access, and life skills training, to encourage hope, belonging meaning and trust and empower them on their healing journey. Your responsibilities will include staff supervision and planning, licensing and regulation compliance, program development, budget management, and community engagement. Strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of Indigenous culture, healing and the intergenerational impacts of colonization, existing addiction services, progressive outlooks and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals is essential.

Leadership and Team Management:

1. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the MATC program, ensuring adherence to program guidelines, policies, accreditation and funding requirements.
2. Provide effective leadership and direction to the Tawâw team, consisting of case managers, social workers, and support staff.
3. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture focused on delivering compassionate, and accountable care and support to clients.
4. Conduct regular team meetings to review caseloads, discuss client progress, and provide guidance on best practices in client care.
5. Support the professional development of team members through training, coaching, and mentorship.
6. Supervise all staff activities on a daily basis.
7. Effectively plan and develop and manage staff schedule, presenting schedule for approval to the Administrative Manager and/or Executive Director prior to posting.
8. Bring all staffing concerns to the attention of the Health Director/Administrative Manager and Executive Director.
9. Review communication logs, client files and reporting to ensure that all staff communications are thorough, clear and concise.
10. Ensure staff adhere to agency policies and procedures.
11. Evaluate & be involved in corrective measures w/ staff as needed.
12. Assist in professional development planning & certification of clinical staff team.
13. Ensure that the facility and program is adequately staffed and make recommendations to the Executive Director of extending or decreasing positions.
14. Travel within our area to support other WBWS programs.
15. Travel to deliver WBWS programming as needed.

Program Coordination and Administration:

1. Become and remain familiar with client files and complete assessment procedures as directed.
2. Ensure that all clients are provided and included in the development of post treatment recovery plans.
3. Ensure that all NNADAP workers are included in the planning of aftercare/recovery plans and that they are provided copies of such documents unless otherwise requested by the clients.
4. Assess client needs and make recommendations to Counsellors on client case plans.
5. Complete all required reporting on time.
6. Assist in the development and management of the program budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources and adherence to funding requirements.
7. Monitor program expenses, identifying opportunities for cost savings, revenue generation, or resource reallocation to maximize program impact.
8. Prepare grant proposals, funding applications, and financial reports as required by funders, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
9. Conduct regular safety assessments of the facility and address any hazards or concerns promptly.
10. Maintain accurate and confidential client records through electronic database (AMIS, AOS) and hard copy file, documenting assessments, care plans, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with organizational standards.
11. Ensure staff are trained and proficiently using AMIS/AOS and hard copy file system.
12. Liaise with Clinical Supervisor/ Nursing staff, Housing Support Team and Executive Director on client case plans.
13. Provide up to date addictions information to clients.
14. Provide group, family and individual counselling as required.
15. Facilitate group lectures and other activities.
16. Document client’s special needs (suicide, medical problems, core issues, etc.).
17. Ensure clients are following facility rules; document and report any infractions.
18. Address client concerns in an efficient manner and forward these concerns to the Executive Director when appropriate.
19. Report any unusual activities or concerns immediately to Executive Director.
20. Compile a summary report for all Incident reports monthly, due on the last work day of each month and hand in to Executive Director.
21. Ensure the upkeep of the Operational and maintenance log binder ensuring that all required facility inspections are completed and recorded appropriately.
22. Evaluate program effectiveness and outcomes through data analysis, client feedback, and outcome measures, making adjustments as needed to enhance impact and efficiency.

Client Care and Support:

1. Implement safety protocols and procedures to maintain a secure environment for staff and clients.
2. Provide training to staff on safety procedures, crisis de-escalation techniques, and emergency response protocols.
3. Respond to incidents or emergencies as needed, coordinating with appropriate authorities and agencies as required.

Crisis Intervention and Client Advocacy:

1. Respond promptly and effectively to crises or emergencies involving clients, implementing appropriate interventions to ensure their safety and well-being.
2. Ensure that clients are aware of and held to program expectations and enforce rules created for program, client and staff safety.
3. Advocate for clients' rights and interests, helping them navigate complex systems and overcome barriers to accessing housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
4. Mediate conflicts or disputes among clients or between clients and staff, employing de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies to promote positive outcomes.
5. Record all incidents and communicate to all staff.

Continuous Improvement and Training:

1. Ensure that Team is up to date on mandatory trainings, research available trainings taking advantage of opportunities for free and joint partnership trainings.
2. Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in addiction services and trauma-informed care.
3. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to client care, team leadership, and program management.
4. Contribute insights and recommendations for program improvement, based on client feedback, data analysis, and evaluation findings.
5. Recommend applicable education for team to Senior Leadership.

Cultural:

1. Expected to participate in on the land camps and teachings and contribute to planning.
2. Attend ceremony with clients and staff.
3. Required to have an understanding of intergenerational impacts of colonization.
4. Maintain strong understanding of Indigenous practice and protocol.
5. Active participation in cultural programming is an expectation of Indigenous Leadership.

Expectations:

1. Strong time management skills.
2. Strong boundaries with both staff and clients.
3. Flexibility and self-accountability in schedule.
4. Salary paid work week 40-44 hours on average. As this is a management position a reasonable amount of overtime above this parameter is anticipated and at times expected.
5. As this is a management position, there is no overtime or banked time permitted in this position unless granted in written form from the Executive Director.
6. Any work about 45-48 hours a week needs to be discussed with Executive Director/ Administrative Manager to review workload, prioritization and time management.
7. All flexing of time during regular work hours must be pre-approved by superiors.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum diploma in Addictions, Health Sciences or Social Work.
2. Ability to work on your own and as part of a team, where required.
3. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
4. Good organizational skills.
5. Valid Driver’s License (minimum Class 4 required).
6. Must be able to provide a Criminal Records Check and Drivers Abstract.
7. Will be required to sign an Oath of Confidentiality and Code of Ethics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person