Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor

Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor
Health Services Department

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a dependable and adaptable individual with strong interpersonal skills to fill the position of Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor. Reporting directly to the Mental Health & Addictions Manager, the primary responsibility of the Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor is to offer face-to-face counselling and support for community members, families, and groups within the Fort McKay community.

This is a temporary full-time position for approximately 12 months, with the possibility of extension. This position is based on seventy-five (75) hours bi-weekly, and some evenings and weekends beyond the standard work week will be required to meet the operational needs of the department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with at-risk populations with substance use disorders and provide addictions, life skills, and trauma counselling.
• Perform the restricted activity of psychosocial intervention utilizing a variety of treatment modalities (individual, family, group) to children and adolescents experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
• Complete intakes, assessments, and make decisions around treatment goals with the client.
• Review, evaluate, and document client progress and make changes to treatment plans as necessary.
• Provide pre-care and aftercare for clients going through residential treatment.
• Identify and develop safety plans for high-risk clients, manage and support clients to receive emergency services if necessary.
• Assess readiness for change with clients and identify client strengths.
• Interact with other professionals to discuss therapy or treatment and develop new resources or techniques and share information as needed.
• Conduct one-on-one counselling and run groups that support sober living, relapse prevention, life skills, and other supportive measures to foster healthy, independent sober living.
• Collaborate with other members of the Mental Health and Addictions team in offering services and supports for clients.
• Provide programming and support to community members residing in the sober living facility as needed.
• Work with elders to support the cultural and spiritual needs of clients and seek out and support cultural activities that will promote sobriety and overall wellness.
• Build relationships with services in the Wood Buffalo region to assist clients with additional services.
• Maintain consistent communication with the manager of addictions and mental health.
• Provide statistical data to the manager monthly.
• Maintain records and files in a clinical and professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree preferred; minimum of Bachelor’s Degree required in Psychology, Addictions, Health Promotion, Social Work, or other related human services field.
• Active registration with the applicable regulatory college or professional association.
• 5 years of related experience in working with at-risk groups and supporting healthy living and life skills.
• 5 years of experience in addictions services and counselling.
• Experience working with clients that have trauma and underlying mental health diagnoses.
• Experience running group counselling and meetings.
• Familiarity with the DSM-5 would be an asset.
• Standard First Aid & WHMIS certification.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and willingness to drive a company vehicle.
• Must provide a clean driver’s abstract.
• Must provide a clear criminal record check with Vulnerable Sector screening.
• Ability to speak Cree or Dene is a definite asset.
• Experience working in an Indigenous community, including knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions, and values, is considered an asset.

WHY APPLY?
At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to competitive pay, we also offer the following:

• Comprehensive health benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-matched pension plan.
• A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre.
• Transportation to and from work.

The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands - to learn more about the Moose Lake Plan, visit: http://www.mooselaketogether.ca.

ABOUT FORT MCKAY
The Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) is composed of over 800 band members, including those of Cree and Dene heritage, with approximately 400 members residing in the hamlet of Fort McKay — a community located approximately 65 km north of Fort McMurray. Fort McKay offers the best of both worlds: remote northern life for the nature lover and proximity to a large city of about 70,000 people with all the amenities you need.

HOW TO APPLY:
ONLINE: https://fortmckayfirstnation2.applytojob.com/apply
You can also check us out on social media -> Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Please ensure you indicate the Competition #023-2024
*Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry in any hiring decision; please declare your Indigenous status in your application.