POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellor provides counseling and support to individuals and families facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. Responsibilities include screening, assessment, care planning, and delivering therapeutic interventions through individual, family, or group counseling. The counselor also offers education, resources, and referrals to treatment or aftercare services. Working closely with the Wellness team, the counselor uses a harm reduction approach and may conduct home visits. Additional duties include managing administrative tasks, programming, and organizing community events.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Addictions, Psychology, or related field preferred
• Current and valid Registration through a registered body
• Indigenous Certification Board of Canada (ICBOC) is considered an asset
• 2 – 5 years experience in the development and delivery of Substance use and Dependence programming or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• 2 – 5 years Counselling experience
• Demonstrated understanding and experience working with First Nation’s community

REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector search, with results acceptable to WFN
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation.
• Current valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s license and drivers abstract, and access to reliable transportation is required

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILTIES

• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Westbank First Nation policies, standards, and procedures
• Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary Wellness Team
• Prepares and maintains accurate and professional files and records regarding case histories, assessments, services provided, and follow up with court reports as required
• Provides individual, family and group addictions support services, incorporating a therapeutic, harm reduction and/or abstinence-based approach
• Participates in the wellness treatment plan, incorporating therapeutic approaches
• Maintains client caseloads, develops and facilitates mental health and addictions support groups and workshops.
• Facilitates workshops in collaboration with other programs delivered through Community Services, or within the community of topics related to mental health, and/or addictions awareness and prevention
• Participates in the development and delivery of community-based events geared towards health promotion such as Wellness Fair and National Addictions Awareness Week
• Facilitates or Co-facilitates weekly Wellbriety Group in the evening
• Provides client assessments, develops case plans and goals, and maintains confidential client files using appropriate record keeping
• Develops intervention strategies in consultation with program supervisor and wellness team
• Monitors client’s case management and development of client’s case plans and goals with other members of the Wellness Team
• Assists, supports, and encourages clients in developing supportive roles and structures within their community to ensure safety upon returning home from any program of treatment
• Gathers a collection of resource information and material and provides mental health, substance abuse and dependence information to clients and community members. This includes liaising with outside agencies and Bands to acquire additional resources and workshops etc. for specific healing issues related to mental health and addictions
• Liaises with Law Enforcement, RCMP, and other community-based supports as required
• Provides appropriate client and family referral to other agencies when unable to meet client needs
• Models, encourages, and participates in cultural, recreational, and social programs that offer an alternative to unhealthy or addictive lifestyle
• Provides ongoing general office duties (filing, photocopying, faxing etc.)
• Ensures that services statistics are recorded, develops monthly program reports, and maintains all administrative duties as directed by the Clinical Care Supervisor
• Attends seminars, workshops, and ongoing training as part of a yearly work plan
• Accesses counselling for self to debrief and reduce stress associated with working, as required
• Participation in weekly team meetings or other organizational meetings

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrates a high degree of confidentiality in interpersonal interaction
• Working knowledge of the history of colonization in Canada and its ongoing impact on modern issues affecting Indigenous Peoples
• Working knowledge in communicating with Indigenous Peoples, demonstrating sensitivity and empathy, and awareness of how language choices can influence and impact conversations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Familiarity with traditional healing practices, customs, values and traditions of the Syilx/Okanagan people.

Application Details:

To review the full job description and to learn more about Westbank First Nation please visit our website at https://www.wfn.ca.
All applications must be submitted through our Employment Opportunities page. Ensure you attach your cover letter and resume. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.