STARLING COMMUNITY SERVICES IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE EXPERIENCES MENTAL WELLNESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is committed to embedding anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices, and perspectives into the fabric of our organization. We have implemented mandatory antiracism training, we are actively building safe spaces to host brave conversations for learning, and we are fostering a culture of belonging for all, but especially BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, historically and presently marginalized individuals and communities.

There is one Full-Time permanent Substance Use Counsellor position available - Working 37.5 hours per week.

Note: This posting will remain open, and we are accepting applications on an ongoing basis.

Your Role:

Supports individuals with varying levels of substance use difficulties or disorders in addressing these difficulties to improve functioning and meet treatment goals. Works with individuals who are experiencing problematic use of one or more of a variety of substances including drugs and alcohol. In collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, provides high-quality care and counselling based on current, evidence-based intervention models to help clients address the cognitive, behavioural, and physiological impact of substance use and change maladaptive use patterns. In collaboration with the team, creates and implements individual treatment plans, and provides assessment and direct therapy to youth and families. Participates in the design, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic programs. Works intentionally from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive perspective to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency. Supports the delivery of the Agencys treatment model.

Tasks:

Team and Discipline Responsibilities:

1. Provides clinical consultation and direction to multidisciplinary team members and clinical input to programs and program evaluation.

2. Provides various assessment and treatment plan coordination functions as assigned.

3. Supervises and coaches the work of graduate level interns with the support of the Clinical Supervisor and/or Manager.

4. Participates in training and development activities for Mental Health Services staff.

Client Service:

1. Conducts substance use assessments that examine the relationship between substance use and mental health to determine needs, level of risk, and priorities. Where needed, conducts overall intake assessments and prepares written assessments.
2. In collaboration with client, caregivers, and treatment team, develops and supports treatment goals. Where assigned, monitors, evaluates and revises treatment plans.
3. Assesses and tracks clients stages of change readiness and treatment progress.
4. Provides evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy to clients in individual, group and family settings in the office and/or community.
5. Educates clients on treatment options, methods and techniques.
6. Utilizes evidence-informed practices including (but not limited to) Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed approaches, CPS, and DBT.
7. Assesses clients potential risk in terms of harm to self and others. Makes recommendations and reports as needed, as well as safety planning.
8. Works with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and monitor safety plans and contribute to treatment plans and reports.
9. Liaises with other services providers, health care professionals, and systems as required to coordinate care and provide advocacy.
10. Provides crisis intervention and emergency services for clients when it is determined that additional intervention is required.
11. Develops and supports discharge/transition plans in partnership with the treatment team and provides follow-up support to clients and caregivers where relevant and necessary
12. Transports residents to appointments, hospitals, etc. in agency vehicle if assigned.

Program Development and Implementation:

1. Designs, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary teams, a therapeutic substance use program for the facility.
2. Delivers, monitors, evaluates and adjusts the substance use program on an on-going basis to meet client and program needs, documenting and reporting as required.
3. Acts as a substance use consultant to classroom teachers and other care workers.
4. Provides substance use counselling to other service areas when possible.
5. Participates in the development of departmental policies, procedures and services related to the substance use program.
6. Provides consultation and educational presentations/workshops regarding substance use to staff.
7. Remains current with addictions/substance use literature, specifically that which pertains to youth and mental health.
8. Participates in regular professional development opportunities
9. Conducts research as needed to develop new treatment methods and to stay up to date on changes within the field.
10. Participates in program development activities as required.

Administration:

1. Writes clinical reports and maintains clinical and client documentation, files and records in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, regulatorycollege requirements, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, PHIPA, and licensing and accreditation standards.
2. Reviews each session, writing weekly session notes and monthly progress reports (MCRs and POC).
3. Contributes to treatment and discharge plan reports in collaboration with the treatment team.
4. Provides referrals to other services, treatment centers, and community resources.

Other:

1. Maintains active membership with the applicable regulatory body (e.g. OCSWSSW or CRPO) and stays current with professional issues in psychotherapy and the specific addictions/substance use field.
2. Participates in Supervision with the Clinical Director.
3. Represents the Agency in the community
4. Participates in Agency training, committees and task forces.
5. Complies with Agency policies and procedures and/or any partnering agencies as outlined in the staff manuals.
6. Complies with the duties imposed by law or contract and the policies and procedures for performing the job in a safe and healthy manner.
7. Takes an active role in promoting and protecting personal health and safety and the health and safety of others, both staff and consumers (Sec.28(1) OHSA)
8. Performs other tasks as assigned.

Your Talents and Experience:

A relevant degree in psychology, counselling or related discipline at the masters level, and experience in a multidisciplinary treatment setting working with adolescents and young adults. A sound understanding of evidence-based and trauma-informed practices. Ability to exercise initiative as a professional in carrying out independent and team functions. Ability to integrate good human relationship skills and professional standards into practice. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Alignment with the Agency's commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression. Passionate, aware, and willing to learn about anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity. Available to work flexible hours to meet client needs. Must maintain membership within their regulatory college and professional association to perform psychotherapy in Ontario. Must have reliable transportation.

Whats in it for you?

• Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidates past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band.
• Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range.
• Job Band I (hourly wages): Min - $31.40, Mid - $34.45, Max - $39.72
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives
• We offer our employees the security and peace of mind that comes with enrollment in a defined pension plan with the Heath Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP). We understand the importance of financial well-being and believe that a strong pension, like HOOPP, recognizes our employees and provides a stable foundation for their future as part of the overall compensation package.
• Eligible after 3 months of employment to enroll in our Modular Health and Dental Benefits plan with Sun Life, allowing you to select the options and coverage levels that meet your individual and/or family needs.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• 3 Weeks paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly) + 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.

• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Agency Orientation and Training modules.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Responsive Leadership Training Program (leadership positions only).
• Staff appreciation events.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on April 01, 2025.

This is an internal and external posting.

The Agency requires all employees to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check prior to commencing employment. We require certain positions to obtain a Medical Certification.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying.

If you require any support with submitting your application, or through the interview process, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.