Concurrent Disorder’s Counsellor – Mental Health and Addictions – Full Time

The Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is currently recruiting for a Concurrent Disorders Counsellor.  The successful candidate will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and will liaise with the diverse programs within the hospital and community.  The Concurrent Disorders Counsellor will provide and promote quality psycho-social needs of the clients and enable them to utilize the medical and/or psychiatric services to achieve their optimal level of health through evidence based counseling, education and use of appropriate resources.

DUTIES:

1. Provide direct social work service and counseling to clients and/or their families as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
2. Interview clients individually, in families or in groups to determine and evaluate the client’s social, financial, psychological, cultural and family situation and total needs to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
3. Convey findings of assessment and liaison with the health care team.
4. Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, housing, medical treatment and other interdependent services.
5. Serve as a member on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups.
6. Provide consultation to members of hospital staff, community agencies and other persons or groups seeking guidance in an effort to address the problems of the clients.
7. Participate in In-Service programs regarding the social and emotional components of health/illness and their effects on patients and families, as assigned.
8. Maintain accurate client records and statistical reports as required.
9. Provide ongoing patient/family education and support.
10. Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling and social programs.
11. Provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counseling services, issues and methods.
12. Develop and maintaining good working relationships with other hospital and medical staff while remaining a client advocate.
13. Participate in peer supervision with other staff, as requested.
14. Maintain current knowledge of best practices and benchmarks for the delivery of services, appropriate research, literature, accreditation requirements, policy and legislative requirements and implementing improvements/changes as appropriate.
15. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree in a Human Services discipline (ie Social Work, Psychology, etc.)
• Registration with the College of Social Work or appropriate governing body in good standing
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EXPERIENCE:

• Recent experience in counseling in an addictions and/or mental health setting with concurrent disorder experience preferred.

   KNOWLEDGE & SKILL

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member in a fast paced environment in stressful situations.
• Customer service, interpersonal and telephone skills.
• Computer literacy in a Microsoft environment.
• Ability to maintain successful working relationships with the interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Ability to organize time effectively to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to meet and interact with people in a pleasant, professional, responsible and reassuring manner.
• Human relations skills including empathy, sensitivity, understanding of human and organizational behavior, motivational techniques and counseling skills (e.g. teaching patients).
• Ability to read, write and communicate to perform the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to assess safety for patients and staff and act accordingly.
• Behaviour consistent with Hospital Mission, Values and Standards of Performance.

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may by assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time.