Internal/External Job Posting
POSITION: Counsellor, Satellite Opiate Treatment Program
TEAM: Satellite Opiate Treatment Program
STATUS: 1 year contract (with possibility of full-time unionized employment)
REPORTS TO: Clinical Director
HOURS/WEEK: 28-35 hours per week
POSTING DATE: January 22 2025– February 14, 2025
SALARY RANGE: $61,617 – 73, 529 (or Full Time Equivalency to this salary range)
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Breakaway Community Services is a multifunction treatment agency that provides a range of outpatient, day treatment and outreach programs. We are strongly committed to providing innovative community services from a harm reduction, trauma-informed perspective. We develop programs that are accessible, barrier free and open to all community members.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
The Satellite” Opiate Treatment Program is a community-based opioid treatment program operated by Breakaway Community Services. The Satellite team provides comprehensive services to people who are facing challenges related to their use of opioid drugs. Services offered include: Opioid Agonist Treatment (O.A.T.), therapy, case management, nursing care and health education, and access to resources such as harm reduction supplies, food bank and clothing.
Client satisfaction at Satellite is strong and we pride ourselves on successfully maintaining long term engagement with our clients. We believe that central to our success is our commitment to a strong team ethic and to supportive reflection of our practice which allows us to provide services that are trauma-informed and truly harm reducing.
Our team includes: Counsellors and Client Support Worker, in addition to a Nurse, Addiction Medicine Physician, Lab Technician and strong administrative support. Many opportunities for support in clinical practice exist which include personalized supervision schedule, weekly team and clinical meetings, as well as agency wide bi-monthly psychiatry consult and peer consultations.
POSITION SUMMARY:
]The Counsellor plays an integral role in the delivery of our program’s comprehensive opioid treatment services. Your caseload will consist of clients addressing various stages of their opiate use. All of our participants are either actively using opioids or have had a history of opioid use.
The majority will be currently engaged in Opioid Agonist Treatment within the clinic. The counsellor identifies and assesses the psycho-social needs of clients; develops and implements treatment plans to facilitate access to services; provides integrated counselling/psychotherapy services from intake to termination; provides case management services when appropriate and conducts advocacy as needed.
All team members are encouraged to engage in opportunities to participate in service design, community education and capacity building related to substance use.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Contribute to a multidisciplinary team in the delivery of comprehensive opiate addiction services from a harm reduction framework
· Deliver responsive, accessible, and flexible service from a harm reduction approach
· Complete intakes and comprehensive assessments and treatment planning
· Work with a caseload of clients to provide counselling/therapy and case management services, including facilitating referrals, systems advocacy and navigation
· Facilitate group programming
· Provide harm reduction and overdose education and responses
· Collaborate with internal and external health and social service providers to coordinate services for clients.
· Represent the agency and program in the community
· Engage with stakeholders and participates in working groups and committees as appropriate and/or as directed
· Provide consultation and training related to opioid use and treatment to community-based agencies and health care providers
· Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Master of Social Work degree or equivalent education or equivalent life and work experience
· Registration with regulatory college (ie: OCSWSSW, CRPO) is an asset
· Three to five years’ experience working with people from a trauma informed and harm reduction approach to those who use substances and have experienced mental health issues
· Experience working within a multidisciplinary team considered an asset
· Knowledge of Toronto health, social services, mental health and addiction resources
· Strong understanding of opioid use/dependence, treatment options, and current trends
· Experience collaborating with and advocating within the following systems is considered as asset: hospital/medical/treatment settings; child welfare; mental health; social assistance; and criminal justice
· Recently demonstrated knowledge and skills in assessment, engagement, counselling, case management, group facilitation and crisis intervention
· A strong commitment to the principles of harm reduction and trauma informed care
· Ability to work with a variety of client presenting situations, personalities and levels of ability
· Self-directed, organized, and demonstrated supportive team member abilities
· Current First Aid/CPR and CPI certificate preferred, or willing to be trained
· Bilingual (French or other language) considered an asset
· Demonstrated skill and competence in establishing supportive, trusting relationships with people who use drugs
· Experience and commitment to harm reduction
· This work offers the opportunity to work with individuals across a wide range of demographics
o Experience working with youth and/or service users over the age of 55 would be an asset
Please submit a resume and cover letter in one document by e-mail to Stephen Chatterton (he/him) Clinical Director at:
[email protected]
with the subject line:
Satellite-Counsellor, Hiring Committee
Breakaway Community Services is strongly committed to the principles of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. We encourage people from frequently under-represented and marginalized communities to apply. We thank all applicants. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Breakaway is committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. We seek to provide accessibility for all applicants, consistent with our accessibility policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.