Job Description:

Reports directly to the Manager of Addiction Medicine Services and receives clinical direction from the Manager and the Nurse Clinician. The incumbent provides specialized addictions assessment, treatment and connection to community resources for patients experiencing difficulties with alcohol and/or drug use and helps facilitate the transfer of clients to the needed services within the Health Centre and externally. They work with the Addictions Medicine Team to provide high quality psychosocial support, which includes motivational interviewing, education and assessment and referral to other addictions treatment. The successful incumbent must have effective skills in managing behaviors associated with substance abuse, as this position involves working with clients under unpredictable and sometimes volatile - situations. The incumbent must be self-directed with excellent problem solving skills as the position involves working with clients from various Programs throughout the Health Centre, including the emergency department, inpatient units and RAAM (Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meets all new clients and acquaints them with the various options/programs available internally/externally
• Provides support to the clients in identifying personal goals and lifestyle changes
• Provides counseling for clients and ensures continuity in service while they are awaiting placement in treatment programs
• Acts as a liaison with the community agencies and hospital to ensure appropriate client referrals
• Networks with community agencies and hospital and acts as a client advocate
• Demonstrates excellent ability to develop relationships across the hospital and community agencies
• Meets new Addictions Team clients and acquaints them with the various options/programs available internally/externally
• Completes Provincial Assessment Tools when required
• Facilitation of Addictions Team groups (Engagement, Relapse Prevention)
• Acts as a liaison with the community agencies and hospital to ensure appropriate client referrals
• Networks with community agencies and acts as a client advocate
• Has experience and knowledge of community case management in addictions
• Liaises with primary care providers to ensure services for clients

Qualifications

• Two-year college diploma in Human Services majoring in addictions and/or mental health or equivalent combination of training and education such as a bachelor's degree in behavioral science with addiction work experience.

• Minimum 2 years' experience working in the addictions field and must be familiar with the addictions continuum and other sector partners which may be a support to the client population.

• Extensive knowledge of Withdrawal Management Services

• Sound clinical knowledge of withdrawal symptoms and appropriate interventions.

• Experience working in a cross-disciplinary team or in a medical environment dealing with addictions

• Crisis Intervention training

• CPR/First Aid

• Excellent written & verbal communication skills

• Experience working with clients with concurrent disorders as well as diverse communities

• Ability to work flexible hours is a requirement of the position.

• Good attendance record

• Willingness to attend required training

• Competencies in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.