Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor

Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor

Health Services Department

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a dependable and adaptable individual with strong interpersonal skills to fill the full-time position of Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor. Reporting directly to the Mental Health & Addictions Manager, the primary responsibility of the Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor is to offer face to face counselling and support for community members, families and groups within the Fort McKay community. This position will also provide support to the residents that are living in the Sober Living facility located in Fort McMurray. This is a permanent full-time position based on seventy-five (75) hours bi-weekly, some evenings and weekends beyond the standard work week will be required to meet the operational needs of the department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with at risk populations with substance use disorders and provide addictions, life skills and trauma counselling
• Ability to work with underlying mental health diagnoses and conflict management
• Provide one on one counselling and run groups that support sober living, and relapse prevention, living skills, and other supportive measures to support healthy life management
• Provide programming and support to community members residing in the sober living facility
• Complete intakes, assessments and decisions around treatment goals with the client
• Review, evaluate, and document client progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Provide pre-care and aftercare for clients going through residential treatment
• Identify and develop safety plans for high-risk clients, manage and support clients to receive emergency services if necessary
• Work with other members of the Mental Health and Addictions team in offering services and support for the clients
• Work with elders to support the cultural and spiritual needs of the clients, as well as seek out cultural activities that will support the residents in sobriety and overall wellness
• Maintain records and files in a clinical and professional manner and track and report on monthly statistical data
• May be on call during the evenings and weekends, as required
• Others duties as assigned

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree preferred, minimum of Bachelor’s Degree required, in Psychology, Addictions, Health promotion, Social work or other related human services field
• 3-5 years related clinical counselling experience working with at risk populations with substance use disorders with providing addictions, mental health and trauma counselling
• Experience running group counselling and meetings
• Familiarity with the DSM-5 would be an asset
• Standard First Aid & WHIMIS
• Experience working with Indigenous populations required
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and willing to drive a company vehicle
• Must provide a Clean Drivers Abstract
• Must provide a clear Criminal Record check with Vulnerable Sector
• Ability to speak Cree or Dene is a definite asset

WHY APPLY?

At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive Pay, we also offer the following;

• Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Company-matched Pension Plan
• A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre
• Transportation to and from work

The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands - to learn more about the Moose Lake Plan visit: http://www.mooselaketogether.ca

ABOUT FORT MCKAY

The Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) is composed of over 800 band members, including those of Cree and Dene heritage, with approximately 400 members residing in the hamlet of Fort McKay — a community located approximately 65 km north of Fort McMurray. Fort McKay offers the best of both worlds: remote northern life for the nature lover and proximity to a large city of about 70,000 people with all the amenities you need.