Details:
Reporting to the Manager of New Beginnings, the Addictions and Recovery Worker provides all service aspects of non-medical withdrawal management care at New Beginnings Residence including a variety of general care services, group facilitation, individual assessment, admission/discharge of clients, supportive counselling, daily living activities, and supervision of clients dealing with substance misuse, in a detoxification and recovery community residential setting. Observes and monitors clients, role models and demonstrates healthy lifestyle behaviours; and completes documentation.
KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assesses clients’ bio-psycho-social-spiritual status during intoxication, withdrawal, and stabilization. Provides supportive counselling and care planning for clients including, daily programming, assessment of physical, emotional and social needs and emergency response for clients with health and safety concerns. Monitors and documents changes, and makes required referrals to physician, health care professional or emergency services.
2. Performs duties such as admission and discharge of clients by charting and developing discharge summaries, providing orientation for new clients, documentation of individual care planning and recording, writing daily record and group session logs, making referrals to other services. Assembles and distributes information and resource materials for clients on further treatment or support options, addictions education and follow up planning.
3. Observes and monitors client interaction and behaviour and provides crisis intervention such as first response to suicide threats and medical emergencies, managing the situations in accordance with established policies and procedures. Reports unsafe conditions and behavioural, physical and/or cognitive changes to the supervisor or designate.
4. Administers and/or supervises medication to clients as ordered in accordance with established policies and procedures. Records medications, treatment and related documentation.
5. Provides supportive programming and individual supportive counselling to clients, assists clients in maintaining optimal hygiene, and participates in the activities of the program. Leads supportive and education groups on addictions, substance misuse, healthy lifestyle choices, basic health care and self-esteem; and models conflict resolution.
6. Acts as a role model for healthy lifestyle choices and encourages residents to actively participate in recovery-oriented activities including social, recreational, art and leisure activities, as well as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) meetings based on clients served and needs identified.
7. Provides and coordinates all daily living activities including shopping and meal preparation, laundry, and housekeeping or assists the clinical team in the provision of care as directed. Assists in the general housekeeping and maintenance of the facility.
8. Supports clients to adhere to the medication regime as recommended by the client’s personal physician.
9. Works collaboratively with the Island Health Mental Health staff, clinical professionals, and other staff in the provision of integrated services to the clients where possible.
10. Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as daily logs, progress reports and critical incident reports.
11. Maintain safety and security by screening and monitoring visitors, performing routine searches of clients’ belongings and of the premises and grounds.
12. Reports outstanding issues, serious occurrences, incidents or equipment malfunctions to the Manager of New Beginnings or designate.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience:
• A post-secondary certification in addiction counselling or equivalent plus two years’ recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Current First Aid and CPR - • Basic knowledge of community resources,
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Certificate
• Current Foodsafe Certification
ABILITIES/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE
1. The ability to:
• communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• deal with seriously addicted and mentally ill clients and their families;
• observe and recognize behavioural and/or health status changes in clients;
• facilitate supportive and educational groups;
• role model healthy lifestyle choices;
• set and maintain boundaries;
• work independently and in collaboration with others;
• organize and prioritize own workload;
• operate related equipment and software programs such as word processing and spreadsheet applications
2. Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills