Addiction Support Worker

Addiction Support Worker- Full Time

London, ON (Embassy Commons Program- Standard Support, English St.)

Position Description:  Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Addiction Support Worker, will be responsible to provide tenants in Indwell’s independent living apartments with supports that help people maintain health and housing. The Addiction Support Worker will work within the context of a collaborative interdisciplinary team reflecting the principles of person-centered care and evidence-based care by assisting with coordinating and delivering mental health and addiction services to tenants. Providing or supporting in the treatment, rehabilitation, and support for individuals living in supportive housing. This is a specialized program serving individuals who have experienced long term housing instability and/or long stay hospitalizations. 
 

About Indwell:  We are a Christian not-for-profit charity that creates affordable housing communities and supportive programs to people seeking health, wellness, and belonging.  Founded in 1974, we continue to grow and thrive to build high quality energy efficient housing and inclusive living, uplifting our society.  Our belief is that every employee is a leader contributing to transform lives through HOPE and HOMES.  Being a part of our amazing team you will be fulfilled working together with others who are genuinely invested in Indwell's mission to serve people impacted by poverty and homelessness.   To learn more, go to: indwell.ca/our-model

Hours of Work:  Program hours expected to fall between 8am-9pm however, on-site program coverage is more frequent during the first year of occupancy to support a culture of community and belonging.  During time of program launch flexibility is required with hours ranging between 7am-12am.  Program operates 7 days a week, including public holidays. Participation in the on-call  schedule rotation is required.  
 

Direct Support to Tenants:

• Skilled in building therapeutic relationships with tenants with a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach, promoting hope and trust 
• Comfort and familiarity with a harm reduction approach
• Develop, contribute to, and carry out individual tenant support plans, including any relevant assessment tools as appropriate and ensuring consistent follow-up to treatment and recovery plans
• Hold responsibility for a primary case load under supervision of Program Supervisor. 
• Work individually with tenants to identify and achieve substance related goals as it relates to their individual support needs and recovery.
• Support tenants to connect with community resources and supports, including both clinical and informal supports
• Encourage tenant connection to community-based, culturally meaningful programming.
• Support tenants in issues related to maintaining their health and housing.
• Reinforcing tenants’ life skills, including spiritual, social and coping skills.
• As a representative of a faith-based organization, recognize and promote the role of spirituality and provide support and guidance as required.
• Confident in utilizing crisis management and intervention skills.
• Respond to tenant complaints/concerns with care, compassion, and efficiency.    
• Develop and facilitate relevant group programming to meet the needs of the community.
• Assist with meal preparation and delivery as needed. Participate in dinner alongside tenants.
• Assisting with admission and orientation of new tenants.
• Maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Support, Direction, and Commitment to Interdisciplinary Team

• Support and build capacity within the interdisciplinary team around substance use and relevant tenant-centered approaches.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to assess specific program needs regarding substance use and other addictions.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct and indirect support to tenants, encouraging housing stability. These supports may include: medication administration, apartment checks, community events, and other supports as necessary.
• Work with tenants to maintain a safe apartment; engage in life skills training as needed,
• Keep interdisciplinary team informed of community opportunities and emerging trends related to best practices in addiction support for tenants.
• Support and collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to integrate program volunteers into addiction support activities. Complete volunteer logs as required.
• Assist in the orientation and support of staff, students and volunteers. 
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings and other agency meetings as required. 
• Maintain positive written and verbal communication. 
• Demonstrate positive relationships within the Indwell team. 
• Promote and demonstrate the vision, mission and values of Indwell within the workplace and community.
• Keep apprised of new research and developments relevant to your role, through workshops, journals, websites, and literature. Transfer knowledge back to the team and tenants in the most effective manner available. 
• Follow applicable regulations, policies and procedures. 
• Work collaboratively with Facilities, reporting maintenance needs to ensure upkeep of buildings/grounds.
• Complete regular environmental checks, including requirements of the building’s Integrated Pest Management plan.    

Health, Welfare and Safety Practices

• Use appropriate procedures when responding to emergency situations.
• Ensure your own health & safety, that of tenants and co-workers by adhering to health & safety standards.
• Complete required safety checks and inspections as assigned.
• Attend and participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skills.  

 Documentation

• Complete required reports in a timely manner in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Perform administrative tasks as assigned, such as rent collections and financial records.
• Complete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting tenant health records.

Skills: The successful candidate will have experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, addictions, or other special needs. Knowledge of concurrent disorders and of various addiction treatments/theories is required.  Familiarity with the Ontario Common Assessment of Need is an asset. Demonstrating a warm, sensitive, and caring approach, the ability to work within a team, be flexible, organized, responsible, and take initiative.  Having strong problem-solving skills, being able to maintain good interpersonal relationships and a genuine interest in supporting people living with mental illness and addictions. This individual would need to work through a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens, seeking to uphold the health and wellness of individuals as well as the community. Having experience and ongoing learning around supporting diverse individuals and communities (i.e. cultural safety, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice, etc.) 
 

Education/Experience:  College Diploma or bachelor’s degree with a focus on addictions, and experience in addictions or mental health services.  Certification with CCACF is considered an asset. 

Salary: $45,000- $55,300 annual salary based on education and experience. Indwell offers a competitive benefits package and RRSP contribution.  
 

To Apply:  Please apply with resume and cover letter via our website: www.indwell.ca/careers. We thank all applicants; however, only those that are being considered will be contacted.
 

Personal information submitted will be used only for employment opportunities within Indwell in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
 

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under Indwell’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
 

Indwell exists to provide hope and homes for all. Our supports, services, and employment are open to people from every creed, race, ethnicity, sex, ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Indwell’s leadership are motivated by the example of Jesus Christ as reflected in Indwell’s statement of faith. Indwell engages with diverse communities; we actively identify and remove barriers that prevent people from accessing and participating in our services and organization.