PT Addiction Support Worker

Addiction Support Worker – Part Time
403 Thompson Road, London
44 Enhanced Support Units

Position Description:  Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the part-time Addiction Support Worker, will be responsible for providing residents at the program with supports that help achieve health and housing stability. 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 residents. Providing or supporting in the treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and support for individuals living in supportive housing. This program serves individuals who have experienced long term housing instability and/or long stay hospitalizations. This position will require a high level of resilience and a willingness to work in close proximity to challenging situations.  

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

• Skilled in building therapeutic relationships with residents with a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach, promoting hope and trust and engagement in addiction related programming and supports.
• Develop, contribute to, and carry out holistic support plans, including any relevant assessment tools and ensure consistent monitoring and follow-up to treatment and recovery plans. 
• Assist residents in developing and practicing the skills defined in their service plans in consultation with resident and interdisciplinary team.   
• Knowledge and deep understanding of psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery models, including harm reduction strategies around substance use. 
• Demonstrate understanding and ability to assess the addiction support related needs of residents. 
• Support residents to connect with community resources and supports, including both clinical and informal supports and community-based, culturally meaningful programming.
• Coordinate, lead and/or participate in case conferences with outside supports.
• Proven advocacy skills to ensure residents receive the support and referrals they need to carry out their individual support plans and access appropriate resources.
• Confident in utilizing de-escalation strategies and crisis prevention and intervention skills.
• Reinforce residents’ life skills, including spiritual, social, and coping skills.
• Assist with intake and orientation of new residents.
• Develop and facilitate relevant group programming related to substance use, community building, and social inclusion and other topics to meet the needs of the community.
• Competent utilizing motivational interviewing techniques with residents to identify and achieve substance use and housing stability related goals as it relates to their support needs and recovery.
• Complete required documentatio in a thoroug and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting health records.
• Hold responsibility for a primary caseload (using a team model and/or case management model) under the supervision of Program Supervisor. 
• As a representative of a faith-based organization, recognize and promote the role of spirituality and provide support and guidance as required.
• Other duties as required. 

• Support and build capacity within the interdisciplinary team around substance use and relevant resident-centered approaches.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to assess specific program needs regarding substance use and other addictions.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to learning and supporting diverse individuals and communities (i.e. cultural safety, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice).
• Interdisciplinary supports provided by all team members to residents will include medication administration, apartment checks, community events, group programming, meal program, and other supports as necessary.
• Engaging and establishing unique community partnerships to meet and improve addiction support for residents.
• Keep interdisciplinary team informed of community opportunities and emerging trends related to best practices in addiction support for residents.
• 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 participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skills.  
• Comfort and familiarity with landlord responsibilities such as pest management and rent collection.
• Work collaboratively with Indwell’s Facilities Team, reporting maintenance needs to ensure upkeep of buildings/grounds.

• Promote and demonstrate the vision, mission and values of Indwell within the workplace and community.
• Participate and contribute to relevant team meetings, organizational cross-regional teams, and community tables.
• Reinforce a positive workplace culture and tone through your skilled verbal and written communication.
• Keep apprised of new research and developments relevant to your role, through workshops, journals, websites, and literature. Transfer knowledge back to the team and residents in the most effective manner available.  

• Use appropriate procedures when responding to emergency situations.
• Follow applicable regulations, policies and procedures. 
• Ensure your own health & safety, that of residents and co-workers by adhering to health & safety standards. Work with residents to maintain a safe apartment; engage in life skills training as needed.
• Complete required safety checks and inspections as assigned.

Skills: The successful candidate will have experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, 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 and/or substance use disorders. This individual would need to work through a recovery model utilizing harm reduction strategies with a trauma and violence informed lens, seeking to uphold the health and wellness of individuals as well as the community.

As Indwell works to support diverse resident populations, we’re seeking to create a diverse work culture that closely matches the diversity of our communities. We seek qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially emphasize applications from Black, Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities and intersectionalities.
 
Education/Experience:  Post-secondary education with a focus on addictions, and experience in addictions or mental health services. Students also welcome to apply. 
Certification with CCACF is considered an asset. 
 
Salary: $20.43 - $24.56/hour based on education and experience. 

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.