Addictions Caseworker

Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Addictions Caseworker provides professional care and support to individuals on conditional release from Federal Correctional Institutions.  They perform a full range of duties and responsibilities related to the assistance, care, and counselling of residents including: assessments, ongoing reviews, and the development of plans for assigned residents.  They fully participate as an active member of the Community Residential Facility Staff Team.

KEY Accountabilities:

• Work with the Case Management Team to support parolees and involve team-assigned staff in monitoring, assessing and supporting residents' programs and progress (i.e. complete Level of Service Inventory, Needs Analysis, Road to Self-Improvement)

• Case load of up to 18 residents (weekly meetings and case work records); ensure thorough and complete intake has been given to all assigned cases

• Full Parole Submissions to the Parole Board of Canada

• Facilitate in house meetings

• Assist Clients with development of specific goal plans in order to meet determined objectives. This may include, but not limited to, client centered recovery goals, compliance with Correctional Plan, securing housing, obtaining vocational training or assessing Life-Skills programs

• Prepare and facilitate (relapse prevention) group programming

• Participate in 60 day resident evaluations with resident and Assistant Director when deemed necessary

• Manage & maintain confidentiality and accuracy of resident files as per policy and procedures

• Provide direct consultation, referral and supportive counselling to residents as per policy and procedures

• Respond to any crisis situations involving any residents and provide consultation and direction to front-line staff as required

• Conduct room searches at the request of the Director or designate  

• Provide instruction and guidance to one student on placement assignment per semester

• Be available to interview potential staff and assist with assessing the suitability of applicants, conduct Institutional visits

• Participate in the rotational on-call system for the CRF, acting as Director’s Designate in response to emergency situations/parole violations.

• Other duties as assigned and deemed necessary to fulfill the contractual obligation with Correctional Services Canada

• As required and where applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency or procedures

Organizational Responsibilities

• Adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army and the Correctional Justice Services Department

• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings, shift changes, case-management meetings, joint case conference meetings with Correctional Services Canada and in-service training when made available

• Engage in formal Evaluation sessions with your immediate supervisor.

• Read and follow the Policy and Procedures Manual and the Employee Handbook and all changes

• Protect the confidentiality of all residents and staff

• Function as a supportive team member

• As required and where applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency or procedures to management team

Health and Safety

• Adhere to health and safety policies and procedures, promoting safe work practices for self and others

• Is alert to, remedies or promptly reports all actual or potential hazardous situations to appropriate personnel

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils:

Internal:  

• Leadership, Employees, Volunteers, Students

External:

• Clients, community partners and agencies

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to Program Manager

• Direct reports: None

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Material: Office and furniture, files, printed resources

• Financial: Donations

Working Conditions:

• Works mostly in courthouses and may also work in an institutional setting.

• Position requires a frequent amount of walking, climbing stairs, pastoral care, and public speaking. May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.

• Includes visits to institutions and satellite locations in the greater Toronto area and must be mobile when required.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

education and experience Qualifications:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Must have completed an Undergraduate University degree (e.g. BA, BSc, BScN,) or ICADC (International Certified Alcohol and Drug Caseworker)

• Must have current First Aid, CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certificates

• Obtain Vulnerable Sector Search and institutional security clearance (if required by institution)

• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Must have minimum 2 years of prior related experience, including teaching, counseling in a variety of Social Service Programs and Corrections

• Demonstrated ability to teach

• Knowledge and experience dealing with concurrent disorders, relapse prevention models, the 12 step process, and the special needs of men with addiction is required

• Strong computer skills, including MS Office and case management software

• Certification in the area of addictions; experience in support group/family therapy; mental health knowledge and/or training; and/or knowledge of pharmacology would be an asset

Skills and Capabilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to work within The Salvation Army mission and values and demonstrated ability to apply them

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written in English

• Tolerance and compassion for individuals of diverse social and cultural backgrounds

• Ability to understand the dynamics of residents’ behaviour and assess their needs and risks

• Must have strong interpersonal skills, be a team player

• Must have good computer skills

• Must have proven ability to effectively problem solve

• Ability to work with diversity

• Knowledge of available community resources would be an asset

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.