Thorpe Recovery Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing client-centered and community-based addiction services. We are an accredited facility, providing Residential
Treatment, Medically Supported Detox and a Family Program.
From our initial six clients in 1975, hailing from the Lloydminster area to the 700-plus individuals now helped annually from across Western Canada, Thorpe Recovery Centre continues to tailor each person’s treatment experience to meet their individual needs. Everyone’s history is uniquely their own – and we believe their recovery journey should be too. Each person who has walked through our doors has shaped our history and our future; for over 46 years, the development of our services has been based on the needs of our community. Regardless of our size, scope, or geographic outreach, the purpose of what we do remains the same – achieve wellbeing and happiness.
Located on 34 acres in the rural setting of Blackfoot, Alberta, staff can access a serenity garden area on the edge of its ponds that is surrounded by a 1km walking path. The facility is over 54,000 square feet has 12 medically supported detox beds and 62 inpatient addiction treatment beds where staff enjoy bright and open lunch/coffee areas and a wellness room for self time.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.
We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation,
Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
We at Thorpe Recovery Centre respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory—the travelling route, gathering place and meeting grounds for Indigenous Peoples, including the Nehiyaw, Denesųłıné, Siksikaitsitapi, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee,
Métis Otipemisiwak and Esikisimu Nunangat, whose histories, languages, cultures and traditions continue to influence our vibrant community. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge
Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
NATURE AND SCOPE
The Counsellor functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary care team to provide services that promote wellness while empowering individuals to achieve their highest level of functioning. In delivering these services, the Counsellor utilizes a case management approach, consulting with their clinical team and other supporting agencies. The Counsellor is required to provide coordination in the areas of case management, case planning, and implementation of programming. The Counsellor provides support to program offerings including (but not limited to): Detox, Transition, and Residential Programs.
The Counsellor main job is to assist a patient along the continuum of care from admission to Continuing Care. Counsellors at Thorpe provide one on one therapy and group processes that contribute insightful, practical and meaningful information to the development of treatment plans. Each Counsellor carries a caseload and provides clinical treatment in the form of, but not limited to, individual, family and group counseling daily. As a member of the treatment team, the
Counsellor meets weekly in collaborative fashion with the rest of the team to discuss their patient’s progress. Works with an interdisciplinary team to develop a holistic treatment process and plan. Possesses the ability to offer trauma informed care and culturally responsive counselling.
A Counsellor must possess foundational knowledge of concurrent disorders, process addiction and thorough understanding of substance use disorder and Recovery Orientated Systems of Care
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Meets with residents within 24 hours of counsellor assignment to establish therapeutic rapport.
- Develop a treatment plan for each client based on the assessment of presenting issues.
- Completes patient orientation, including a biopsychosocial assessment within a week of a patient being medically cleared.
- Adapt treatment modalities to the client’s individual characteristics and needs.
- Explore all available resources in maximizing the most effective plan for the client.
- Utilize an interdisciplinary approach to treatment where appropriate.
- Provide ongoing evaluation and revision of client’s progress and goals.
- Provide appropriate intervention to the client and the community based on their assessment and treatment plan.
- Provide a range of counselling and education services including individual, group and family services.
- Provide relapse prevention services.
- Assist as needed with assessing and providing direct intervention or referral to appropriate service providers/programs.
- Provide coordination in the areas of case management, case planning and implementation of programming.
- Deal effectively with addictive patterns of behavior, concurrent disorders and other mental health behavioral and emotional concerns such as abuse, violence, grief and loss.
- Coordinate and/or participate in case management, consultation and in departmental planning activities.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of program enhancements.
- Record case-notes and produce client-related documentation such as reports according to accepted practices and policies.
- Maintain regular contact with client referrals and/or family according to the frequency and method desired by the particular referral and/or family in order to keep them apprised of client progress and/or difficulties.
- Intervene as advocate for clients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the client’s histories and progress, services provided and other required information.
- Facilitate therapeutic groups, lectures and activities.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of TRC program enhancements.
- Adapt treatment modalities to the client’s individual characteristics and needs throughout various programs.
- Provide ongoing evaluation and revision of client’s progress/goals.
- Support clients with problem solving compatibility and conflict resolution.
- Conduct individual and group counselling sessions as well as facilitate program lectures.
- Explore all available resources in maximizing the most effective plan for the clients.
- Assesses suicidality and possibility for danger to self or others.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counselling or Social Work; one to three years’ experience in Addiction Counselling is an asset.
- Member of ACTA or CACCF is an asset
- Certification (or working towards MI & DBT Training).
- Sound knowledge of various therapeutic addiction counselling theories and practices.
- Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with a wide range of individuals consisting of diverse ages and cultures, in potentially volatile and emotionally charged situations.
- Ability to work well under pressure, individually and as part of a team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to assist clients and family members with concern and empathy, respecting their confidentiality and privacy in a respectful manner.
- Strong moral and ethical reasoning, along with a commitment to privacy.
- High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability.
- Will be required to obtain a Criminal record Check with Vulnerable sector check upon hiring and every 2 years of employment.
- All nonmedical staff will receive a TRC "in-house" nasal and injectable certification for evidence of training attended. Naloxone training will be renewed annually in-house.
BENEFITS
- Dental care
- Disability
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- 12 stat holidays
ROTATING SCHEDULE
8-hour shifts, five (5) days per week 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, 40 hours total per week
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Thorpe Recovery Centre works to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of clients, staff, students and volunteers. All employees must adhere to current Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, all applicable regulations, licensing bodies requirements, standards as well as organizational health and safety requirements and procedures.
Thorpe Recovery Centre follows all Provincial Health recommendations. In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must be in compliance with current provincial health authority and contractual vaccination requirements.
All candidates must adhere to the standards and policies laid out in the Residential Addiction
Treatment Services – Mental Health Services Protection Regulation and the Mental Health Services
Protection Act - MHSPA (current as of December 15, 2022).
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $54,000.00-$64,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Blackfoot, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: In person
