Addiction Support Worker (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Addiction Support Worker for our Daughters & Sisters team. The proposed start date for this position is August 21, 2023. This position requires BCGEU membership.

Through our Daughters & Sisters program, participants who access these services have significant substance misuse issues, considerable involvement in the criminal justice system, and complex personal and social needs that require a heightened level of support, supervision, and specialized services. The incumbent is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing one-to-one activities with the participant that are consistent with the goals identified in their service plans, address their immediate needs, support their efforts to make safer choices, and strengthen their life skills and protective factors; and facilitating a range of group treatment programming. PLEA Community Services is permitted by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal to exclusively hire women for all positions that work directly with participants in its Daughters & Sisters Program.

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Location: Surrey, BC

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are based on a Monday to Friday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 35 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline, and at least one (1) year recent experience working in programs with individuals who are deemed to be high risk, and/or involved in the justice system, and involved in harmful substance use, and their families/caregivers.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable community services agency that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver high quality, innovative services to children, youth, adults, and families facing significant challenges in their lives. PLEA is an ally in reconciliation. The organization is committed to providing culturally safe programs and continuing to work towards breaking down the barriers that cause harm to Indigenous people and communities.

What You Will Do:

• Maintains necessary program participant and program reports and statistics. Ensures that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
• Works closely with the Services Coordinator and Family Caregivers to support the goals identified in each participant’s service plan. Develops and implements appropriate plans, strategies and activities that will address their complex needs, strengthen their protective factors, and provide a sense of stability in the program.
• Teaches life skills and community survival skills, provides emotional support and models acceptable behavior. Engages participants in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that build on their strengths, encourage new interests, involves them in their culture and strengthens their sense of identity, and success. Supports participants toward integration and normative functioning in the community.
• Flexible hours outside of normal working hours and/or hours of work that include days, evenings, weekends on a rotational schedule as directed.
• Develops collaborative relationships with participants’ families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• Establishes strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• Provides close supervision and support in the community that will assist participants to achieve their individual goals, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, and develop new interests and connections.
• Responds to placement emergencies; recognizes potential crises, analyzes these situations accurately and implements strategies to deal with them, and informs the manager when such situations arise. Provides on call and duty coverage.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Implements interventions that address the complex personal, social, and healthcare needs of the participant and recognizes the contextual dynamics they are experiencing. Facilitates group treatment programming, supports the teacher-supervised educational program, and supervises a variety of group outings in the community.
• Provides opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable and encourage participants to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, and vocational skills. Includes such community resources as an integral part of the participant’s case management plan.
• Maintains on-going positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participates as part of the team responsible for improving the quality of life for the participant, and addressing their individual strengths, needs, abilities and preferences consistently.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures established by PLEA and meets the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons served. Exercises the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with the philosophical approach and mandate of the program.

What You Will Bring:

• Excellent interpersonal communication, counselling, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, enjoys the company of people and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
• Work or volunteer experience in a residential care facility or foster home model program.
• Demonstrated group facilitation skills for individuals who have complex needs and may be reluctant to engage.
• Good understanding of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies, the role of Youth and Adult Court, Child Welfare Legislation and policies including the Child, Family and Community Service Act; Foster Care and Residential Standards and applicable government legislation, regulations and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team with other program staff, and with others in the community including professionals, collaterals, and families/caregivers, informal supports and community members; use good judgment, manage conflicts constructively, work independently and be accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with participants and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage, and to be sensitive an understanding of their social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and best practices with respect to providing addictions services based on the core principles of a harm reduction approach to participants who are at risk, their families, and communities.
• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through group processes, including managing conflict constructively.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with databases.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, counselling, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Employee Recognition Program (i.e., long service awards).
• Physical Activity Fund
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She’s Fit.
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.
• Education and Training Fund
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
• Our funding contracts require that successful applicants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.
• Satisfactory Centralized Services Hub screening by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract.
• Use of Personal Vehicle. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023139ASW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, August 4, 2023 at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.