Youth Substance Use Therapist

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Alternatives for Youth (AY) is a non-profit organization that provides community based substance use and mental health treatment to youth and young adults, as well as support services to their families.

The Youth Substance Use Therapist provides comprehensive substance use screening, intake, assessment and treatment to youth and young adults ages 12-25 at various locations in the Hamilton community. The Youth Substance Use Therapist is responsible for supporting youth in understanding and addressing their substance use and/or the substance use of their significant others, as well as co-occurring mental health concerns, and issues related to family impact.

This is a 35 hour per week (with benefits), non-supervisory position reporting to the Executive Director, with some evening hours required. This position requires a valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Work effectively with youth who present with multiple and complex concerns
• Engage youth from diverse backgrounds and employ treatment interventions in alignment with best practices and as per client need
• Participate in program evaluation, planning and development
• Conduct intake sessions and individual, group, and family therapeutic sessions in a professional and ethical manner, following all recognized standards, legislation, and guidelines relevant to clinical practice
• Establish new service sites and maintain existing service sites/partnerships/relationships with secondary/post-secondary schools and allied community organizations, including presentations on AY services and youth substance use
• Administer and interpret standardized substance use and mental health screening and assessment measures
• Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments and collaborate with youth to design client-centered, strength-based change strategies, reflecting evidence-based practices and clinical experience
• Document all client interventions as per legislative standards of practice and adhere to agency documentation requirements and timelines
• Develop treatment and discharge plans in consultation with youth and related professionals
• Support family members and significant others to assist them in understanding and supporting youth engaging in, and/or being impacted by, substance use
• Engage in regularly scheduled individual and group clinical supervision for: clinical support; reflection and growth/development; enhancing of skills, confidence and competence; to ensure that clients are safe and work practices remain ethical; and to ensure adhering to organizational and practice standards

Qualifications

·Degree or Diploma in Applied Health or Social Sciences from an accredited college or university

·Membership in good standing with an accredited professional college that is regulated to perform the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy

·Criminal Reference Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening

·Minimum 3 years recent and relevant clinical experience specific to addiction and mental health (concurrent disorders) in a community treatment setting

·Demonstrated knowledge of evidence informed practice for youth substance use treatment which includes comprehensive assessment, individual and group counselling modalities, case management, crisis intervention and discharge planning

· Demonstrated experience of advocating for marginalized and underrepresented communities, both internally and externally to advance equitable solutions and reduce health disparities

• Certification in administering the provincially mandated assessment measure the GAIN Q3 MI ONT is preferable but not required

·Excellent verbal and written communication, critical thinking, creative problem solving skills

·Ability to work as an effective member of an inter-professional team with excellent interpersonal, advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution skills

·Ability to work under pressure, prioritize workload and meet deadlines

·Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge

·Proficient computer skills for report writing, word processing, data entry, access to information etc.