Addictions Counsellor

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS)

was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Addictions Counsellor role is dedicated to providing substance use services tailored to the needs of Aboriginal individuals and families within the Kamloops community and surrounding areas. These services address addiction challenges and emphasize prevention, supporting adults, elders, and youth aged 15 and above, including status, non-status, Métis, Inuit, or two-spirited individuals living on and off reserves, including rural areas.

Under the supervision of the General Manager, the Addictions Counsellor provides culturally appropriate direct services to enhance the health and well-being of Aboriginal people within the region and reduce health disparities. The role maintains an active caseload, offering direct client service to approximately 130 individuals annually, with a focus on supporting 55 clients concurrently.

• Conduct entry and exit services including screening, intake, referral, and one-month follow-up assessments.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop individualized treatment plans, working collaboratively with clients to establish achievable goals and recovery strategies.
• Manage cases in collaboration with other service providers, ensuring coordination of care, access to resources, client advocacy, and ongoing support throughout the treatment process.
• Provide immediate support and intervention to clients experiencing acute emotional or physical distress, including risk assessment and mitigation to ensure safety and well-being.
• Conduct individual and small group counseling sessions, marital and family counseling, and one-to-one counseling focused on alcohol and drug abuse prevention and intervention, utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Facilitate the Welbriety program, including 12-week closed group sessions held twice yearly.
• Deliver community education on addiction prevention and treatment through workshops, presentations, outreach activities, and information sessions.
• Determine client appropriateness and eligibility for the program through thorough screening processes and completion of necessary alcohol and drug services forms.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals including social workers, probation officers, lawyers, and counselors, and act as a liaison between clients and external services to ensure seamless coordination of care.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, documenting assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, outcomes, and discharge summaries in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Generate reports and documentation, including monthly activity progress reports to the General Manager, two final activity reports to the funding agency, and required reporting through the Addictions Information Management System (AIMS).
• Facilitate referrals by directing clients or general inquiries to appropriate agencies, resource persons, or support systems, and engage in consultation with healthcare professionals, legal experts, and colleagues to support comprehensive care.
• Adhere to mandatory reporting requirements and conduct regular review and updating of client records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Perform related responsibilities that support program delivery and client care.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Certification or license as an Addictions Counsellor preferred.

• Previous experience in addiction counseling or a related field.
• Experience applying various counseling modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based approaches.
• Proficiency in…