Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults; LESA Counsellor – Substance Use & Problem Gambling - B

Job Title:

Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA) Counsellor – Substance Use & Problem Gambling - Bilingual

Total Hours of work per week: working 28 hours

Is Artificial Intelligence used for screening or assessment of candidates? ☐Yes ☒ No

We are a nonprofit, multi-service community health centre that has played an active role in the community since 1969. We offer a full range of community services delivered by a diverse team of professionals. Our team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, dietitians, community developers, health promoters, and outreach workers.

The LESA counsellor is responsible for the provision of counselling services for older adults (55+) seeking mental health and addictions (substance use and problem-gambling) support. The Counsellor is part of Centretown Community Health Centre’s Mental Health, Substance Use Healtheal and Addictions (MHSUA) team; specifically the Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults program (LESA). The LESA program works from a harm reduction model of support and strives to decrease barriers faced by older adults in the maintenance of health and wellness.

The LESA program provides longer term counselling to program participants and is flexible in its service delivery (provision of virtual, off site or home counselling sessions when necessary; integrated care approach; combination of individual and group counselling; opportunities to decrease isolation through therapeutic recreation activities). The LESA Counsellor is also responsible for developing and maintaining key partnerships and contacts within the community to increase the accessibility of services to marginalized and vulnerable older adults struggling with the impact of addictions and mental health issues on their quality of life and overall health.

This position may be required to represent the LESA program at community forums, workshops and events. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills in conjunction with excellent group facilitation skills within a therapeutic setting are required for this position.

• Master’s level degree in Social Work, Counselling or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Three to five years mental health and addictions experience in a community setting (both individual and group).
• Counselling experience in a community setting with marginalized and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of the Harm Reduction principles and practices.
• Knowledge in best practices as it relates to substance use health and addictions including problem-gambling counselling.
• Knowledge of issues affecting older adults.
• Experience and proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and SMART Recovery.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and access to car; ability to work out of multiple locations.
• Proficient with Windows based computer systems, MS Word, e‑mail and Electronic Medical Records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Active licence or eligibility for registration with a recognized governing body, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants invited to an interview will be contacted.

Candidates requiring accommodation during the application and/or the interview process should contact us at jobs so arrangements can be made. CCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce and as such, we encourage applications from individuals who reflect the broad diversity of communities we work with.

Centretown CHC has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, as such applicants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccinations to be considered for employment. Reasonable accommodation will be considered for persons with medical exemption or other exemptions under the Ontario Human Rights Code.