Job Description

Become part of the ADAPT team; the team that makes a difference, supports its employees in their career development and creates a positive environment to work in POSITION: Information & Referral Specialist-Clinical Intake LOCATION: TBD (one of ADAPT locations) This position will be classified as a permanent 1.0FTE WHAT'S THERE FOR YOU? You will work with a fun, cooperative and diverse team. This group will provide you many opportunities to learn from other professions and enhance your skills and abilities when providing services to your clients. It's an interesting role, with excellent work-life balance. NOTE: Since it’s a new initiative, the successful candidate will have the opportunity/ expectation of working with a multi-disciplinary team in further defining and coordinating the position (program development), into an integrated model of service delivery. SUMMARY Provides individuals seeking help for addiction-related problems with information, support, and guidance; connects clients to community resources; helps match people with services (enquiry service). Overall, the incumbent: establishes rapport; conducts assessments and screenings; provides an informed choice of referrals; engages in follow-up; provides advocacy or crisis intervention if required. The I&R Specialist-Clinical Intake will work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to identify and prioritize clients’ needs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Assessing and Evaluating: provides clinical intake and triaging; assesses and evaluates individuals’ needs, supports, strengths and barriers of individuals who seek assistance for addiction-related concerns; provides basic counselling to distressed caller – provides reassurance, support, and validation; conducts interviews, gathers relevant information about the individual's addiction history, substance use patterns, mental health status, and any co-occurring conditions to assist with case manager triage decisions; Providing Information (system navigation): communicates effectively with both clients and ADAPT counsellors/ case managers to bring about appropriate intervention and services for clients; provides general information to callers regarding ADAPT general information, client information and referral, and other community resources such as community health and social service agencies; links callers to other agencies when appropriate; contributes to service navigation resource development and provides basic service navigation for clients deemed not suitable; assists in communicating service recommendations to referral source and/or client. Referrals: based on the assessment, refers individuals to appropriate addiction treatment programs at ADAPT, support groups, or other healthcare professionals and community organizations specializing in addiction treatment and other social services; maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation of referral information and referral status as referral progresses through the screening, triage and intake process. Documentation and data collection: collects, tracks and reports statistical data reflecting services provided; contributes to the development and maintenance of a substantial library of addictions and other social service resources; General office/Reception duties, when needed; Welcomes clients and guests and assists them in office navigation. EDUCATION University degree/ diploma in Social Work/ Social Service and/ or Health related field plus Addiction Studies certification, or equivalent combination of experience and education LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Information and Referral Specialist Certificate is an asset or commitment to obtain certification within a 2-year period. Registered Social Service Worker or certification with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation is an asset; Current CPR and First Aid certification is required. ASIST training or equivalent is required. CPI training is required. RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE 2 years of related experience preferably in a health care/ addictions and mental health/ social services/ community services providing service to clients via telephone and/or in person; Previous experience as Information and Referral Specialist is an asset; KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Knowledge of addictions services and programs offered by ADAPT and externally in the community; Intermediate knowledge of addictions/ mental health treatments and explanatory theories; Ability to use interviewing skills to identify and respond to unique needs of individual callers; Ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services Cultural knowledge of key populations in Halton Region that will be served to address disparities in specific services Ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races Knowledge of the history of discrimination in America, particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others; Knowledge of French language an asset; Excellent documentation skills that is clear, thorough, accurate and timely showing attention to detail. Problem-Solving: Ability to identify an issue, gather and process relevant information, determine possible solutions, select appropriate responses, and implement and evaluate them; Search and research skills, using multiple resources; Ability to: work effectively under pressure or deadlines, use good judgement to make sound decisions while maintaining confidentiality; Communication: Ability to speak, write, listen, and secure information effectively in a variety of settings; Strong active listening skills, non-judgmental attitude; Demonstrated strong customer service skills and interpersonal skills; Interpersonal skills that require an attention to detail and rapport building with clients and colleagues; Ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy and sensitivity to the feelings and issues experienced by callers; Experienced sense and awareness of ethical boundaries and clinical reporting obligations; Crisis intervention skills; Other Soft Skills: Ability to deal effectively with various types of challenges; Ability to exercise sound judgement and apply understanding, based on experience, to carry out instructions given in written or oral form; Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member. Flexible and adaptable. Detail oriented. COMPUTER SKILLS Proficiency with computer programs and electronic database(s); Knowledge of Catalyst an asset; Ability to learn and adapt to new computer software and applications; WORK CONDITIONS Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions; Able to fulfill all duties and work hours from a remote/home location, whenever required; Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals. Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions). TRANSPORTATION To successfully fulfill duties of the role, current valid driver's licence and regular access to a dependable vehicle is required. ABOUT US ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of the largest and most diversified treatment agencies in Ontario. We offer a full spectrum of services to clients experiencing concerns with addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders, as well as to their families and loved ones. At ADAPT we are committed to building a warm, inclusive, and diverse environment. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset; that they will do their best work when they feel supported and empowered. That is why we offer an attractive compensation and benefits package. You may be a great candidate even if you don’t have everything listed above. We believe in growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and believe this is the position that will make you excited, then we want to hear from you! At ADAPT, we strive to be an equitable and inclusive employer. Our commitment to equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. ADAPT seeks candidates from First Nations, Métis and Inuit, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ communities, women, and people with disabilities (including people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges). We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. All new hires must be fully compliant with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy as a condition of employment with ADAPT. Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a documented medical exemption as part of the hiring process. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, ADAPT will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs to ensure your equal participation. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. W e thank all those who apply but only those individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Benefits: Company events Dental care Disability insurance Extended health care On-site parking Paid time off Wellness program Work from home Schedule: 8 hour shift Day shift Monday to Friday Work Location: Hybrid remote in Burlington, ON L7N 2P5