Addictions & Substance Use Support Worker

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary:

The Addictions Support Worker (ASUSW) works within client and family centered model with a harms-reduction framework model, and trauma informed understanding the historical aspects of Residential schools and impacts of intergenerational trauma.

The Addictions & Substance Use Support Worker will provide supports and services to clients struggling with unmanaged substance use through counseling and activities that support individuals and families dealing with alcohol and drug dependency and its related issues. This will include community outreach, presentations, creating activities and programs, assessments, and referrals.

This position is responsible for the development, maintenance and coordination of a Drug and Alcohol activities and awareness program, assesses and refers individuals for drug and alcohol treatment, makes home and medical facilities visits, and coordinates, prepares and presents workshops to the Band membership.

The ASUSW Worker provides Musqueam with a preventive health program to deal with alcohol and drug issues and dependency.  The incumbent meets with clients (and when appropriate their families), assesses their needs, and makes referrals to outside agencies and/or treatment centres.  The ASUSW Worker makes home and occasional institutional visits to provide support for the client Band members.  The actions and decisions made by the incumbent have a broad, and in some cases life-long effect on their clients, the families, and the community.

The ASUSW Worker works with the clients and their families to educate and assist them in coping with the dependency problem.  The ASUSW Worker may encounter high emotional resistance or adverse reactions to their intervention requiring the use of tact and diplomacy and a high level of professionalism to defuse highly charged situations.  The incumbent of this position is also required to prepare and present educational, informational workshops on drug and alcohol issues, dependencies and treatment to community groups.

The ASUSW Worker must develop multiple strategies to deal with the continually changing circumstances of the clients.  In order to do so, the incumbent must keep up-to-date on the latest developments in methods of treatment, the changing drug scene, and changes to treatment availabilities.  The position requires sensitivity and understanding of the social and cultural history of the Band.  In particular, the incumbent must deal with the issues in the context of the long-term effects of the segregationist systems of Residential Schools and Reserves.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Build programming that will focus on a strengths-based approach to building resiliency and self-esteem
• Develops and maintains a drug and alcohol counseling program
• Assist in the implementation of programming that will support the engagement of youth, adults and elders who are struggling with substance use through one-to-one supports or small group programs
• Maintains a statistical base on program delivery
• Prepares and delivers reports on program status and community trends
• Plans and coordinates workshops and presentations for the community on drug and alcohol education, awareness and abuse
• Supports and assists Band members dealing with drug and alcohol and chemical dependency issues
• Assesses clients and makes necessary referrals to treatment centers or outside agencies
• Maintains accurate and confidential records relating to individual clients
• Communicates with clients and their family members on treatment plans or programs, and with community groups on treatment programs
• Attend various community functions
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with Band members, colleagues, and outside agencies
• Provide orientation and guidance to volunteers and coworkers on a routine basis
• The ASUSW Worker is responsible for being aware of the band and community members and their well-being at treatment, as well as being self-aware of hazardous situations
• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill and knowledge usually attained by successful completion of a Post-Secondary degree Social Work degree, Counselling, Psychology, or Nursing;
• strong knowledge of the problems of drug and alcohol dependencies and their treatment gained through the appropriate level of education and at least two years’ experience in the field; or an equivalent combination of skill, knowledge, and experience
• Working knowledge of traditional healing methods used by First Nations people; awareness of methods of dealing with post-traumatic stress; and community resources available to clients
• Knowledge and experience of similar program delivery in the context of Musqueam or First Nations culture and history
• Knowledge of community resources available to clients and their families
• Good knowledge of the social services systems, the educational system, the courts and the penal system is essential for the ASUSW Worker to be successful in the delivery of service to the Band. Likewise, a good knowledge of the social and cultural outcomes of the Residential School and Reserve system is required
• Ability to drive and provide a licensed vehicle for work purposes
• Must be addiction-free
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nations communities, health and social issues
• Ability to use tact and good judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex issues
• The ASUSW Worker must have strong written and verbal communication skills
• In order to deal with the highly emotional issues involved the incumbent is required to have some counseling skills and strong conflict resolution skills
• The sensitive nature of the work requires the ASUSW Worker to have the ability to maintain the confidentiality of client information
• The position requires the ability to research and develop local programs to deal with drug and alcohol education, awareness and dependency; identify local trends; and write reports and recommendations on assessments, program status, and client progress
• The incumbent requires skill in the preparation and presentation of workshops and information seminars in order to garner client and community support
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality regarding patient medical information and records
• Self-directed with demonstrated organizational skills
• Skill in the use of workplace technology, i.e. computers, communications equipment, business software.
• The ability to professionally meet, deal with the public and provide information in a pleasant, helpful and confidential manner
• Ability to problem-solve and take initiative to resolve problems
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workload
• Ability to remain calm during periods of stressful high volume and to meet deadlines as required
• Ability to work independently and harmoniously as a member of a team

• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for work purposes
• Successful Criminal Record Check

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a clinic office environment and out in the community
• After hours work may occasionally be required due to program demands.

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band.  Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.