Addictions Supportive Housing Student Placement

Position Title: Addiction Supportive Housing Student Placement

Placement Type: In person

Location: 3333 Finch Ave East

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 9am-4pm 24 hrs./wk.

Students Needed: 1

Reports to: Intensive Addictions Care Manager

Start Date: ASAP (As soon as possible)

Position Summary: 

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Addiction Supportive Housing Volunteers. In this role, you will provide crucial assistance and emotional support to individuals who are battling addictions. Your presence and guidance will contribute to the creation of an empowering and positive environment for those seeking recovery.

Responsibilities: 

• Engage in supportive interactions with individuals dealing with addiction, offering a non-judgmental and empathic presence to listen to their concerns, fears, and progress.
• To provide emotional support, encouragement, and validation to help individuals build self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of belonging during their recovery process.
• Sharing of resources: Share information regarding available resources, treatment options, support groups, and community services that can assist a person in their recovery process.
• Setting realistic and achievable recovery goals with individuals and assisting them in developing strategies and plans to achieve them.
• Provide appropriate guidance to seek professional assistance when an individual is experiencing a crisis or intense emotions and respond calmly and effectively.
• Take part in training sessions provided by the organization to enhance your understanding of addiction, recovery, and effective communication.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning all information provided by individuals seeking support, in accordance with established privacy policies.
• Collaboration: Work with other volunteers, staff members, and professionals to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded support system for individuals in recovery.
• Keeping accurate and organized records of interactions, progress, and outcomes in a secure and confidential manner is essential. 

Skills & Qualifications: 

• Must be enrolled in an Addictions, Mental Health, or Psychology diploma, degree, or certificate program with a recognized college or university.
• Genuine empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude toward individuals dealing with addiction.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to provide emotional support and guidance effectively.
• Basic understanding of addiction and recovery concepts (prior experience or education in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields is a plus).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Working Environment

• May sometimes involve being in settings where clients are smoking
• In some interactions, clients can present with passive-aggressive behaviors,
• In office 1-2 times a week
• Sitting in front of the computer terminal for long periods of time
• May have frequent work interruptions
• Working evenings and weekends is optional.

Orientation & Training

• Volunteer Services will provide an orientation covering organizational policies and procedures, including COVID-19 safety measures.
• Completion of IPAC Mandatory Training is required for all onsite positions.
• Organizational training will be provided for all new volunteers.
• Position-specific training and orientation will be conducted by the direct supervisor.

Supervision and Evaluation:

• Supervision and support will be provided by the Intensive Addictions Care Manager.

Other Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary program
• Vulnerable Service Sector Check screening is mandatory.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Senior Persons Living Connected is a diverse work environment.  We encourage applications from all persons, including persons with disabilities. Accommodation will be provided, if needed, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act. 

Volunteer Services Recruitment Team E-mail volunteerrecruitment@splc.ca