Four Counties Addiction Services Team (Fourcast) six (6) Bed Residential Withdrawal Management Service (RWMS) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for service users experiencing withdrawal symptoms related to substance use. This program offers a non-judgemental setting where service users can receive care and support while managing the physical and emotional challenges from withdrawal.
The Withdrawal Management Worker (WMW), in collaboration with and under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team that includes a Program Manager, a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) and an Admissions Coordinator will help provide a safe and supportive environment for withdrawal management service users. The WMW contributes support in managing symptoms and promoting the overall well-being of each service user. Additionally, you will collaborate with the health team to assist with ongoing assessments, contribute to the implementation of evidence-based interventions, and help develop and support the inter-professional plan that addresses the needs and goals of each service user.
As a Withdrawal Management Worker, your compassion and supportive approach creates a therapeutic environment that helps service users navigate the challenges of substance withdrawal. Additionally, your skills in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and adherence to ethical and regulatory standards ensure the delivery of safe and effective care during this pivotal phase of withdrawal for each service user.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Intake and Assessments
· Assist with the intake process, ensuring service users are properly admitted, oriented, and informed about the withdrawal management program.
· Evaluate the severity of withdrawal symptoms using recognized assessment tools, upon admission alongside an RPN and document any immediate medical or psychological concerns.
· Collect relevant information on service users medical, psychiatric, and substance use history to inform care planning.
· Perform risk assessments for potential complications such as suicide, self-harm, or harm to others, and escalate concerns as needed.
· Work with NP and RPNs to ensure a thorough assessment of the service users physical and mental health needs upon intake.
· Assist in creating individualized care plans, including short-term goals and interventions, based on the intake assessment findings.
· Continuously assess and document withdrawal symptoms, adjusting care plans in consultation with NP and RPN’s as needed to ensure service user safety and comfort.
· Conduct regular reassessments of risk factors and overall service user progress, communicating changes to the healthcare team to ensure appropriate adjustments to treatment.
Medication Administration and Monitoring
· Track and document the service user’s response to medications, noting any side effects or changes in symptoms.
· Follow protocols for the secure storage and handling of all medications to prevent misuse or errors.
· Document medication administrations, including doses, times, and any changes or issues, in accordance with organizational policies.
· Continuously observe service users for signs of withdrawal or adverse reactions to medications, reporting any concerns to medical staff.
· Collaborate with NP and RPN’s on medication plans based on service user progress or complications.
· As part of the health team provide information on medication, including the purpose, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to a prescribed regimen.
· Assist service users with the safe and hygienic management of bodily fluid expulsions, ensuring proper clean-up procedures are followed while maintaining infection control protocols.
· Conduct property and room searches to prevent illicit substances entering the center.
Collaboration and Treatment Plans
· Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each service user’s needs.
· Contribute to seamless communication and collaboration among team members to integrate various aspects of care, including medical, psychological, and social support.
· Engage in regular case review meetings to assess and support service users’ progress, update treatment goals, and adjust team interventions, as necessary.
· Continuously assess the service users’ response to withdrawal management protocols and collaborate in the modification of treatment plans based on evolving needs.
· Work with service users to educate them about the withdrawal process, potential complications, and recovery strategies, ensuring they are informed participants in their treatment plan.
· Identify and coordinate access to necessary resources (e.g., housing, therapy, social services) to support the individual’s overall recovery and wellbeing as part of a discharge planning process.
· Make referrals, schedule appointments for service users, as required and appropriate during their stay.
· Maintain accurate and timely documentation of treatment plans, interventions, and progress reports, ensuring adherence to regulatory and organizational standards.
· Provide support to other colleagues and programs in the facility as required.
Rapport and Engagement
· Build a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive rapport with service users to encourage open communication and foster trust.
· Offer consistent emotional support to help service users cope with the stresses and discomforts associated with withdrawal.
· Provide support during emotional or behavioural crisis, de-escalating challenging situations as needed.
· Engage service users during the withdrawal process by exploring personal goals, reinforcing their strengths, and encouraging active participation in their treatment plan.
· Support service users with activities of daily living (ADL’s) including bathing, dressing, feeding and mobility as needed.
Administration
· Document screening, assessments, treatment plans, intervention plans, progress notes and outcomes in a timely and precise manner as per program standards.
· Secure the confidentiality of all records, case notes, and files in accordance with privacy legislation such as the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) governing the organization.
· Maintain current and accurate records of service user files and attend to related requests for documentation in a timely and consistent manner.
· Participation in quality improvement initiatives to support program outcomes.
· Resolve information technology and office maintenance issues, as required.
· Adhere to ethical standards and legal regulations governing nursing practice, respecting patient confidentiality and privacy.
Education & Training
· College diploma or certificate in the Human/Social Services field (i.e., Personal Support Worker, Social Service Worker, Human Services Worker, Addiction Worker)
Experience
· Minimum 2 years’ experience working in an addictions or mental health setting.
· One year of recent and relevant experience working in community or residential withdrawal management or other related work in the addiction sector.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.99-$26.88 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-08-12
Expected start date: 2025-09-02
