Central Intake Counsellor

Full-Time Permanent

Location: Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Who you are? You are highly motivated in sharing your interest in the Health Field enabling you to work in a team environment. Acknowledging the Seven Grandfather Teachings in your work to build relationships. In addition, you have the ability to draw on your own knowledge and life skills to support and maintain efficient operational functions, with a positive outlook.

Who we are? We are a leader in First Nation Health. Our foundation is Indigenous Health in Indigenous Hands. We provide accessible, quality, culturally safe and holistic health care that supports and enhances the wellness of individuals, families, and communities. We work with our 11 First Nation community partners in the provision of primary health care, traditional healing, mental wellness and addictions, home and community support services, and health promotion services. We have recently been approved as the first Indigenous led Ontario Health Team by the Ministry of Health.

The opportunity: The Central Intake Counsellor plays a critical role in engaging, welcoming, and assessing the needs of, and providing direct services and internal/external referrals for partner First Nations Community Members. Under the direct supervision and support of the Mental Wellness Program Manager, the Central Intake worker provides timely responses to requests for mental health and addiction information and services including booking appointments, intake assessments, triaging for services, Suicide risk assessments, and referral services to help ensure seamless service provision. The Central Intake Counsellor also helps to facilitate groups, provides brief crisis counselling as needed, and support the Peer Worker Program. This responsibility is with a strong emphasis on quality assurance through implementation of service policies & procedures; and case management which supports individuals and their family. The Central Intake Counsellor shall assume a support role in building on current relationships between traditional Indigenous and western healing modalities through cultural competency and translation activities as well as supporting the access of Traditional Healers for individual community members.

What you need to bring with you:

• S.W; or equivalent bachelor's degree with training in clinical counselling
• Addictions and/or Mental Health with 2 years of work experience
• Current registration/ability to register with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or College of Psychologist of Ontario (CPO)
• Ontario Telemedicine (OTN) experience is an asset
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification
• A specialization and experience in prescription drug use or polysubstance use would be an asset
• Commitment and understanding of the principles and philosophy of traditional wellness approaches
• Strong Cultural awareness, empathy and understanding of a wide and diverse Indigenous community; strong commitment to cultural safety and Trauma Informed care from a client perspective
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in using Mental Wellness & drug assessments and screening tools
• Ability for conceptualizing and addressing individual and family addictions issues from a wholistic perspective, including community context and realities; Social Determinants of health, Adverse Childhood Experiences, lived Anishinabek experience, and historical trauma
• Demonstrated knowledge and comfort with multidisciplinary team processes
• Proven ability for utilizing best practices in meeting the needs of individuals affected by Mental Wellness and prescription drug use issues
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) and foster collaborative working relationships
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information
• Successful vulnerable sector check is required
• Knowledge of MS word applications as well as Electronic Medical Record
• Must have access to a personal vehicle and willingness to travel may be required
• Must possess a valid driver license

Why Work with Us?

• Competitive Salary based on experience
• Paid Extended Health Benefits
• HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)
• Generous vacation package; with additional 6 Indigenous statutory holidays
• Life-long learning is a priority, offering 10 Professional Development Days and $1200/Annual Budget
• Technology Amenities provided (i.e., laptop, electronic medical record system, cell phone)
• All travel expenses covered
• Daytime hours of work 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
• Relocation Expenses are Negotiable
• High staff satisfaction rated work environment, priority on provider and client experience
• Access to Cultural and Traditional teachings of the Ojibwe People
• 2 weeks holiday for the first year
• 15 days of Personal Leave

What to expect? Given the traditional practices of Indigenous people, from time-to-time exposure to smoke from the burning of sacred medicines such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar may occur. Accommodations for the disabled will be available upon request. An offer of employment will be conditional upon an acceptable vulnerable sector police records check. Hiring of Indigenous People will be given preference, as allowed under Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code – Special Programs.

Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter along with a current resume, certificates, diplomas, along with three current work-related references to the BambooHR link.

Please ensure that “Central Intake Counsellor” appears in the subject line. Below is the link to apply directly to our organization.

Posting Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Thank you to all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.