Crisis Counsellor

Location: Central – Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Thessalon First Nation

Full-Time Employment

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: Under the supervision of the Mental Wellness Manager, the Crisis Counsellor is responsible for providing counseling services to individuals, families, and community members of Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services during times of crisis. This role involves offering culturally sensitive and trauma-informed counselling services to community members, thereby helping them develop coping strategies and supporting their well-being.
The Crisis Counsellor will provide immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to community members experiencing various forms of crisis, including but not limited to mental health emergencies, domestic violence, substance abuse issues, and grief.

What you need to bring with you:

• Preference will be given to those individuals with a B.S.W or M.S.W. (or similar) and 2 years related work experience

• 3+ years of professional experience in providing counseling services, crisis intervention, and mental health support to individuals experiencing various forms of crises is required

• Current registration or eligibility to register in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is preferred
• Must have proven clinical abilities and skills to provide counselling support to adults with significant mental health challenges
• Must have working knowledge and experience on First Nation mental health issues and First Nation culture, history, and issues

• Ability to work collaboratively with front line community workers and other health practitioners

• Ability to work collaboratively with a clinical supervisor and other mental health specialists

• Proficient skills in computer programs and electronic case management systems
• Knowledge and experience of Anishinabek Health and Traditional healing practices
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• A clear criminal reference check is a condition of employment
• Must have access to a personal vehicle and willing to travel regularly within the five communities and within the Maamwesying area
• Must have a valid driver's license

Core Competencies/Key Performance Indicators

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish trust and rapport with clients
• Ability to provide care, support, and supervision for individuals experiencing mental, emotional, or physical crises
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect client/residents' privacy
• Ability to maintain composure and remain calm in crisis situations
• Strong crisis management, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Sensitivity to specific traumas experienced by First Nations community members
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain solution oriented

Roles and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the Crisis Counsellor include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to crisis calls or situations and determine the appropriate course of action

• Offer immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to community members facing various forms of crises
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals and families in crisis
• Provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed counselling services, supporting individuals in developing coping strategies, enhancing resilience, and fostering their emotional and mental well-being
• Facilitate the process of connecting individuals with external resources and support services
• Liaise with the client's natural support system where appropriate
• Provide client-centred advocacy to facilitate access to (and modification of) existing resources to meet individual needs
• Provide information/strategies for health promotion and prevention of further crises
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with various First Nations communities and organizations to facilitate the appropriateness of services for the members of these communities
• Provide continued follow-up support where necessary
• Record and maintain accurate and thorough information about crisis intervention or services provided
• Prioritize resident/client safety and well-being while ensuring the maintenance of confidentiality
• Develop strong relationships within the First Nations communities we serve, collaborating with community leaders, elders, and other service providers to ensure a holistic and culturally relevant approach to crisis intervention and support
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and educational programs within the community to promote mental health awareness, prevention, and early intervention
• Other duties and tasks as requested

• Ensure client information is charted, maintained, and securely stored within the electronic case management system
• Prepare and submit reports as required by Maamwesying

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
• 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 1st 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 “Crisis 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.