Mental Wellness Counsellor

Location: East End – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek & Sagamok Anishnawbek

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 Mental Wellness Counsellor is responsible for providing culturally appropriate outreach mental wellness assessment, counselling and support services to Indigenous adults (18+ years) in collaboration with Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services partner sites. This responsibility is with a strong emphasis on quality assurance through implementation of service policies and procedures and case management information system. The Mental Wellness Counsellor shall assume a technical support role in building on current relationships between traditional Indigenous and western healing modalities through cultural awareness and translation activities as well as supporting the access of traditional healers for individual clients.

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. Relevant education with 5 years related experience will also be considered
• 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

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 “Mental Wellness 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.