Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions Worker

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Executive Director. 

EMPLOYER: The Indigenous Network 

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY: To implement trauma-informed and strengths-based cultural approaches to address mental health and wellbeing concerns. 

ANNUAL SALARY: $54,000.00 

SCOPE 

  • The Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions Worker (IMHAW) is to provide support to the urban Indigenous community in the Region of Peel/Mississauga. The successful candidate is expected to establish a working relationship with internal programs at the Indigenous Network as well as various mental health and addictions care agencies and community services to achieve the desired outcomes. The IMHAW will report directly to the Executive Director. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices and teachings is integral to this role.   

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS 

  • Provide single session peer support and/or counselling services including assessment, care plan and referral for individuals, couples and families in crisis or experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, violence against women, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder, financial problems, legal difficulties, adjustment to losses, transience, caregiver stress, death and dying, family/relationship difficulties and others that the client brings forward. 
  • Provide referrals to additional resources and collateral collaboration for clients, as required. 
  • Work collaboratively with The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Attend meeting, case management, provide program update and changes. 
  • Assist the client in accessing available resources that are needed to reach their health and wellness related goals. 
  • The Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions Worker (IMHAW) is to provide support to the urban Indigenous community members and their families. The IMHAW will meet with clients as needed.  The worker will encourage clients to discuss what is happening in their lives and help them gain insight into themselves or their relationships. Since counselling and peer support requires confidentiality, the worker may meet with clients in a location not associated with The Indigenous Network and at a time that is negotiable between worker and client.   
  • Planning and Scheduling Elder/Healer Days for TIN using the Flexbooker platform.  
  • Plan/ Coordinate workshops that raises awareness, provides education and resources to address mental health and wellness needs.  

Support Work 

  • Participate in other inter-agency meetings or projects that will improve client services. 
  • Attend mandatory staff meetings as well as the TIN Annual General Meetings 
  • Initiate, establish and maintain relationships with clients while developing trust and rapport. 
  • Responsible for planning, organizing, leading and facilitating online training/activities, including education and awareness building efforts during covid19. 
  • Ensure crisis contacts are handled in a professional manner with referral to the appropriate resources and needs and ensure quick follow up. 

Administration Duties 

  • Maintain accurate files, case records and statistical data as required by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and The Indigenous Network  
  • Prepare any correspondence as required. 
  • Complete administration duties as required by The Indigenous Network  
  • Prepare timely quarterly reports for the Local Health Integrated Network through The Indigenous Network as requested 
  • Be committed to the development of an effective professional working relationship with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous agencies.  
  • Participate in meetings as per Executive Director. 
  • Keeping with Indigenous values, seven grandfather teachings, traditions, language, balance and competency. 
  • Be available to work some evenings and/or weekends. 
  • Sign and abide by an Oath of Confidentiality and The Indigenous Network’s Policies and Procedures upon start of employment as well as other necessary documents.  
  • Provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check             

Education and Experience 

  • Completion of a post-secondary diploma/degree in Social Work and/or certified counselling or equivalent degree 
  • At least two years of direct mental health support/experience (short term counselling) working with individuals and families. 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
  • Demonstrated experience working with concurrent disorders. 
  • Experience with vulnerable populations and/or community engagement 

Knowledge 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of risk factors and risk assessment. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of resources and services available to clients. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of professional standards and ethical guidelines for social workers and counsellors. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the history and current oppressions experienced by people related to moderate mental health challenges. 
  • Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices and teachings.   

Skills 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English 
  • Demonstrated skills in working with diverse groups of people. 
  • Demonstrated assessment skills. 
  • Demonstrated skills in analysis of individuals and systemic issues impacting clients. 
  • Strong organizational/planning/facilitation skills 
  • Computer skills including MS Word, PowerPoint and client databases. 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills 

Abilities 

  • Demonstrated ability to work with complex issues and trauma. 
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and direction. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently within team/program guidelines and best practices. 
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain respectful, collaborative and professional approach/standards with clients and fellow employees. 

 If you are interested in applying you may submit your cover letter, resume and three employment references to: 

info@theindigenousnetwork.com