Child/Youth/Women Counsellor (Female)

Child/Youth/Women Counsellor (Female)

Paternity Leave Contract

Immediate – October 31, 2021

(Relying on Provisions of Section 23 of the Ontario Human Rights Code)

Start Date: Immediate

Position reports to: Counseling Team Manager or designate

Location: 100- 1155 Lola, Ottawa, On K1K 4C1

Work Conditions: Located in an office setting; very low/low risk environment

Salary Range: $45,000 to $48,000 – pending work experiances

Summary

The Child/Youth/Women Counsellor will provide culturally-based counselling services to Indigenous children/youth between the ages of 4 – 16 yrs and women 16+. Recognizing that wellness for Indigenous people is intimately connected to culture and community, as well as healing the intergenerational effects of colonialism and assimilation, the proposed program will facilitate healing by bridging Western and Traditional counselling methodologies.

Job Responsibilities

• The Counsellor will offer weekly and bi-weekly appointments in person and by phone and will make referrals to complimentary healing and wellness programs including substance use treatment centres

• Conduct intake and assessment to determine the needs and circumstances of each individual youth in the context of her/ past and present experience and relationships

• Youth will increase their connection to community and referrals to other other services providers, as needed

• Explore with clients their past and present coping strategies with substance use and the goal of developing new coping skills, strengthening existing ones, and eliminating those that are harmful to self and others

• Knowledge and application of the Child and Family Services Act’s regulations on consent, confidentiality and reporting obligations

• In cases where youth agree to work with parents, guardians and family members, apply solution- focused family therapy approaches to promote communication and collaboration

• Work in close collaboration with the Counseling Team and other staff in assessment and intervention strategies that promote holistic healing

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director that are within the specifications of the Child/Youth/Women Counselor position.

Documentation/Organizational

• Keep records and documentation related to clients such as assessments, progress notes and case closure materials and keep all such documentation confidential

• Provide written and / or verbal reports as required internally and externally

• Counsellor will document type and frequency of service referrals

• Youth will self report on use of cultural practices in relation to health and well-being while living with family members who may be using substances presently or in the past

• Collect service statistics as required and requested by your supervisor

• Participate in a process of supervision and in performance evaluations with the Case Manager

• Actively participate in training and professional development activities relevant to the position as approved by the Executive Director

• Participate in Minwaashin Lodge staff meetings as required

• Ensure that the Seven Sacred Teachings are followed when interacting with all people.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in social work or psychology or equivalent certification

• Three years experience working with children/youth/women in a counseling capacity

• Experience with individual and group counseling and programming, with a demonstrated ability in program innovation and traditional culture

• Excellent knowledge of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools

• Working knowledge of various issues faced by youth such as: impacts of violence, sexual orientation, homelessness, childhood trauma, addictions, bullying, domestic violence, self harm and anger

• Functional knowledge of the Indigneous and non-Indigenous service system of Ottawa for youth

• Commitment to a feminist, holistic approach to therapy, and to working in close collaboration with team members, Elders and grandmothers.

• Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to the Indigenous culture.

Specifications

• Some evening and week-end work required

• Computer skills and literacy

• Criminal reference check required (CPIC)

• Indigenous descent preferred

• Current First Aid and CPR

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, a complete resume with 3 references to Kate Holden–Human Resources - Minwaashin Lodge, 100-1155 Lola Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1K 4C1 or email to: kholden@minlodge.com

Closing Date: Until filled

We thank all those who apply, but due to the number of applications we receive, we are able to contact only those being considered for an interview.