OTTAWA ABORIGINAL COALITION


Child/Youth/Women Counsellor (Female)
Minwaashin Lodge Indigenous Women's Support Centre
August 4, 2023
Minwaashin Lodge Indigenous Women’s Support Centre
2323 St. Laurent Blvd Ottawa,
Ontario K1G 4J8
Job Posting - Full time
Child/Youth/Women Counsellor (Female)
Position reports to: Counceling Team Manager or designate
Location: 2323 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, On K1G 4J8
Work Conditions : Located in an office setting; very lo risk environment
Start Date: Immediatley
End Date: Until filled
Benifits/Pention: Attractive Benefits pkg.
Under Accessibility of Ontario and Disability Act (AODA), Minwaashin is committed to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace.
Summary
The Child/Youth/Women’s Counsellor will provide culturally-based counselling services to Indigenous 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 livingwith 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 asapproved 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 and youth ages 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, sexualorientation, homelessness, childhood trauma, addictions, bullying, domestic violence, self harmand 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 withteam members, Elders and grandmothers
Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to the Indigenous culture.
Specifications
Some evening and week-end work may be required
Computer skills and literacy
Current Criminal reference check required (CPIC)
Indigenous descent preferred
Current First Aid and CPR (or willing to train)
Own vehicle an asset with 2 million liability (Insurance requirements).
To Apply: Please send a cover letter, a complete resume with 3 references to Kate Holden-HR/Finance Officer - Minwaashin Lodge, 2323 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, On, K1G 4J8 or email: kholden@minlodge.com
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.