Councillor, Mamisarvik Healing Centre

Career Opportunity
Internal/External

Counsellor, Mamisarvik Healing Centre

Full-time, Indeterminate position

If there are no successful Inuit candidates, this position will be offered as a 1-year term.

It is the mission of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) to broadly provide Inuit-specific programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Inuit and to encourage and support similar programs for Inuit across the country. With over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services, TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

The Mamisarvik Healing Centre Program delivers Inuit-specific treatment for trauma and substance use disorders. Professional, confidential, non-judgmental recovery and healing services are provided to Inuit 18 years of age or older. Mamisarvik also provides day and residential treatment programming.

TI is searching for an experienced person to provide trauma related and culturally sensitive Inuit specific counselling and supportive services to individuals and families. The incumbent will help clients understand and address substance use and related challenges, including mental health issues, problem gambling, family dynamics and lifestyle change. The incumbent works collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team of Elders, community members and clinical staff and service professionals within the organization. Developing strong relationships and providing client-specific supportive counselling services is essential to the success of Mamisarvik.

The Counsellor will support clients, fellow clinical team members and agencies by:

• Participating in clinical meetings with the Intake and Assessment Coordinator to determine client’s readiness and suitability for participation in the Mamisarvik program;

• Conducting bio-psychosocial assessments and collaborating with clients to design client-centeredand strength-based change strategies;

• Utilizing Inuit traditional healing practices, evidence-based practices, and clinical experience in both group therapy and counselling sessions;

• Providing trauma informed care counselling utilizing a strength-based approach;

• Conducting individual, group and family counselling sessions in a professional and ethical manner, following all recognized standards, legislation and guidelines relevant to Inuit traditions and clinical practice;

• Develop substance use and trauma treatment programs centered around Inuit culture, principles and values that includes clinical best practices

• Working and collaborating with aftercare counsellors prior to program completion to ensure a smooth transition to continuing care services.

• Participating on committees, teams or work groups at the local, provincial, regional and national levels;

• Coordinating referrals, admissions and discharges with related organizations; and

• Actively networking with other Inuit organizations within Ontario and other areas.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of counselling services and knowledge of Inuit culture, values, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional practices. Excellent interpersonal awareness, active listening, critical thinking, communication, analytical, and organizational skills are necessary. The ability to communicate in Inuktitut is an asset.

Maintaining confidentiality, ensuring client privacy and using computers (word processing, case management system, e-mail and internet) are requirements of the position. Other requirements include meeting attendance requirements, working occasional evenings and weekends and attending short overnight trips throughout the year with clients. The working environment involves providing support and responding to clients in distress and/or manage delicate interpersonal issues.

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this role would typically be acquired through a post-secondarydegree in social work, psychology, counselling, addictions, or another related field and two years of related professional work experience. Training in Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Suicide Intervention and Prevention skills, CPR, Food Handling and Preparation is considered an asset.

An acceptable combination of related education and work experience may be considered.

Salary and Benefits

• TI offers a competitive total compensation package including a starting salary of $55,000 per year.Employees are provided an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance. TI also offers a Group RRSP benefit plan for eligible staff.

• TI provides paid sick, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.

• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).

Deadline for applications is February 3rd, 2023

To apply, please submit your resume to careers@tiontario.ca.

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates; applicants are encouraged to self-identify.  Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services.

The successful candidate for this position will be required to obtain a vulnerable record check with results acceptable to TI. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

This position works out of TI’s Mamisarvik Healing Centre at 25 Rosemount Avenue, Ottawa which is conveniently located close to major transportation access points and parking is free on the premise.

We thank all interested applicants in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.