Counsellor – Alluriarniq Program

Counsellor – Alluriarniq Program

Full Time, Term position until June 30, 2023

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 Counsellor is a member of the Alluriarniq (stepping forward) Program. Through mobile outreach, case-management, counselling and Elder guidance, the Alluriarniq Program assists Inuit youth and adults aged 13 years and older who are involved in sex-work, as well as individuals who are sexually exploited/ survivors of sexual exploitation to safely access harm reduction resources and information. The program supports Inuit both in-person and remotely depending on their geographic location. Utilizing Inuit societal values, harm-reduction, trauma informed and decolonizing frameworks, the program supports Inuit on their wellness journey.

The incumbent will work in tandem with the staff of the Alluriarniq program, providing individual and group counselling services to clients as well as recommendations for their plan of care.

Other key responsibilities of the position will include:

• Utilizing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles and other Inuit traditional teachings for healing and counselling purposes.

• Managing a counselling caseload of a minimum of 10 clients.

• Providing individual and group counselling sessions at various program locations.

• Keeping case notes and file case notes up-to-date and other appropriate documentation.

• Co-leading weekly client case check-in meetings with program team.

• Providing general advocacy support to clients in court/criminal justice system.

• Completing client assessments and develop treatment plans and/or plans of care.

• Maintaining and monitoring client progress records.

• Working with program outreach case managers to ensure clients are meeting their goals.

• Writing client progress reports/letters for court, social services, or other community agencies.

• Providing referrals to services within TI or outside the scope of TI.

• Providing presentations on mental health and addictions resources to program clients.

• Researching and developing material/resources for group activities in support of survivors and families.

• Providing general advocacy for client access to health and social services.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of Inuit culture and values; individual, family, group, and crisis counselling methods; and local Ottawa and community resources (e.g., housing, food banks, mental health services).

Excellent interpersonal skills, case and file management skills, organizational and time management skills,

communication (oral and written) and group facilitation skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and computer literacy skills are necessary.

The ability to work in a team environment; deal with life-threatening situations (if required); initiate, develop, and deliver programming; and demonstrate positive attitude and healthy work life balance, exemplifying Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is required.

A university degree in social work or a related field of study and two (2) years of experience working in community-based social services is preferred. 

Areas of experience should include addictions and mental health, psychological counselling, individual counselling, group facilitation, and completing individual assessments. 

Experience working with clients that have experience sex work, sexually exploited/ survivors of sexual exploitation is an asset. 

Training and/or Certification in CPR, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Suicide Intervention and Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, ASIST training, Food Handling and Preparation are assets. 

Fluency in English is required and the ability to communicate in Inuktitut is an asset.

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

Salary and Benefits

• TI offers a competitive total compensation package. 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).

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

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates and to survivors of exploitation/human trafficking; 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 sector check with results acceptable to TI. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

This position works out of the 604 Laurier Avenue, Ottawa location which is conveniently located close to major transportation access points and parking is free on the premise. 

This position does require travel within the city and delivering in-community outreach activities.

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