Service Coordinator & Counsellor

Service Coordinator and Counsellor (2 Full-time Positions)

Are you an individual with a passion for helping the Indigenous community?

Do you have superior knowledge of the different services available in Ottawa?

Are you able to advocate for clients and ensure that they are receiving the timeliness and quality of care they deserve?

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic primary health care to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa - one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence.

As a Frontline Worker with a Post Secondary education in Social Work or a related field, combined with exceptional understanding of how to access health, mental health and social supports available in the City of Ottawa, you will want to consider this opportunity.

Position:

The Services Coordinator and Counsellor -provides screening and brief assessment for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 related challenges. Based on the assessment, these individuals will be referred to appropriate services, including internal and external mental health and addictions services, primary care, housing and other service or programs to address the social determinants of health and promote healthy living. Additionally, this position will play a pinnacle role in education of non-Indigenous service providers on the context, history, and “Culture as Treatment" approach to service delivery, and in advocacy on behalf of the Indigenous families at a number of network groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Helping Indigenous individuals to navigate the services and providing case management;

• Conducting screening and brief assessment in both individual and group formats using common tools and protocols;

• Working with clients and their families to create a navigation strategy that will lead to quality of service;

• Provide crisis management and outreach;

• Organizing and leading client case conferences where specific challenges are faced in matching client need and services;

• Advocating for clients and their families when barriers arise to ensure quality and timeliness of service;

• Providing education and increase awareness of mental health and addiction resources available for Indigenous community members;

• Promoting Indigenous beliefs, values, and traditions that enhance health and well being;

• Providing services to clients at a time which best meets their needs, which may include evenings and weekends as directed by the manager;

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records, ensuring required information is shared with organizations receiving referrals, and monitoring referral status of clients;

• Other administrative tasks as required;

• Evaluating the progress of the service on an on-going basis with an emphasis on client satisfaction;

• Ensuring that all reporting has been completed on time with accurate information;

• Take part in organization-wide initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Experience in crisis intervention, case management, and outreach;

• Post secondary education in Social Work;

• Client service oriented;

• Experience working on committees, networks and/or boards (an asset);

• Experience and skill in application of a variety of screening and assessment procedures and tools;

• In-depth knowledge of local, regional and provincial Indigenous and non-Indigenous services as well as strong knowledge of local partner sector services and access procedures, including mental health, housing, and primary care;

• Good interpersonal and counselling skills; able to work flexibly with a variety of population groups and treatment settings;

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities with the ability to offer culturally appropriate services;

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on Indigenous people’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in contemporary society;

• A nonjudgmental, inclusive, and positive attitude towards people who are experiencing problematic substance use, and other issues;

• Ability and skills to recognize and manage the signs of a client in crisis;

• A demonstrated ability to exercise strong decision-making skills and deal with unpredictable situations.

Specifications:

• Successful applicants will be required to submit a criminal reference check;

• Preference will be given to applicants of First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent (please self-identify to receive preference)

To pursue this opportunity, please submit a covering letter and Resume to jobs@wabano.com

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.