Youth Cultural Facilitator & Substance Use Counsellor

Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families is a multi service nonprofit organization serving Inuit children, youth, and their families. We are dedicated to providing cultural, educational, and support services in a caring, respectful, and collaborative environment that fosters strong and proud Inuit children and families. 

Position: Youth Cultural Facilitator & Substance Use Counsellor 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week – Full-Time Determinate (2.5 years) 

Salary Range: $55,000 - $69,400 per annum  

POSITION SUMMARY 

Under the supervision of the Community Initiatives and Mental Health Manager the Youth Cultural Facilitator and Substance Use Counsellor assists Inuit youth and families in addressing alcohol/drug issues and facilitates cultural services to promote healing and wellness for Inuit youth and families. Activities include Substance Use Education, Harm Reduction, One to One Support/Counseling, Relapse Prevention, Aftercare. Cultural Healing/Teachings. Services will be embedded in an Inuit cultural framework for mental wellness that combines western and Inuit specific knowledge and counselling practices. 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide traditional teachings, cultural awareness, safety, competency, and knowledge in a safe and acceptable environment and support cultural knowledge transfer and planning; 

• Act as a cultural resource and support to promote healing and wellness for urban Inuit youth and families; 

• Ensure the provision of Inuit cultural teachings and knowledge within all aspects of Sivumut Alluqatigiit programming to ensure safe and appropriate cultural practices and boundaries; 

• Act as a cultural resource and support to promote healing and wellness for urban Inuit youth and families; 

• Ensure the provision of Inuit cultural teachings and knowledge within all aspects of Sivumut Alluqatigiit programming to ensure safe and appropriate cultural practices and boundaries; 

• Deliver individual, family, group culturally based counselling services; 

• Provide case management as needed including individualized plans of care; 

• Complete approved screening tools with clients; 

• Assess client’s needs and make referrals when appropriate; 

• Participate in treatment planning that considers the strengths, needs, and goals of the client; 

• Support clients to identify goals and strategies for healing and wellness; 

• Provide information on symptoms and physical effects of alcohol and drug abuse; 

• Provide harm reduction information and materials; 

• Utilize Inuit and Western best practices related to prevention, intervention, and healing; 

• Share information on impacts of colonization and relation to substance use and trauma; 

• Participate in effective after-care strategies that contribute to the healing, empowerment and growth of individuals struggling with addiction as a product of intergenerational trauma; 

• Promote healthy lifestyles for Inuit youth and families; 

• Provide outreach counselling in the community; and 

• Participate in case management and clinical supervision meetings; 

• Advocate for the needs of Inuit children and youth; 

• Maintain effective administrative systems; and 

• Other duties as assigned. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 

• Develop positive relationships with Educators and Education Assistants, students, and parents; 

• Participate in problem-solving and conflict resolution when required; and Foster positive relationships with participants using well known elements of relationship building (e.g. attentive listening, empathy, non-judgmental, etc.). 

• Provide leadership in promoting and practicing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, professional values, and ethics within Inuuqatigiit; 

• Act as a positive role model to promote professional values and ethics within Inuuqatigiit and to youth and parents and/or caregivers; and 

• Demonstrate autonomy and initiative. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Work regular and consistent weekly hours of work; 

• Physical ability to access three-story building; 

• Demonstrate stress management and energy in interacting with school children and parents; 

• Mental effort is required to deal with stress related to safety of children, program delivery and communications with parents; 

• Some evening work may be required related to delivery of program; and 

• Additional hours on occasion to meet deadlines and ensure delivery of highquality programs and services; 

• Depending on operational and programming needs, may be required to work online from home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

• Ensure personal safety precautions are observed at all times; and 

• Ensure Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 Pandemic are followed at all times. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

• Experience working with Inuit or Indigenous communities preferred; 

• Knowledge of the needs of Inuit children and families; 

• Strong knowledge of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles, culture, language, and community; 

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English and Inuktitut; and provide minor translation; 

• Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment; 

• Ability to function effectively in a high stress, high noise environment; 

• Ability to operate computer systems and relevant software; and 

• Enthusiasm, flexibility, dedication, and commitment to children. 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

• Inuit descent required; 

• Degree or diploma in social services or equivalent in experience; 

• Additional training in mental health, substance use disorders and life skills, suicide intervention is a strong asset; 

• At least 3 years’ experience in individual and group counselling, psychoeducation, case management and crisis intervention; 

• Experience counselling youth with mental health and substance use issues; 

• Experience working with Inuit communities; 

• Experience working with Inuit Elders and clinicians in individual and group counselling settings; and 

• Knowledge and experience in cultural and contemporary healing practices and approaches to counselling. 

• Vulnerable Sector Check required; 

• Medical certification of good health and record of up-to-date immunizations; 

• TB Test, if applicable; 

• First Aid/CPR Certification (or willingness to become certified); and 

• Valid drivers licence an asset. 

Please apply with cover letter and up-to-date resume before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020 

Shelley Watkin, Human Resources Manager 

Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families 

224 McArthur Ave., Ottawa, ON K1L 6P5 

hrmanager@inuuqatigiit.ca 

We thank all who apply for this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

When two equally qualified candidates are considered for the same position, preference will be given to the candidate of Inuit descent.