Position: Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator
Start Date: ASAP following hire
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and special events
The successful candidate will be employed by the Fort Erie Native Cultural Centre Incorporated, responsible to the policies and directions determined by the Board of Directors and under the daily supervision of the Executive Director or their delegate.
Primary Objective
Provides wholistic and culture-based supports to meet the mental health and addiction needs of urban Indigenous individuals and families, with a focus on trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. IMHWP workers deliver individual and group services, including peer counselling, sharing circles, and other traditional and land-based activities that support the achievement of a Good Mind.
Education
- 2-year College/University Diploma or Degree in Social Work or Psychology preferred
- Experience in Mental Health
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Provide culturally appropriate alternatives to existing mainstream programs
- Promote culturally appropriate social, recreational, and program activities that minimize the negative effects of mental health issues in the Indigenous individual, family, and community
- Link and network with Indigenous and non-Indigenous agencies, organizations, and services to support clients experiencing mental health issues
- Design, develop, and deliver mental health educational presentations to individuals, families, community organizations, and services
- Research and develop culture-based mental health information material
- Assist individuals, families, or communities requesting assistance or information concerning mental health services
- Make initial contact with clients (individual, family, or community) or significant others
- Assist in arranging emergency assistance as needed for clients to access Mental Health Services internally or externally
- Complete referral forms and assist clients with applications
- Participate in Operations Manual requirements for the Community Mental Health Services funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- Support program initiatives and reporting requirements as directed by the program management policy
- Maintain an up-to-date and confidential client referral record-keeping system
Knowledge
- Familiarity with Traditional Cultural knowledge
- Ability to assist community members from a cultural knowledge perspective rather than a western perspective
- Strong connection with Indigenous people and their cultural and social needs
- Knowledge of Fort Erie Native Cultural Centre and surrounding Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations
- Understanding and commitment to the needs, barriers, and goals of Indigenous people
- Ability to assess the needs of Indigenous people in an urban setting
- Care and compassion when working with Indigenous people
- Strong planning, organizing, and deadline management skills
- Ability to develop action plans with community members, youth, and families
- Exceptional computer skills
- Excellent presentation skills and the ability to facilitate discussions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- MUST have a valid Ontario Class G driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract
- Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory vulnerable sector CPIC