Walk-in Counsellor & Case Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Walk-in Counsellor & Case Manager

Are you an individual with a passion for helping the Indigenous community? Do you have the skills, training and ability to support a client through a crisis or with brief counselling? Do you work well in a community-based, client-centered environment? If so, this opportunity is for you!

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Aboriginal values of balance, respect and community interdependence.

As  Counsellor with a Degree in Social Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a related field, combined with an exceptional understanding of how to work with Aboriginal people, you will want to consider this opportunity.  If you do not have a degree but have experience working as a crisis counsellor we encourage you to apply.

 Position:

Under the supervision of the  Mental Health Director the successful candidate will be responsible for direct service provision, which will include conducting client assessments, brief counselling services and navigation supports.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides Direct Client Care

• Provides brief counselling to clients during walk-in hours;
• Provides culturally-appropriate direct service including client assessment, intervention , and referrals;
• Provides advocacy and referrals to help clients access relevant community services. Where necessary and useful, collaborates with other professionals (i.e. doctors and other health-care professionals);
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with community agencies, schools, courts, child welfare workers, etc., makes referrals and mobilizes community resources where indicated on matters relating to clients’ welfare;
• Ensures quality client care that is consistent with best practices, agency standards, and evidence-based approaches (particularly brief, narrative, & solution-focused therapies);
• Provides systems navigation and advocacy supports;
• Performs related work as assigned.

 Administration

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records, ensuring required information is shared with organizations receiving referrals, and monitoring referral status of clients;
• Entering all client information and statistical information into the Electronic Medical Records system;

 Events

• Participation in Wabano events is an integral part of community and organizational support and is a requirement of all Wabano workers.

Qualifications:

• Social Services Worker Diploma, Bachelors of Social Worker, Masters of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or equivalent degree or experience as a Crisis Counsellor
• Be registered or eligible for registration with CCPA or OCRT or CRPO, or OASW & OCSWSSW, or equivalent Professional Colleges and Associations;
• Maintains professional liability insurance through their association;
• Experience in short-term, single to three session, strength-based, narrative counselling approaches would be a strong asset;
• Demonstrated experience in brief models, with diverse client populations (experience with Aboriginal population would be considered a strong asset);
• Knowledge of Aboriginal-specific resources and mainstream community resources;
• Ability to work flexible hours according to program need, which will include evening work and occasional weekend work;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people, including a sound knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual  health in contemporary society;
• Demonstrated cultural competency in working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
• 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:

Criminal reference check required

Salary Range: $64,000 to $68,000

Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants (please self-identify) 

Why Choose Us:

• Join a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Access to Group Health and Dental Insurance.
• Participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan/Employee Pension Plan with contributions by Wabano.
• Benefit from an Employee Assistance Program.
• Begin with a generous 4 weeks of vacation.

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com  Your application package should include a compelling cover letter and a comprehensive resume. The application process will remain open until the position is filled, so don’t delay in sharing your story with us.

Wabano is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, and we welcome applications from qualified candidates, including individuals with disabilities and members of visible minorities. This position is open to all qualified applicants, with a preference for candidates of Aboriginal ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is dedicated to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you are contacted for an employment opportunity or interview, please inform us if you require accommodation.

We extend our gratitude to all applicants. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.