Job Description

Career Opportunity

Internal/External



Counsellor (Alluriarniq)

Full-time, Term until March 31, 2026



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. TI has over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development, and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services. By incorporating the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

The Alluriarniq Program supports Inuit aged 13 years and older who are involved in the sex trade or are being sexually exploited. Through mobile outreach, programming, direct intervention, counselling, and Elder guidance, the program helps participants safely exit the sex trade or reduce harms. Guided by a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach, our goal is to support community members in increasing personal safety, wellness, and empowerment.

The Counsellor is an important member of the Alluriarniq team providing individual and group counselling services, developing culturally responsive care plans, and advocating for client needs in collaboration with community partners.

Key responsibilities of the position include:

Apply Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles and Inuit traditional teachings in all counselling and support activities. Integrate harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches in individual and group sessions. Maintain a minimum of 15 active clients at any given time. Schedule and provide consistent appointments for clients, respecting the goals and case plan. Maintain supportive and trust-based relationships with each client. Conduct one-on-one sessions tailored to client needs and goals. Plan, organize, and facilitate group counselling and peer support sessions at program or community locations. Conduct comprehensive client assessments upon intake. Develop individualized treatment plans and/or plans of care. Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed in collaboration with the client and program team. Keep case notes up to date in the records management system after each session or interaction. Prepare progress reports and letters for courts, social services, or partner agencies as required. Record statistical data for program reporting. Co-lead weekly client case review meetings with program staff. Work closely with outreach case managers to ensure alignment in client support. Participate in planning and delivering mental health and wellness programming. Complete / Attend external partnership meetings as directed by the Manager. Engage in collaborative care meetings with agencies such as CAS, Wabano, Akausivik, and Odawa. Support clients in accessing legal, housing, health, and social services. Advocate for clients in the court/criminal justice system. Assist clients in accessing Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for medical, dental, and vision care. Research and develop culturally safe materials for survivors and their families. Deliver presentations on mental health, addictions, and available resources. Promote program activities and services through approved communication channels, including social media. Collect and organize statistical and narrative data for evaluation purposes. Assist with formal program evaluation activities as directed by the Manager. Identify and report trends, challenges, and successes in service delivery. Complete /Organize and lead meetings with various professionals to ensure coordinated client care. Share relevant updates, risks, and next steps in a collaborative and culturally respectful manner. Complete special projects and tasks as assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of Inuit culture, values, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional practices. Knowledge of Inuit history, culture, values, and the impact of intergenerational trauma and ability to integrate cultural practices and Elder guidance into service delivery.



Proficiency in individual, family, and group counselling methods, ability to apply trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches. Competence in conducting psychosocial assessments and developing treatment plans and experience facilitating culturally safe healing circles, workshops, and group sessions. Awareness of the role of cultural safety in mental health and wellness support. Ability to assess risk and respond to crisis situations calmly and effectively, skilled in de-escalation, conflict resolution, and safety planning and knowledge of protocols for responding to exploitation, abuse, or self-harm.

Strong skills in coordinating care across multiple service providers, ability to advocate for clients within health, social service, housing, and justice systems, knowledge of local Ottawa resources and referral pathways and competence in tracking client progress and adjusting plans of care as needed.

Strong active listening and empathy skills, ability to build trust and rapport with clients facing complex challenges, skilled in communicating effectively with clients, families, community partners, and colleagues. clear and concise written communication for case notes, reports, and correspondence.

Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, openness to feedback and willingness to share expertise with colleagues and experience participating in partnership and circle-of-care meetings. Strong time management and ability to balance multiple priorities and accuracy in documentation, record-keeping, and data collection for reporting. Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice, self-awareness and resilience in managing the emotional demands of the role and ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance and model wellness practices.



An undergraduate degree in social psychology, counselling or social work is preferred.

First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and Crisis Intervention and Prevention, OSWSSW, CRPO is preferred.



Two plus years' experience in Community based social services, preferably with Inuit or Indigenous communities and individual, family and group counselling, addictions and mental health support and crisis intervention is required.



MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, video-conferencing platforms and electronic records management applications is required. A Clear Vulnerable Sector Check with results acceptable to TI is required. Ability to speak Inuktitut is preferred. . Availability to work evenings and weekends is preferred.



Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $60,000 to $63,000 TI provides paid sick, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan. Vacation (earn 2 weeks/year).

Deadline for applications is September 23, 2025.



PLEASE CLICK ON APPLY NOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RESUME.



Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates; 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. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.



The Alluriarniq Program is located at 282 Dupuis Street, Ottawa.

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