Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: At The Indian Friendship Centre, we are passionate about the cause and the people we serve in our community through various programs and services offered.Indigenous Mental Health Worker is one of the key forces behind both, and we are currently seeking an individual who is empathetic and committed to supporting the health, safety and wellness of individuals who may be suffering due to various barriers in their life. This person will provide keen social perceptiveness, with a strong understanding of observational and de-escalation skills to provide intensive short-term counselling support, crisis intervention and service coordination to clients. The primary purpose of the Indigenous Mental Health Worker is to maintain an atmosphere of respect and to engage vulnerable individuals through meaningful activities. The ideal person for the job will provide a sense of encouragement and companionship to clients, through various programs, and connections to community services and support, for those primarily affected by mental illness and addictions.WHY THE INDIAN FRIENDSHIP CENTRE?

• Meaningful and rewarding work provided in the development and mutual understanding of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through common activities
• A workplace that values equity, inclusion, anti-racism, self-expression and the development of Indigenous leadership
• A focus on teamwork, passion, and commitment through Indigenous needs, as well as the planning of services with Indigenous people in both public and private agencies

PROGRAM SUMMARY: The purpose of the Mental Health program is designed to provide on-site assessment, intake, and support to the urban Indigenous community. The Mental Health Worker is expected to establish a working relationship with internal programs as well as various care agencies and community services to achieve the desired outcomes. Peer support and counselling services are available for individuals, couples, or families experiencing mental health issues. The Worker will encourage clients to discuss what is happening in their lives and help clients gain insight to work towards individualized and achievable goals for their future, through holistic healing approaches and treatment options.Indigenous people who possess the qualifications, competence, professional capabilities, previous work experience and ability and willingness to meet the defined needs, goals and policies of the IFCSSM will be given first preference.RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide single-session peer support and/or counselling services through assessment and treatment plansResearch and develop culture-based mental health information materialDesign, develop and deliver educational and awareness presentations to individuals, families, community organizations and servicesUtilize evidence-based methods and best practices to: manage client crisis', develop strategies to assist clients to prevent further crisis, provide monitoring of, and support of personal goalsEngage clients to participate in crisis and recovery planningAdvertise and promote the program via design and distribution of flyers, brochures, posters, presentations and social media to organizations/agencies and at community eventsWork collaboratively with in-house programs to facilitate a smooth referral processCollaborate with other Friendship Centre programs and staff to promote a coordinated approach to the Healing and Wellness TeamMaintain accurate files, case records and statistical data as required for quarterly reporting purposesEDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE: University degree or college diploma in the fields of health, social sciences or social services preferredMinimum 2-years related experience in direct service delivery to adults with serious mental illness and challengesContinued education in Indigenous studiesCrisis Prevention Intervention certificate is an assetOr the equivalent combination of education and experienceKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge of mental illness issues, the mental health system and other concepts related to the effect of serious mental illnessExperience in program development, design, implementation and evaluationPractical work experience in social work, psychology and/or mental health service issuesKnowledge of case management, case conferencing and compiling statisticsCurrent knowledge of best practices in trauma informed mental health (ex. crisis de-escalation, risk assessment, anti-racism, gender-based violence, suicide prevention, harm reduction, etc.)Demonstrated experience to work respectfully with clients, community members and partners from diverse cultural, linguistic and educational backgroundsExpert organizational and time management skills and ability to multi-taskExceptional listening, verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain sensitivity towards cultural, religious, economic and social beliefs, values and opinionsUnderstanding of housing and homelessness challenges and barriersDemonstrated knowledge of community resources, support services and the variety of unique program informationDemonstrated abilities using Microsoft Office and database experienceUnderstanding of social media platforms for use of virtual programmingKnowledge of Ojibway/Anishinaabe culture, language and traditionsMust work independently, but also effectively as a team memberREQUIREMENTS: Proof of valid Covid-19 Vaccination (Dose 1 & Dose 2) Current and valid Vulnerable Sector Check, as per the Criminal Record Review ActMust possess a valid Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicleMust provide a clear Driver's AbstractMust have or is willing to obtain First Aid/CPR Training CertificationAbility to work flexible hours (occasional evenings and weekends, may be required)Occasional travel for networking and/or training purposesThe Indian Friendship Centre (IFCSSM) is dedicated to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. IFCSSM encourages applicants from all qualified individuals. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify HR when contacted for an interview.APPLICANTS MAY SEND A COVER LETTER, RESUME & 3 EMPLOYMENT REFERENCES TO E-MAIL PROVIDED IN THE JOB POSTING.LOCATION: 122 East St. - Sault Ste. Marie, ONPOSITION STATUS: Full-Time, PermanentCURRENT HOURS OF WORK: 40 Hours/WeekJob Types: Full-time, PermanentSchedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability