Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor

**Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor**

**Reporting Relationship**
The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will work under the supervision of the Mental Health Clinic Manager.

**Position Summary**:
The focus of the Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will be to provide counselling to individuals and families to address mental illness and substance use challenges. The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will provide services through a trauma-informed lens with a focus on addressing intergenerational trauma inclusive of grief & loss.
The position will be responsible for providing services that include Traditional ways of Healing.

**Essential Functions**:

- Good working knowledge of mental health and addictions
- Provide client needs assessments and develop treatment plans
- Provide supportive counselling to individuals and families
- Provides support services within the framework of person-centred care
- Assist team with prevention, intervention, and promotion workshops/activities/awareness within the community, inclusive of both traditional and western approaches
- Develop and implement the delivery of workplan initiatives
- Provide Trauma Informed Care services and promote a Harm Reduction approach to wellness
- Assist and provide support to clients with referrals to detoxification or treatment centres
- Ensure professional competence by seeking consultation and effective use of clinical supervision
- Research evidenced based practices and weave these strategies with Anishinaabe teachings when delivering services and/or programming
- Keep abreast of new developments in the mental health and addictions field
- Attends internal monthly staff meetings and prepares quarterly staff reports
- Participates in professional development opportunities for skills improvement and program enhancement as advised by the Mental Health Clinic Manager a/o Department Manager
- Establish and maintain working relationship with Peer Support and Outreach Team
- All other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications & Requirements**:
**Preferred**
- University Degree in Social Services/Addictions field of study and two (2) years relevant work experience
- Extensive work/volunteer experience in the coordination of workshops and seminars within a Native organization/community is a strong asset
- In Good Standing with Regulated Professional Body
- Valid Mental Health First Aid
- Certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

**Minimum**
- College Diploma in Social Services or related field of study (i.e., Addictions & Mental Health Diploma, Social

Services Worker Diploma) and/or lived experience and knowledge
- Three to five (3 - 5) years work-related experience in the field of mental health and/or addictions
- Knowledge and skills in mental health and prevention
- Experience with public speaking and facilitation
- Valid First Aid and CPR

**Knowledge requirements**:

- Have working knowledge of Harm Reduction Philosophies
- Knowledge of community, social and health resources
- Knowledge of substance use and misuse
- Excellent time management and organizational skills with ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
- Ability to ensure confidentiality
- Knowledge of community and ability to make connections
- Ability to develop a trusting relationship with clients and staff through open and honest communication
- Ability to work independently and with mínimal supervision
- Ability to display a positive and helpful attitude
- Ability to work in a team environment and with other key partners of the community
- Must be a role model both during and after regular work hours
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, case-noting systems, and general office procedures
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Must have a valid G License with access to own vehicle
- Understanding of Anishinaabe language, culture, traditions as it relates to traditional healing
- Must have knowledge and/or experience with the culture, history, and customs of the Anishinaabe people
- Understanding and fluency of Anishinaabe language is an asset or the willingness to learn
- A strong advocate of M’Chigeeng First Nation’s goals and objectives along with its mission and long-term vision.

**Other requirements**
- Must provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check upon hire

**Key Relationships**:
**Internal**: The position requires interaction with the Enaagdenjged, the Health Manager, the Mental Health Clinic Manager, the mental health team, the Peer Support and Outreach Team, and other staff members.

**External**: The Mental Health & Addictions Worker will interact with membership/community members both on & off reserve members and other external service providers

**Police VSS Rationale**: M’Chigeeng First Nation and its agents are in a position of trust in services to community member children and/or vulnerable adults, so a safe and secure working environment is mandatory. Applicants must provide a clear VSS Certific