Mental Health Counsellor

Overview

FT Contract Mental Health Counsellor

Status: Full-time, contract until March 31, 2026 (with possible extension)

Location: Windsor, ON

Hours: 35 hours/week

Salary: $70,466 to $88,083 per year [$38.72 - $48.40 per hour]

Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan) - optional

Posting Date: September 3, 2025

Organization: Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Métis within the Southwest, Waterloo Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC aims to ensure health services are accessible, high quality, and culturally appropriate, and to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. We are seeking a Mental Health Counsellor to join our interdisciplinary staff team at the Windsor site.

Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager, the Mental Health Counsellor is responsible for providing effective and comprehensive assessments, counselling and case management for Indigenous people living with mental health and/or substance use issues. This role is part of an interdisciplinary care team and will work with external service providers as needed.

Requirements

- Masters level education and professional membership an asset (MSW, RSW preferred) or related education at a Masters level such as counseling or psychology with at least 3 years’ direct experience
- Post-graduate Addictions degree or diploma or equivalent experience preferred
- Knowledge of FNIM Traditional Teachings, Culture, Values and History, including intergenerational trauma
- 3-5 years of experience working with the Indigenous community using a holistic model to incorporate traditional beliefs, values and culture-based practices into the therapeutic work to promote wellness and healing
- 3-5 years of experience in working with mental health, including providing trauma informed care
- 3-5 years of experience and/or education in working with substance and/or behavioural addictions, including: concurrent disorders, stages of change, motivational interviewing, harm reduction and relapse prevention
- Knowledge of and ability to use structured screening, assessment, and treatment tools
- Experience in the delivery of both individual and group counseling using evidence informed approaches
- Knowledge and understanding of services available to FNIM people in London and area
- Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Proficient time management, organizational and computer skills
- Demonstrated communication skills, interpersonal skills, and professionalism
- Travel within Windsor Essex area, as well as SOAHAC sites as required
- Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies
- Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
- Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years and in good standing)
- Up-to-date immunizations and records

Responsibilities

- Provide or facilitate the provision of services through a culturally based framework
- Complete screening and comprehensive assessments for issues related to mental health, substance and behavioural addictions
- Develop holistic, client-centered, individualized treatment plans
- Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on improved health and wellness using evidence-informed therapeutic techniques
- Coordinate access and referrals to local community resources
- Collect, monitor and maintain detailed records on individuals and groups
- Consistently work in collaboration with SOAHAC’s Integrated team
- Perform ongoing evaluation and improvements to programming and client outcomes
- Partner with community providers to deliver health and wellness activities as appropriate
- Represent SOAHAC at community events
- Provide outreach as required, e.g. attend home and/or hospital visits

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

Please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter through the career portal. If you encounter issues with applying through the career portal, please submit the same to care ers@soahac.on.ca.

We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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