Cultural Wellness Advisor

Job Code: 3258

Department: Indigenous Student Centre

Employment Type: Temporary/Contract

OCAD University recognizes the ancestral lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg, and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original stewards of the territory on which we operate.

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) provides a nurturing environment with a diverse array of specialized services aimed at enhancing the academic, cultural, social, and emotional well-being of Indigenous students at OCAD University. The ISC serves as a culturally enriched space where students can gather, study, or unwind between classes. We organize weekly events, guest lectures, workshops, visits from artists, field trips, and extracurricular activities that celebrate Indigenous visual arts and culture.

Reporting to the Manager of the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), the Indigenous Wellness Counsellor delivers comprehensive, culturally sensitive services that promote the wellness of Indigenous students through individual counselling, group initiatives, and workshops focused on their overall well-being at OCAD University (OCAD U). The Indigenous Wellness Counsellor operates within the ISC and collaborates with OCAD U's Student Wellness Centre. This role involves providing personal, crisis, and short-term counselling, while also facilitating culturally relevant experiential learning opportunities through the Indigenous Student Centre, emphasizing the cultural, social, and emotional success of Indigenous students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement client-centered, trauma-informed approaches to support Indigenous students' wellness, aligned with their self-determined objectives.
• Offer personal, crisis, and/or short-term counselling and guidance to Indigenous students, utilizing an Indigenous holistic framework alongside other therapeutic methodologies.
• Assist clients in recognizing and addressing socio-emotional, mental health, and interpersonal challenges that may hinder their academic performance and overall well-being.
• Collaborate with Visiting Elders to provide support to Indigenous students as necessary or upon request.
• Engage in relevant internal and external consultation meetings that further the mission of the ISC, Indigenous OCAD U, and the wider University community.
• Maintain awareness of pertinent University policies, procedures, and practices related to supporting Indigenous students, providing internal referrals as required.
• Contribute as a resource in internal policy and process reviews in partnership with Indigenous campus stakeholders as needed.
• Establish connections with internal and external community partners and resources (e.g., Student Wellness Centre, Financial Aid & Awards, Student Advising, Safety Security & Campus Operations, Anishnawbe Health Toronto, Native Child & Family Services of Toronto) and facilitate referrals to other health professionals, including general practitioners, psychiatrists, and specialists as necessary.
• Respond to crises/emergencies under the supervision of the Manager of the Indigenous Student Centre, with support from the Manager of the Student Wellness Centre.
• Review, reassess, and adjust support plans, including those for students in crisis or at risk of self-harm/suicide, based on student needs and in consultation with the ISC and SWC team, along with other community supports as required.
• Complete documentation in a timely manner in accordance with the Student Wellness Centre and regulatory policies.
• Participate in weekly ISC meetings; collaborate with SWC staff and leadership regarding counselling, case management, professional development, consultation, and crisis management.
• Assess and, when appropriate, recommend non-disability accommodations and/or short-term academic accommodations, liaising with Student Accessibility Services (SAS).
• Support ISC weekly programming, events, and workshops as necessary; participate in evening or after-hours programming as needed.
• Assist the Manager of the Indigenous Student Centre with additional responsibilities that contribute to the effective operation of the Indigenous Student Centre.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience/training in providing group and individual counselling in community settings, health/mental health, advocacy, case management, harm reduction, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.
• A post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work, Social Service Work, Child and Youth Work, Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, and Addiction; a combination of equivalent education and/or lived experience will be considered.
• Masters-level education and/or registration with a regulatory body in Ontario is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with mental health and behavioral issues commonly faced by post-secondary students (e.g., depression, disordered eating, low self-esteem, anxiety, self-harm, substance use).
• Demonstrated recent experience engaging with Indigenous communities in a mental health context.
• Understanding of Indigenous issues, including the impacts of intergenerational and colonial trauma, as well as the challenges Indigenous students encounter in accessing and participating in post-secondary education.
• Respect for Indigenous cultural knowledge, including traditional teachings and protocols regarding collaboration with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Demonstrated respect for individual, cultural, community, and organizational diversity, with the ability to recognize and understand intersecting issues related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, race/ethnicity, immigration status, religion, Indigenous heritage, and gender identity.
• Ability to identify mental health challenges and the onset of mental illness, making timely and appropriate referrals and providing outreach as necessary.
• Proven judgment, discretion, and boundaries in handling confidential and sensitive matters, with the ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations, seeking consultation as needed.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, with experience fostering a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff, and faculty.
• A collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and demonstrate a high degree of initiative.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address the diverse needs of various stakeholders.
• Proficient computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Compensation: Hiring Range - $36.77 to $42.16 per hour, commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $36.77 to $48.33 per hour.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 21 hours per week. This is a temporary, part-time, one (1) year contract.

The incumbent in this role will be expected to report to work on campus.

Application Deadline: The successful applicant will have Indigenous citizenship, a connection to an Indigenous community (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), and a commitment to Indigenous community development, partnership building, and advancing OCAD University's goals to decolonize and Indigenize art and design education. Candidates are encouraged to share information in their cover letter about their Indigenous citizenship and relevant experience with Indigenous communities.