Mental Health and Addictions Program Coordinator

**Who We Are**

The vision of the Barrie Native Friendship Centre is to improve the quality of lives for all urban Indigenous / Metis people in the area, regardless of legal definition, by providing a gathering place which promotes unity and wholistic healing within the community at large. This is accomplished through a network of culturally based programs, services, and teachings.

**Job Purpose**

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week. This position will ensure the provision of culturally appropriate mental health and addictions support services to urban-Indigenous community members and direct-service users of BNFC programs and services. The program will be designed to address individual, family, and community mental health and addiction needs utilizing a wholistic approach to care (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).

**Key Responsibilities**
- Work in collaboration with other Friendship Centre programs to provide wrap-around services.
- Conduct peer-counseling sessions and case-management services for direct service users.
- Conduct/organize group counseling and/or psychoeducational workshops for direct service users and interested community members such as talking/sharing circles, teaching circles, positive self-esteem, healthy relationships, etc.
- Support individuals, families, or communities who request assistance or information concerning mental health and addictions treatment programs and services.
- Design, develop, and deliver mental health and addiction educational presentations and information materials to individuals, families, community organizations and agencies.
- Create strengths-based actional plan for each individual direct service user; to address goals around mental health pre-treatment, treatment, and aftercare planning.
- Promote awareness and ensure access to the program through a variety of outreach efforts and promotional activities.
- Conduct strengths and needs assessments for direct service users and develop plans of care to meet the needs and goals of those in the program.
- Network with Indigenous and non-Indigenous agencies and services to promote and provide services for direct-service users who need treatment and healing from dealing with mental health, addiction, and other prolonged problems.
- Accurately report and ensure all program objectives are being met in accordance with agreements.
- Maintain strict confidentiality.

**Secondary Responsibilities**
- Communicate with Friendship Centre staff members, community professionals, and other service providers to ensure that services for direct-service users are coordinated.
- Refer direct service users to appropriate community resources and arrange transportation or accompany direct-service users to appointments as needed.
- Integrate with internal and external partners to promote culturally appropriate program activities that minimize stigma surrounding mental health and addictions for individuals, families, and communities.
- Provides culture-based intervention services including but not limited to: arranging healing ceremonies, sweat lodge ceremonies, utilizing recognized Elders/Traditional teachers in the counseling session, etc.
- Offer front-line support within BNFC lobby/reception area when required.
- Working and contributing with the team to organizational wide projects (community events, socials, fundraisers and committees, etc.)
- Other duties as assigned from time to time by Executive Director or designate.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- Possess post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, social service work, child and youth work or a combination of equivalent and relevant education.
- Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated and related work experience within a mental health and/or social service setting.
- Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on the impacts of trauma, family violence, Indigenous youth engagement and community outreach.
- Knowledge of Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy (IHWS), Ontario Mental Health Act, community health services and other related agencies.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Able to take initiative and build relationships while representing that Barrie Native Friendship Centre within the larger Barrie community.
- Satisfactory vulnerable sector check.
- Must possess current First Aid and CPR or be willing to acquire.
- Demonstrated knowledge of crisis response and de-escalation techniques an asset.
- A proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid G class Driver’s license
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

**Competencies**
- Approachability
- Command Skills
- Compassion
- Composure
- Integrity and trust
- Organizing
- Problem Solving
- Decision Quality

**Working Conditions**

You will normally be required to work based out our main centre building at 175 Bayfield St Barrie, ON L4M 3B4, as well as our Justice Offi