Talk4healing Support Worker(R)

**Beendigen provides FREE talk, text or chat support and services for Indigenous women across Ontario. We are a confidential, non-judgmental and culturally grounded helpline available 24 hours, 7 days a week. We are seeking dedicated and resourceful Talk4Healing Support Workers (R) with a passion for helping women through emotional and crisis support/intervention.**

**TALK4HEALING SUPPORT WORKER (R)**

**Position Title**: Talk4Healing Support Worker (Relief)

**Hours of Work**: Based on the needs of the organization: 0 to 40 hours/week

**Salary**: $21.12/hr

**Competition Number**: HLSW-05-20

**Position Summary**

The Talk4Healing Support Worker (R) is responsible for the delivery of the Talk4Healing Helpline Service, offering help, support and resources for Indigenous women across Ontario. The Talk4Healing Help Line provides services within an Anishinabe Health and Wellness Context.

**Key Responsibilities/Duties**

To work from a holistic perspective, utilizing the teachings of the medicine wheel and Seven Grandfather Teachings.

To utilize Elders for teachings, healing and guidance.

To take personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of Beendigen’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work-related deliverables.

To provide emotional and crisis support/intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to Indigenous women, to assess their situation, particularly with reference to their safety.

To provide information, support and assistance to friends, families, neighbours of vulnerable Indigenous women, service providers and other professionals in contact with vulnerable women.

To maintain records of all calls according to the format and guidelines set out by the Help Line.

To provide services described in Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree or other Indigenous languages individually or through agency approved translation service provider.

To keep up to date with necessary information in order to accurately assess a caller’s situation and to determine appropriate community resources.

To keep up to date with professional development in order to understand the continuing emergence of new issues and acquire more in-depth information in the violence against women sector.

To access necessary services on behalf of callers in cases of emergency and/or situations where callers are not able to do so themselves, while respecting confidentiality.

As required by section 72(1,2, & 3), of the Child and Family Services Act, to report all cases of suspected child abuse, or a child that is need of protection directly to the appropriate child protection agency, following the procedures established by the Indigenous Women’s Helpline.

To utilize downtime in an effective manner i.e.; debriefing, grounding, reading relevant materials, and reading agency communication tools.

To maintain cleanliness of the Talk4Healing work area and perform light cleaning when the Cleaner is unable to do so.

To be prepared to work in conjunction with the philosophy and mandate of the Organization.

To participate as a team member in achieving the goals and objectives of the Organization.

To constructively participate in all team meetings, seminars and staff training sessions as required.

To follow confidential handling of resident information as dictated by Privacy Legislation.

To ensure Health and Safety compliance in the workplace by following policies, procedures and best practices and reporting any unsafe environments.

To perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor/On-call or designate.

To adhere to all policies, procedures and ensure adherence to program Best Practices.

To preserve confidentiality of all residents, clients, staff, students, volunteers and agency information.

To represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.

The above statements are the general functions of the position, and should not be interpreted as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may pertain to the job.

**Key Selection Criteria**

**Required**:
An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma with relevant experience.

Comparable combination of education and experience will be considered.

**Preferred**:
Bilingual in English and Ojibway, Oji-Cree or Cree, other Indigenous languages.

Experience working in an Indigenous organization.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**:
Specialize in one-on-one crisis support.

Extensive knowledge and experience in family violence issues.

Ability to view situations free from personal values, interests, beliefs, or judgment.

Ability to handle difficult situations and distance oneself from client’s problems or emotions.

Excellent computer and database entry skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge about sensitivity to cultural differences and various economic backgrounds.

Ability to act quickly and appropriately in situati