Cultural Mental Health Worker

MATAWA FIRST NATIONS MANAGEMENT

**Matawa Education & Care Centre Cultural Mental Health Worker**

**PURPOSE OF THE POSITION**

Reporting to the Executive Director of Education, the Principal, and the Mental Health Coordinator, the Matawa Education and Care Center (MECC) Cultural Mental Health Worker (CMHW) will contribute to the academic and social experience of the school environment by addressing student mental health needs and issues. The MECC Cultural Mental Health Worker will address these needs by implementing cultural intervention methods and practices in such areas as attendance, health and wellness, social and emotional development, addictions as well as crisis intervention.

SCOPE

As a member of the MECC, the CMHW shall provide professional direction and support to the MECC by identifying and implementing cultural programs and strategies that support student and staff mental health and wellness. This will include professional development and training, as well as providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring for coordinated, culturally safe, community-based and student-centered mental health and wellness programming.

The CMHW will facilitate the development and implementation of effective cultural strategies and approaches to youth mental health. The CMHW contributes to the academic and social experience of the school environment by addressing mental health issues from an Indigenous/Cultural perspective. The CMHW will work closely with MECC staff, including Cultural Workers, Elders, Mental Health Workers, Student Support Workers, School Administration and Teachers.

The CMHW will also assist with the collection and use of data to inform decision-making related to mental health and wellness programming within the school environment.

The MECC CMHW will work with the Matawa First Nation community schools to help prepare students with transitioning to secondary school in Thunder Bay. This will include assisting with student orientation uponregistration to the MECC and while residing in Thunder Bay. The MECC Cultural Mental Health Worker will liaise with community and social service organizations to form partnerships to support and enhance the school mental health program.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**

Develop and implement culturally appropriate and applicable Mental Health Programs for Matawa First Nation students attending secondary school in Thunder Bay.

Main Activities:

- Identify and review existing cultural mental health related programs at the MECC;
- Identify and review existing cultural mental health related partnerships at the MECC
- Maintain current and develop new partnerships to address student mental health needs;
- Assist in the development and creation of culturally relevant strategies, policies, protocols and programs to support mental health and wellness for Matawa First Nation students and staff;
- Liaise with the MECC Cultural Lead;
- Assist in the coordination of programs and resources for mental health supports and services for Matawa First Nation students;
2. Provide culturally appropriate and applicable services to Matawa First Nation students while attending secondary school in Thunder Bay.

Main Activities:

- Provide resources and support services as well as counselling to students who are experiencing social/emotional and behavioral difficulties and challenges;
- Referral services to community agencies, existing partners and/or applicable service providers;
- Collaborate with applicable stakeholders to address mental health and wellness needs of students;
- Prepare workshops and presentations for students promoting health and wellness;
- Collaborate with MECC Principal, Vice-Principal, Mental Health Coordinator and staff when planning and conducting programs; and
- Maintain confidential student reports and assessments.

3. Leadership

Main Activities:

- Assist in the coordination efforts of the Cultural Workers, Elders, Mental Health Workers and Student Support Workers in relation to student mental health and wellness needs;
- Assist in the development and enhancement of relationships with Matawa First Nation Education Authorities, parents and Education Counsellors;
- Liaise and develop partnerships with community mental health service providers;
- Assist in the professional development and training for MECC Education Staff, Education Counsellors and Education Authorities.

4. Perform related duties as required.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES**
**Knowledge**
The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

- A degree in Social Work, School Psychology, or related discipline, and registration with a related professional governing body (e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers) or equivalent combination of education and experience (minimum of 5 years) related to the position (preferred);
- First Nation Cultural practices and life styles is required;
- Experience and understanding of mental health strategies and intervention models to support student success