Child-youth-women Counselor-job Posting 2023

**Minwaashin Lodge**
**Indigenous Women’s Support Centre**

2323 St. Laurent Blvd

Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4J8

**Job Posting**

**Full time**

**Child/Youth/Women Counsellor (Female)
**Position reports to: Counseling Team Manager or designate
Location: 2323 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, On, K1G 4J8
Work Conditions: Located in an office setting; very low risk environment
Start Date: Immediately
End Date: Until filled
Benefits/Pension Attractive Benefits pkg

Under Accessibility of Ontario and Disability Act (AODA), Minwaashin is committed to fostering an
equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace.

**Summary**

The_ Child/Youth/Women’s Counsellor_ will provide culturally-based counselling services to Indigenous
youth between the ages of 4 - 16 yrs and women 16+. Recognizing that wellness for Indigenous people is
intimately connected to culture and community, as well as healing the intergenerational effects of
colonialism and assimilation, the proposed program will facilitate healing by bridging Western and
Traditional counselling methodologies.

**Responsibilities**:

- The Counsellor will offer weekly and bi-weekly appointments in person and by phone and will make

referrals to complimentary healing and wellness programs including substance use treatment
centres
- Conduct intake and assessment to determine the needs and circumstances of each individual youth

in the context of her/ past and present experience and relationships
- Youth will increase their connection to community and referrals to other other services providers, as

needed
- Explore with clients their past and present coping strategies with substance use and the goal of

developing new coping skills, strengthening existing ones, and eliminating those that are harmful
to self and others

confidentiality and reporting obligations
- focused family therapy approaches to promote communication and collaboration
- Work in close collaboration with the Counseling Team and other staff in assessment and

intervention strategies that promote holistic healing
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director that are within the specifications of the

Child/Youth/Women Counselor position.
**Documentation/Organizational**
- Keep records and documentation related to clients such as assessments, progress notes

and case closure materials and keep all such documentation confidential
- Provide written and / or verbal reports as required internally and externally
- Counsellor will document type and frequency of service referrals
- Youth will self report on use of cultural practices in relation to health and well-being while living

with family members who may be using substances presently or in the past
- Collect service statistics as required and requested by your supervisor
- Participate in a process of supervision and in performance evaluations with the Case Manager
- Actively participate in training and professional development activities relevant to the position as
- approved by the Executive Director- Participate in Minwaashin Lodge staff meetings as required
- Ensure that the Seven Sacred Teachings are followed when interacting with all people.

**Qualifications
- Masters degree in social work or psychology or equivalent certification
- Three years experience working with children and youth ages in a counseling capacity
- Experience with individual and group counseling and programming, with a demonstrated ability in
- program innovation and traditional culture- Excellent knowledge of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools
- Working knowledge of various issues faced by youth such as: impacts of violence, sexual

orientation, homelessness, childhood trauma, addictions, bullying, domestic violence, self harm
and anger
- Functional knowledge of the Indigneous and non-Indigenous service system of Ottawa for youth
- Commitment to a feminist, holistic approach to therapy, and to working in close collaboration with
- team members, Elders and grandmothers- Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to the Indigenous culture.

**Specifications**
- Some evening and week-end work may be required
- Computer skills and literacy
- Current Criminal reference check required (CPIC)
- Indigenous descent preferred
- Current First Aid and CPR (or willing to train)
- Own vehicle an asset with 2 million liability (Insurance requirements).

**To Apply**: Please send a cover letter, a complete resume with 3 references to Kate Holden-HR/Finance

**_contact only those being considered for an interview._