Mental Health Specialist

Pelican High Peak Youth Healing Lodge

Mental Health Specialist

**ABOUT US**:
Pelican High Peak Youth Healing Lodge operates as part of Ka-Na-Chi-Hih, bringing our services to Sioux Lookout to complement our other centres in Thunder Bay and Timmins, Ontario. In keeping with the sacred teachings of the Creator, we help First Nations families to achieve balance and purpose in their lifelong journey and become contributing role models in their communities and society. We are driven by holistic wellness - embracing cultural traditions, fostering community connections, and empowering individuals to reclaim their heritage and thrive in harmony with themselves and the world around them.

**SUMMARY**:
As a member of Pelican High Peak Youth Healing Lodge, the Mental Health Specialist works within a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to coordinating integrated services to families participating in the residential treatment program. The Mental Health Specialist plays an important role in providing culturally sensitive mental health support to Indigenous families within the healing lodge environment. This position demands a compassionate professional with adaptability and a proactive approach in responding to crisis situations, offering guidance, support, and resources to enhance the mental well-being of the families.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Provide emotional support and crisis intervention to families and family members experiencing distress, by utilizing culturally relevant approaches.
- Conduct thorough risk assessments to gauge urgency and determine appropriate interventions, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Offer empathetic, active listening to encourage the expression of thoughts and emotions.
- Provide guidance, support, and reinforcement to families in alignment with their treatment plans, including in crisis situations.
- Connect families with suitable mental health resources, including hotlines, counseling services, and culturally appropriate community programs.
- Collaborate with mental health professionals and agencies to establish a support network for ongoing care.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records for each family, documenting relevant details, and follow-up actions to ensure continuity of care.
- Participate actively in case conferences and team meetings, contributing insights and strategies for ongoing improvement.
- Develop and conduct educational workshops or materials aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues among families and staff, tailoring them to the cultural context of the family and the healing lodge environment.
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
- Any additional duties as assigned.

**ACCOUNTABILITY**:
The Mental Health Specialist is supervised by and accountable to the Clinical Lead, with ultimate accountability to the Director of Treatment Services for overall performance.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Strong knowledge and awareness of Anishinaabe culture and history, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, and the impacts of trauma, intergenerational trauma.
- Ability to teach and learn with families in their healing journey is essential.
- Proven work experience in de-escalating crisis and ability to mediate conflict.
- Specialized knowledge of trauma, mental health, and substance use issues.
- Skills and experience in presenting workshops and facilitating groups.
- Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work with mínimal supervision.
- Valid driver’s license and ability provide a clean driver’s abstract.
- Ability to provide clear criminal records check with Vulnerable Sectors Screen upon hire.
- Fluency in an Anishinaabe dialect (Cree, Ojibway or Oji-Cree) is preferred

**Education**
- An Indigenous Learning Degree, BSW, Addictions Counselling, or equivalent is preferred.
- Being registered with an accredited body is preferred (e.g. OCSWSSW)
- Native Child and Family Worker, Social Services Worker, Addictions Mental Health Worker, or equivalent diploma with relevant work experience will also be considered.

**Experience**
- At least three years of work experience within an Anishinaabe organization or community.
- Experience supporting individuals with mental health, addictions and trauma.
- Experience working with Anishinaabe children, youth, and families is essential.
- Experience in organizing functions, events, and land-based outings is required.
- Experience in program planning, development, and implementation.

**COMPENSATION & BENEFITS**
- You can expect a supportive work environment, paid time off, and a competitive compensation package.
- We also offer a Canada Life pension, extended health and dental benefits.

**HOW TO APPLY**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match