Inuit Mental Health Counsellor

_Inuuqatigiit-Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families is a multi service nonprofit organization serving Inuit children and youth and their families, dedicated to providing cultural, educational, and support services in a caring, respectful and collaborative environment that fosters strong and proud Inuit children and families._

***

Under the supervision of the Manager of Community Initiatives and Mental Health, the Inuit Mental Health Counsellor improves the mental health of Inuit adults/parents, youth and families by providing access to Inuit-specific mental health services and counselling which is embedded in an Inuit cultural framework for mental wellness that combines western and traditional Inuit knowledge and counselling practices

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Engage clients in one-to-one and group counselling sessions either in-person or virtually depending on client need.
- Develop individualized wellness plans to support the mental health of families, parents/adults and youth.
- Assist with crisis intervention for clients who may be experiencing mental distress.
- Offer mental health counselling for families, parents/adults or youth who have complex mental health issues including concurrent disorders such as PTSD and substance use problems.
- Refer clients to other Inuuqatigiit Centre programs and external agencies as appropriate, for wrap-around services
- Participate in CASO Circle of Care processes when requested by parent.
- Include the guidance and teachings of Elders for Inuit youth and families in individual meetings and group sessions as required.
- Meet with clinical supervisor to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities/attitudes essential for mental health counselling to increase capacity and improve client outcomes.
- Participate in case management with Inuuqatigiit Centre staff team and including case conferencing with external agencies.
- Document individualized plans of care and/or safety plans for individuals and couples
- Intake existing clients through counselling specific intake process
- Keep confidential case notes for all clients and review files with clinical supervisor.
- Maintain schedule of counselling appointments with clients
- Participate in program evaluation process
- Document results of referrals to external agencie
- Maintain confidentiality and safety of clients and staff at all times.
- Keep all confidential case notes and clinical information in client data base or secured in a locked cabinet.
- Maintain thorough, orderly, and confidential administrative tasks required by funder and Inuuqatigiit Centre, eg: program statistics, daily contacts, referrals, client filesequired.

**ACCOUNTABILITY**
- Accountable for the safety and security of clients, including:
1. on-going assessment of client status, possibility of harm to self or others and
related mental health information.

2. developing holistic, culturally centered client treatment plans

3. providing effective, culturally relevant mental health counselling, crisis
- intervention and support to individuals, families, youth and groups
- Accountable for maintaining client confidentiality and privacy of personal information, including client files, as per the agency’s policies.
- Accountable for incorporating cultural counselling perspectives in client services.

**WORKING RELATIONSHIPS**
- Develop supportive and professional rapport with Inuuqatigiit Centre staff.
- Participate in conflict resolution when required.
- Develop positive relationships with children/youth and parents at Inuuqatigiit Centre
- Provide professional level, culturally centered mental health support and encouragement to parents and youth

**WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Work regular and consistent weekly hours of work.
- Work evenings and weekends to provide after hours crisis supports, as required.
- May be required to work some evenings related to delivery of parent and youth engagement activities.
- Additional hours on occasion to meet deadlines and to ensure delivery of high-quality programs and services.

**KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS**
- Fluency in Inuktitut would be a strong asset.
- Knowledge of the needs of Inuit children, youth, parents & families
- Knowledge of Inuit and non-Inuit community services and supports.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to mental health care
- Knowledge of western and traditional Inuit counselling practices
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to operate computer systems and relevant software.
- Strong organizational, program planning and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations
- Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment
- Ability to function effectively in a high stress, high noise environment
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, dedication and commitment to children, youth, and parents

**QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS**
- Inuit descent preferred.
- Post-secondary education in related field or equivalent experie